I wonder how many non-audiophiles would shell out for any stereo system costing over 1500 complete? Most people are shocked if they ask me what systems like these cost.
I had a few friends over last night and we were listening to Beatles Anthology & a bit of Sheryl Crow. Everyone was impressed, but my buddy's wife was curious to see how the "little Merlins" would compete against the huge Definitive Technology 7004 towers used for the theater system. Using the same music and the Stingray amp (which, by the way, makes the Def Techs sound almost Snell-like!)we spent about 20 minutes listening....ZERO comparison. The transparency, tonal balance and detail on vocals was removed on the Def Techs. Now for the audiophiles who don't know how good the Def Techs can sound, let me point out that the TSMs also do a better job than my previous Magnepan 1.6 speakers and everything I've heard from Totem and Focal.
But I say get the speaker that suits you and your ear in the end. The Merlins are sophisticated, but I'm not always in the mood!
Rob
