I have owned both Merlin & Harbeth(5shl)and Casouza is quite accurate on his comparison of the two speakers. Both are outstanding but I liked the musical flow of the Harbeths better. Can't lose with either.
Harbeth
Thinking of a new compact design speaker for my bedroom system. Currently using cambridge audio ht receiver with quad 11L. Fine setup but just want a change. I'm considering Harbeth 7es-2 preowned with a YBA 201 integrated versus merlin tsm-mxe with ars filharmonia amp, I already own. The harbeth/yba combo with cost around the same as a new set of TSM-Mxe's. Anyone a/b'd these? I'm mostly into jazz/standard singers/acoustics.