Verity Fidelio, Alon Lotus Elite & Merlin VSM-M?


I've been procrastinating upgrading my old speakers (Vandersteen 2ci) and I've sort of narrowed it down to Fidelios, Elite and the VSM-M. I've heard the Alons and the Merlins at the last Home Entertainment show and was quite impressed. Unfortunately at that time I wasn't looking for new speakers because I had a pair of Virgo IIIs which ended up not working out in my living room (I can only bring the speakers out about 2ft. from the wall). I'm curious as to what others think about the speakers listed above. I've read all reviews I can find, but haven't found any dealers in my area. My listening tastes are classical (including early music), jazz and lots of acoustical guitar and piano.

Thanks!
dpe
I have a pair of Fidelio's that I love. I have had them for just over a year now. I am driving them with a Cary V12-I, and an Electrocompaniet CDP. Positioning the speakers was very easy, and they are easy to drive. As I am sure you have heard the mid-range is to die for. I find they have great bass extension and very transparent highs. I can listen to them for hours with no fitigue at all. I cannot say enough about this speaker. I listen to some classical and jazz, but on occasion if I want to crank it up they have no problem at very loud levels. Although they are expensive,IMHO they are worth every penny. I have seen them used on this site every now and then for around $4000.00 which is a great deal on a really nice pair. Good luck!

Bill
I haven't heard the Alons, but I spent plenty of time with both the Fidelios and the Merlins so I know what they are capable of. Both speakers are exceptional and if your room is not very large, you would be hard pressed to find anything better at any price.
There is a lot of similarities between these speakers: they are priced similarly (although the price on Verity products has gone up quite a bit lately), their designers really know what they're doing and are willing to patiently guide you with the setup and choice of electronics, and most of all, these speakers sound pretty similar too.
They both offer a very natural and transparent sound with great soundstaging, bass and dynamics that belie their relatively compact size and superb refinement across the spectrum. Both are easy to drive and pair well with tube amps. The differences are subtle and the final choice would depend on your taste as well as the matching electronics.
I personally prefer the Fidelios. They came out as a little more involving and musical, a little more polite, especially in the upper midrange that sounds smoother, richer and more liquid than the Merlins. I found that the Merlins can at times sound a little overenthusiastic, making some recordings too bright and dry. The midrange is excellent in both cases, perhaps with the Fidelios possessing more of the "see through" quality that demonstrates itself in a natural and lifelike presentation of vocals and acoustic instruments. The treble is well extended, smooth and refined in both cases and the bass can hit surprisingly low too. The Fidelios seem to image a little better and the soundstage depth they produce is spectacular.

Go for the Merlins if you prefer a little brighter and livelier presentation and choose the Fidelios if you want something just a touch more smoother and richer.
Lotus Elite Signatures are some of the finest sound I have ever heard. I agree with the other info provided on your other two choices.

Happy Listening.