Hi again, Slinker. I just took a look at used Merlins here on the site. I see a pair of VSM for $1795, or thereabouts. Just want to make you aware that the various Merlins have been improved signficantly over the years. If you are thinking about used Merlins, I would call Bobby at Merlin and ask him which way to go, i.e., the older VSMs or newer TSMs.
In any case, I personally don't think you can go wrong with Merlins.
In any case, I personally don't think you can go wrong with Merlins.