I was at the NY show and I have to agree with the original post that the merlins were best of show. As an owner of the AP virgos, I thought I was satisfied with my speaker. I went to the show looking specifically for a new CD player, and by chance, I entered the sim/merlin room. Unbelievable. The imaging, the dynamic alacrity, detail. It was all there. Funny thing is that I ended up not finding a cd player (still hesitant about SACD), but I now have an order for the merlin VSM-M. Will merlin win best of show? I know which way my vote was cast. Its just that with all the campaigning in some of the other rooms, salesmanship and not necessarily performance will probably determine what wins best of show. I wouldn't put too much stock in the vote tally of the show. Do yourself a favor and listen to this speaker.
Soon Kwon
Soon Kwon