Merlin owners,any thoughts.......

Tvad, my point is because people are in most cases reluctant to return something they purchase, or they either don't get around to returning it or don't want to bother... I regret it if you read it as a pointed attempt to dissuade, as I'm aware of the people you mentioned and many others. My post encouraged home trials before money changes hands, a preference...this is different from money back guarantees, which also are very appropriate, although you may see them as the same.

Brian

Brian, thanks for your explanation. I too, would also prefer home trials
without money changing hands. However, these are hard to come by in
my experience. Your point regarding one's reluctance, or in effect
laziness to return an item in a timely fashion is also well taken. Those
who try products with 30 day trial periods have to be disciplined enough
to return the items within the window. Otherwise, there's no point in the
exercise.

I am using Homegrown Audio Silver Lace ICs throughout. One of the great audio bargains IMHO ($210/1m) and so fundamentally transparent. Silver really is the business!