11-30-06: TvadI don't see where there is anything negative in this recommendation. It's entirely fair and reasonable.
You should really try to hear them before you buy. Otherwise, be patient
for a very nice price on a used pair that you can potentially re-sell if they
don't perform to your liking. You may love them. Many do. Many also
comment about the bass response, and this is the area where what you
like is a very personal choice.
People buy and re-sell all the time in this hobby. There's nothing perjorative at all in this methodology. Bring the product home and listen to decide if it fits with one's preferences. It's just a common sense approach when auditioning the product is a barrier, due to any number of circumstances.
Finally, your mention of proper ancillaries is a point that should also be given serious consideration by any potential Merlin buyer, since maximum performance appears to require a complete system approach that is fairly exacting and may potentially require investment in new amplification and wiring.