Eggleston, Merlin, Jean Marie Reynaud????

I have Reynauds - the Evolution 3's.
I am in New Zealand.
I listened to everything in this country under NZ$15,000
They were easily the most musical and balanced.
Very immediate and emotional, great sound off-axis (the unbaffled tweeter), well-integrated drivers.
Seductive, warm, sweet - not the ultimate in transparency.
Jean-Marie Reynaud himself recommended I get the Plinius 9200. I already have a Bryston B100SST.
I am very happy with them.
If I were to ask for something more:
The bass is not super-tight but warm.
I listen only to acoustic music, so that's fine.
The treble is rolled off a little.
Sometimes I wish they had a bit more extension up top.
The new Orfeo is designed to address these wishes.
I have not heard them.
Bob Neill nailed them in his reviews on Positive-Feedback.
http://www.positive-feedback.com/Issue6/offrandes.htm

Write to him - he has been very helpful and straight-up, even though I am in New Zealand.
http://www.amherstaudio.com/

I have owned the Merlins TSM-MX's and now own the Harbeths SHL5's. The Harbeth's should be on your short list to listen to. I like the Harbeth's better.

I second Eril..,

The Reynauds are loudspeakers for life.
I listen to music most of the day ( at home ) and never experience any fatique.
They sound good in any part of the room so your not stuck to a 'hotspot' position.
I can't comment on the other brands since I haven't listened to them but you should have a listen to Reynauds.., whatever model.
BTW.., I'm running my Offrandes with Plinius.., a fine combination.

Good luck and lots of wisdom..!

Pluto,
The Merlins are a world class speaker. The quality of components, fit and finish are hard to beat at any price. Best of all, you get the support that is unrivaled. Bobby will be personally available to ensure that you match w/appropriate gear, and get the sound that you are intending.
With the TSM-MXs and a good tube integrated, you will likely be amazed. Natural timbre, transparency and immediacy are a few of the many strengths of the TSM-MX.
I own the VSM-MX and have heard the TSM-MX countless times in numerous systems and rooms. One thing is constant, the Merlins will allow you to focus your other upgrades around them, and let you hear the subtleties that each component brings. They draw you into the music like few components do. Cheers,
Spencer

I have heard the Fountaines and while they are a good speaker I would not call them a great speaker. I have not heard the Reynauds.
I have Merlin VSM-MX's and I love them (as do many others on this forum). They have the esotar tweeter and do not have a large footprint. Merlin's are musical, well balanced, transparent and non fatiging. I think that they do best with tube amplification. They are also very well finished. I encourage you to read on this forum and audioasylum.
My understanding is that there is a very well matched integrated that perfectly complements the Merlins, it is called the Filharmonia and its retail cost is $3500. My suggestion is that you call Bobby Palkovic at Merlin and speak to him.