Dunlavy SC IV or Merlin VSM M


looking to buy a pair of used higher end speakers. Does anyone have an opinion on which one of these is better? Both are available in my local used market. Thanks for your input.
aperez1958

Showing 16 responses by rrog

I have had different results than Brauser with Dunlavy SCIV speakers. First of all, when set up properly the SCIV can produce stunning bass. In fact they are rated from 25hz to 20khz +/-1.5db. John Dunlavy's set up recommendation suggests starting 8" from the wall behind the speakers and pulling them out until you achieve the desired balance. Too many audiophiles forget about sound quality and set up speakers based on imaging, focus and depth. In the process the speakers end up in the middle of the room with no reinforment from room boundaries.

In my opinion the SCIV does not have an especially narrow sweet spot. I used this speaker in several configurations and the best results were with the speakers placed 15' apart and toed in toward the listening position. At this distance there was no loss of focus and the speakers produced a holographic wrap around sound with very impressive bass.

The SCIV is a big speaker and should be used in a big room. The cabinet is 6' tall and 18" deep. In a small room the cabinet alone will become a problem with its large reflective surface. On the other hand if you have a large room the SCIV is an efficient speaker and will play at reasonably high volume levels with 60 tube watts.

If you have an average size room buy the Merlins.
How can anyone be so sure about the OP's room? You have no idea of how the system will be oriented. Is he setting up on the long wall or short wall?
I still think it is difficult to say a given speaker will work in a room based solely on dimensions. To properly answer the question more information is needed. A diagram would be even better.
I understand the part about a room's volume, however, it would be difficult to recommend any speaker without knowing more details such as doorways and other obstacles that may hinder speaker set up and performance.

Since the speakers are 10 years old, is there any chance there might be an upgrade available?

My frustration is due to manufacturers and dealers coming to this forum to advertise. Johnny comes here on a regular basis to only recommend Vandersteen speakers, Ralph plugs his amplifiers from time to time and there are others. If I was interested in buying Merlin speakers and I had specific questions I would call you. I would not expect to find you here. Just think of what it would be like if all manufacturers of stereo equipment popped up on these threads everytime their product was mentioned.
I understand what you are saying and I don't blame you for wanting to set the record straight when information about your product is incorrect. However, I did not see any inaccuracies posted about Merlin speakers. Did I miss something?

I believe you were trying to help with your comments about Merlin speakers and how they would perform in the OP's room, but there are a lot of speakers that will perform well in a 16x23 room including Dunlavy SCIV. I truely believe the OP was more concerned about the Dunlavys working in his room than the Merlins.

It is true this forum is open to anyone and I appreciate the fact that you are careful about crossing the line, but the fact remains you are partial to your product and will likely recommend it on this and other forums in the future.



I'm not trying to trick you into anything, but as long as you want to continue discussing this it's ok with me.

Since you brought it up 16x23 is a little larger than average and would accommodate either speaker quite nicely. In fact there is a good chance the Dunlavys would do a better job in that room than a 2way with a 6.5" driver depending on listening habits.

I would agree you are within moderator guidelines, but recommending your speaker is inappropriate. I doubt the OP was expecting to hear from you. How is this different from advertising for free? I know you will argue it is a used speaker, but we have established upgrades are available and I happen to know upgrades can be very lucrative.

I am curious. Do you advertise on this site as a commercial user or just visit the forum?
I'm not sure what is so genius about a simple 2 way speaker costing more than $13,000.
It's only because I don't believe manufacturers should show up to support their product on these forums. As I stated previously, what would it be like if every manufacturer of audio equipment commented on their products? Bobby stated the OP's 16x23 room is the perfect room for Merlin speakers. Those dimensions are the "Golden Rule" making his room perfect for most speakers. There is also the fact that manufacturer updates are available for the used Merlin speakers purchased by the OP. I have to wonder if the OP would have purchased Merlins if Bobby did not chime in. My impression of Bobby is that he is a genuinely nice guy, but I also think it is important to separate the personality from conducting business on a thread where the participants are looking an objective opinion.
Bobby, As far as I am concerned I did not shoot myself in the foot and there is no reason for you to get cocky just because you have a couple of supporters. As long as you use these forums to advertise your speakers I will complain about it. BTW I asked if you advertise on this site as a commercial user, but you never answered. I guess that means you only use the forum.

Believe me when I say there is no hidden agenda here regarding your product. My only gripe is manufacturers and dealers abusing this forum. Hopefully you will recommend your speakers to another poster so we can relive this thread.
B limo, Be careful what you wish for. Do you really want every manufacturer chiming in whenever their product is mentioned. If you have questions you can call or email any manufacturer for information. Only a fool would believe a person that tells you how great they are or how terrific their product is.
Bobby, You still did not answer my question. I realize you are marked as commercial user. My question is, do you advertise as a commercial user on Audiogon? For some reason you continue to evade my question.

These threads have a tendency to change as they roll along. So, does that make a thread off topic? If that's the case nearly all threads become off topic at one time or another. Some folks agree with your contributions to this thread regarding your speakers and others do not. Maybe we should take a vote to determine whether manufacturers should be allowed to troll Audiogon's Forum and offer their advice about their products.

I just made a new discovery. Looking back at your history on Audiogon's forum I have learned that you have recommended Merlin speakers over numerous other speakers including Canton, Gallo, Green Mountain, Vandersteen, Dunlavy, ProAc, B&W and Revel. On this thread you said the OP's 16x23 room is perfect for Merlin speakers and on another thread you told another poster his 11x18 room is perfect for Merlin speakers. Upgrades were constantly brought up and your phone number was included on almost all inquiries. Come on! If this isn't advertising I don't know what is.

I am sure the moderstors would like to know about you.