There's life after Merlin. Good as they are, sometimes you just need a change. I had a pair of VSM MXe a few years back and moved on to a pair of Dunlavy SC-III, which I found similar in presentation to the Merlins, but even more coherrent, with better integration between frequencies. The Dunlavy's put out an even more believable soundstage in terms depth and layering, but a tad less extened on the bottom end. (They're quite a bit taller and more imposing, though their footprint is about the same).
I've had two pairs of the TSM BME also, and enjoyed them a lot. In fact I just sold the last pair before the holidays. I replaced the TSM in a second system with a pair of Voxativ Zeth, which are more expensive but definately a couple steps up the ladder.
I ran an older ARS Sonum Filarmonia with the TSMs, but if you can find a good 45 SET amp with the Merlins then they really do shine. The Audio Mirror SET45 is a great partner with the TSM.
Just my 2p worth,