i'm an owner so take my bias as you will.
i've heard lots of speakers, and a number do something better than merlins: whether its low bass, dynamic pop, low level detail, what have you. but the merlins do an awful lot right. they're not the best in anything, but they're top 10 or honorable mention in the audiophile gymnastics.
however, tonally, i've not heard a speaker that i thought was as balanced. if i ever sell the merlins and could get any dream speaker, it would maintain the tonal balance of the merlins.
in a small room, they're the gold standard. in a normal listening room, they make for good competition to the mega$$ speakers out there (soundlab, rockport, acapella come to mind); the merlins may lose out, but they're also a LOT cheaper.
rhyno
i've heard lots of speakers, and a number do something better than merlins: whether its low bass, dynamic pop, low level detail, what have you. but the merlins do an awful lot right. they're not the best in anything, but they're top 10 or honorable mention in the audiophile gymnastics.
however, tonally, i've not heard a speaker that i thought was as balanced. if i ever sell the merlins and could get any dream speaker, it would maintain the tonal balance of the merlins.
in a small room, they're the gold standard. in a normal listening room, they make for good competition to the mega$$ speakers out there (soundlab, rockport, acapella come to mind); the merlins may lose out, but they're also a LOT cheaper.
rhyno