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Merlin vs. Totem vs. Verity vs.????

I'm having to replace my beloved Vandy IICE's with something physically smaller. Associated equipment is an Audio Research D-115 mk2 amp (100 watt) , LS-8 preamp ( both tube), CAL Audio CL-10, and MIT 750 cables). Leading candidates right now include the Merlin VSM-SE, The Totem Mani2's or Forests, perhaps ( a stretch financially) the Verity Fidelio's , if they're half as good as the awesome Parsifals, and anything else worth listening to at or below the size and price of the Merlins. Question is, what should be in this group? The ProAc 2.5s have been recommended. How about the Meadowlarks? Anything else that ought to be in contention? JimB
jbards
chris6421
6 posts
 
I listened to the Forest and own the ProAcs. They are not in the same league, either in performance or cost. I don't know about the others you mention. Is the ProAc colored? Maybe. Stereophile found it's frequency response not to be very flat. Perhaps this shifts the balance of certain music, but I find the effect to be subtle and forgivable, particularly given its deep powerful bass, and its startling portrayal of instruments. So yes, maybe the 2.5s are a little colored, in the sense that they present music as it out to be, rather than what the recording is. Another speaker worth considering would be the Audio Physic Virgos. Many people like them, they are supposedly more "analytical" than the 2.5s, but have some similarities in terms of size and cost.
artipalmerac2d
5 posts
 
If you can afford them get the Merlins. If not and you are considering the Totem Forest then have a listen to the Totem Tabu's. You'll get better bass and a better all round sound.
calloway
870 posts
 
having owned a pair of merlin vsm/se with bam i can tell you they are great speakers. however, i traded them in on a pair of aliante model one pinifarina speakers ( see lars fredell's review in the fall ultimate audio mag) and can unequivocally say they are the best monitor speaker you can buy. you can get a pair for $5000 ( don't get the vela stands with them). they are the best speaker for deliniating the human voice you will probably ever hear. if you listen to alot of classical,jazz,and vocals these are the speakers for you.
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rooze's avatar
rooze
580 posts
 

I’m running with Merlin TSM Black Magic Edition in a second system powered by the Ars Sonum Filarmonia, and they sound great. This is my second pair as I foolishly sold the originals. I’ve also owned the floor standers with master BAM but prefer the versatility of the TSM. Add a small sub or two and it’s a fantastic and fun little system that punches with the big boys.

 I also like the smaller ProAcs having heard them with Synthesis amps at Dejavu Audio near DC, and in their room at Capital Audiofest. I liked the ProAc / Synthesis pairing so much that I run the Titan A100 KT66 integrated amp in my main rig with ProAc D40R.

You can’t go far wrong with ProAc or Merlin.

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