Merlin VSM compared to ATC 100ASL active

LARSS, how did you come to decide between these two speakers? They seem to be quite different. For my taste, for small group jazz, acoustic music, voice - you get the idea - there very few speakers that can compare with the Merlins, especially in a typical, domestic room (i.e., 12x18 or so). Th ATC can cerstainly be used in a domestic environment, they too are great speakers, but very different than the Merlins.

larss, the vsm mmes or mxes are going to be the most dynamic and room filling of all the vsms. earlier ones tend to sound lighter and may require a sub to flesh out the sound in a big room.
br, b

The reason for having the ATC on my list is mainly that it is fully active and therefore does not have to bother about cables, amplifiers etc. Well, I have a pair of TSM today and really like these. Looking also for something to get real dynamics but the VSM may be another alternative but than again cables, amplifier.

Looking also for something to get real dynamics

ATC 100ASL will certainly be more dynamic than most other conventional box speakers - close to "real dynamics" but still not able to do justice to a jet engine. The only things that can play louder cleanly would be other large studio horns or a bigger ATC's or something similar like Hans Zimmer's 80K per speaker Quested's

Of course you could try Meyer horns like this and you'll definitely have close to a real jet engine but for better sound quality than Meyer sound reinforcement gear you might try Westlake's Studio speakers which can be setup in active mode too.

In any case, put on an uncompressed drum track or good recording and you will appreciate the real dynamics that only big speakers with pro woofers can produce (it can be jaw dropping - and it won't seem "loud" in the normal sense - these designs remain completely effortless sounding throughout their operating range).

I second Shadorne's response!