Focal Mini Utopia vs Merlin MXe

Phaelon, I liked OTL with Quad 989s. I definitely agree with your assesment about Mini and would not use it with mini. I use Krells with my mini. Curious though, anybody using mini/micro with tube gear with success? I loved original micro (best imaging with lots of air around instrumments..).

Toetapfactor, I have owned the original line all the way up to Grand Utopia speakers and I suppose I have fairly good experience with their overall character. I have had moments when I thought they were ordinary (mainly in the bass area). Proper placement is the biggest key in my opinion. I have made them sing..or lets say they made me sing everytime. They are not without flaws though eg, grand Utopia just needs a very big space away from all the walls and still can feel not so tight (?congested) in base region. On the other hand there is a lot to love for in Micro and Mini Utopia monitors (midrange, highs, presence, imaging...). They are not the ultimate in base but to my ears they are very musical. BTW, with proper placement my mini Utopia can easily go down to 40Hz and I feel the punch. I guess I am looking to experiment different "brand" sound for a change, so feel free to make a suggestion.

Toetapfactor, thanks for your suggestion of Dynaudio C1. I will see if I can audition them locally.
Martykl, thanks for pointing out similarity between Quads and Merlins. I don't remember where but I read about this somewhere which made me look into Merlins in the first place.
Thanks all you guys and especially Bobbyapalkovic for his insight in Merlins.
I wonder if there are any audiophiles in Tampa/Orlando FL area or a Merlin dealer with MXe on floor who might be willing to let me audition them. I definitely want to listen to them before I finalize.

Ok, I am pumped up...any Merlin MXe owner within 100 mile radius of Tampa? I will bring beer :)

Denvelle, Can you please PM me at sstalwar@yahoo.com. I can mange to come over at your convenience. And thanks a bunch..

Bought the Merlin VSM MXe speakers... Not received yet but very excited about the purchase. Firstly would like to thank all the members who guided me make the decision. Also, want to thank Bobby @ Merlin for spending time with me about related equipment matching etc. Picked up used Audio Aero Prima MK II CDP mainly at Bobby's rec. Would like to pair a TVC passive preamplifier (Bent Audio Tap X comes to mind) and an OTL amp (Atma or Transcendent sound). Other option is ARS integrated as we all know is also highly recommended by Bobby. Chime in with your thoughts....while I wait to set these up..

'57,

Thanks for the input. I suppose both used ARS and used Bent-Tap/RM10MKII combo are with in my reach. I missed one ARS sold on audiogon for $2k. Any opinion between the two..
Also, curious if Bent Tap could work with Transcendent OTL. I loved OTL with Quad989s and have learnt that Merlins work very well with OTL.
To start with, I have picked up a used TG Audio speaker cables which I guess is not widely popular among Merlin'ers, but read few people using this with Merlins and find it very musical..will see! Any recommendations on reasonably priced interconnects and PCs.

Turboglo,
I bought a used pair that came with Super BAM (RCA and XLR). I guess I am going to listen to my system so I can have my reference established and then compare to Master BAM in future. Right now debating between ARS and separates and some decent cables. Bobby did mention that Master BAM (RCA only for lack of space in chassis) with Master networks will take VSMs to a whole different level. In the hind sight, I still wonder if I could use XLR with certain Pre amps more successfully than RCA. I wonder if TVC or AVC preamps might benefit from XLR ... may be more experienced members using TVC/AVC can help. Also, anybody with MasterBAM experience? I am curious too about what the sonic impressions are compared to SuperBAM.

Pubul 57'

Thank you for a very informative post. I am positive I would love AVC with RM10MKII. One reason to get Merlin was its resolution and transparency and extremely neutral character. Coming from Quad 989 and OTL amplifiers (..very transparent by nature), I am encouraged to hear about AVC/RM combo's transparency (..I guess more of good thing). TG audio speaker cables are slightly on the warmer side and I think would balance the sound overall. One big plus going a properly designed AVC route is attaining pitch black soundstage and excellent low level dynamics. One question though is, compared to ARS, do you find AVC/RM combo "thin" sounding? Also, any opinion on RM9 vs RM10? Also, which AVC preamp in your opinion is superior?
Again appreciate your insight into AVCs and Merlins. Thanks.