Dunlavy SC IV or Merlin VSM M

I can't say which you'll prefer, but I will agree with Bobby. I've used VSMs in a space virtually identical to the one you've described and they have never sounded better.

Marty

The OP wrote:

Room size is 16 x 23 with a vaulted ceiling and one wall open.

I posted that Merlins sound great in my listening room, which is 15 x 23 with a vaulted ceiling and one wall open. I never said that they'd sound great in his room, only that they sounded great in mine, which, as you can see, is virtually identical to the one described by the OP in every way that he described it.

Sure there are many reasons that the rooms may differ, but it struck me as a relevant note when the issue at hand is suitable room size for this particular speaker. Feel free to take that FWIW, but I thought it worth posting for the benefit of the OP.

Marty

Advertising works, which is why people buy it. Bobby's presence on these forums is smart business. It also reflects an effort that few manufacturers (Ralph at Atmasphere notably among the exceptions) are willing to make. His line may be more aggresive than most, but evryone here can take that FWIW. I say, tip your hat to the guy.

Whatever you make of Bobby, the bottom line for the OP is that he bought a speaker that has fiercely loyal following as well as a fair # of sceptics. Once he lives with 'em for a while, the OP will learn which camp he is in and whether he made a smart choice - which is always the case.