I absolutely do not agree that the Merlin speakers are analytical, though I did hear them sound very much so when connected to SS amps, such as Odyssey and more recently with a pricey ARC integrated.
My Merlins are powered by a Manley Stingray II. I'm using the Rega DAC with a optimized Mac Mini and a bit of heft is added by my MJ Acoustics 150 MKII sub. Cables are cardas. I've spent months tweaking and dialing these speakers in. Recently I poured out the kitty litter from the 4 post Skylan stands and used sand to find MUCH better bass from these marvels.
The sound is absolutely organic, like river water over pebbles. The term analytical was something I often applied to my Magnepan 1.6qr pair, a great set of speakers that dissected music in a manner that was, at times, less than musical. The Merlins present EXACTLY what is on the recording. Voices float in 3D space with uncanny realism. There is a point source effect that the Harbeth's cannot match and to my ears I find the Harbeth slightly colored and pushed in the lower midrange, thought not quite punchy (that would be an unfair insult to a fine speaker). I do not believe the Harbeth pair can match the Merlins for realism for voice-utterly superb. The Merlins are not forgiving because they're so transparent. Though the "high end" does not always have to be terribly expensive, care must be taken to match gear correctly.
I believe that the newest Merlins are a more refined product, but certainly not for everyone. My wife, who is not an audiophile, claims the Merlins draw her in (if her choice music is on) and she can't read or do much else when they're playing!
I'm in Carmel NY if anyone wants a demo!
Best of luck,
Rob