Are Merlin TSM speakers buried with their owners?

Any Merlin with Hovland caps less natural than those with the Duelunds. With Duelund more natural timbre, makes all the difference. Also, tubes superior to SS with these, Bobby voiced it for this. EL 34  for push pull, 845 SET best match in my experience.

At some point I’d try a used pair of original JA Pulsars for $3500 - $4000.  I’d bet they’ll beat your TSMs as good as they are, but if they don’t you can just resell them for little/no loss so not much risk to try.  As a bonus the Pulsars look just a little better than the TSMs. 😉  Just something to keep in mind. 

Ever hear of Ruby Heart Red coffins?

More than ten years ago but I moved on from a pair of Merlin TSMs after trying a pair of Devore 8 speakers while the TSMs were away for the replacement of a woofer that failed. After a week or so of swapping between the two brands with a variety of music I kept the Devores. I thought they were better than the Merlins in every way that mattered to me.

Never had the pleasure of hearing the TSM or VSM, but have had the older model 2B, 3B+, and 4B. My son still runs 3B+ with his B&K amp.

There won't be any new ones....even if you move on to something else, I'd still hold on to them.