Whats up with Merlin?

Just for clarification, are you asking for input from people who've had experience with the company or with the speakers? I assumed that you meant the company, because speakers can't be evasive :) veiled, maybe but not evasive. If you are referring to the company, I'm surprised because I have talked to Bobby many times; he answers the phone himself, has been very generous with his time, is very helpful and is anything BUT evasive. I've also emailed him several times, and his replies were always prompt. Maybe he's on vacation for Thanksgiving?
I have Merlin VSM Milleniums, but have never heard the TSM's myself, so I can't help you there directly, but certainly everything I have read and heard on various audio forums has been very positive.

I am not a Merlin owner, but like the product and have GREAT respect for Bobby he is one of the most helpful and considerate people I have met in his line of work. There are many others who are good but for some reason he and I really got along- and he was VERY knowledgable about his product. Are there better speakers? sure but his are a great value for what they cost. Be patient and wait to you can talk to Bobby he will help you an awful lot.

I also have Merlin VSM-Ms and have had similarly great responses to emails from Bobby. I considered the TSMs but preferred the VSMs. I use the VSMs in a very small listening room (7.5x10x8) with great results. I purchased mine from Signature Sound. They have a demo policy where they send a pair to you for a tryout and then order a new pair for you if you like them. I had them send me a pair of TSMs for evaluation before I bought the VSMs. (They put a hold on your credit card for the selling price while you have their speakers.) They're great to deal with - highly recommended. You can check out their web site and get their contact info at www.sigsound.com. (P.S. Bobby directed me to them when I told him that there was nowhere for me to audition his speakers.) Good luck!

I have the VSM-M's also,brand new, and can say that Bobby is one of the easiest company ceo's you can get a hold of directly in the industry. He stops what he's doing on the spot to talk to his customers. Wow! As for the speakers, they are like the Grand Canyon, you just have to see/hear them in person to get the full undrstanding of what they are. The comment above about Signature Sound is correct, I have had very good service from them and their web site has great pictures of the Merlins (archives).