I received my Master VSMs recently and so far they have exceeded my expectations. I have been through a few single driver setups, B&W 805s and most recently a pair of Ushers that I still have. All paired with a REL sub. Not satisfied with any combination to date I decided to take the plunge and purchased the Merlins. The difference has been night and day. I acknowledge that these are a definite upgrade in class from the previously mentioned speakers, but I cannot imagine much more improvement to be had other than cable upgrades and room acoustics. The bass is exceptionally accurate, tight and responsive. The highs are all there without being to overbearing. Live recordings actually sound live. All this with just unpacking and plugging them in! Once they break in a bit more I will worry about spacing, room acoustics and the cables. I am sure I will end up moving them between rooms a bit also as I do not have an ideal listening room yet, just a couple duel-purpose rooms. Just enjoying the new detail that these are bringing to my digital music collection.