Will Merlins be too much

I had FAR superior amplification to yours when I ventured into Merlin-land. Granted this was years ago and perhaps Merlin has changed the formula but all I can offer is that the "little" Merlins were a very sterile (read "not musical") ride that was not at all to my taste. Others, clearly, dig the Merlin sound. Not my cup of tea. Be very careful with partnering gear. There is a reason the Merlin is shown at shows, primarily, with Joule.

BP- I had your TSM model 10+ years ago. I understand Merlins are more "friendly" these days. I have even contemplated giving them another shot. I just could not get into them on any kind of musical level that matters to me. Layering, soundstage, front-to-back illusions are hifi BS to me. A "test-instrument" is not what I want when exploring the joys of music. I want to hear and feel the intent of the artist. I want to cry if the piece is worthy. I just never felt any more goosebumps when your speaker settled into my system. I've tried lots of stuff over the years and I keep coming back to certain brit and single-driver systems. The brit marks I enjoy are generally musical, fun, and engaging. The single-driver gig, with all of its baggage, at least does the coherence thing better than anything else I've explored. You've got a long list of happy customers and have a lot to be proud of.