Is there an alternate to Martin Logans?

Sorry Will, but regardless of how good it sounds, I could never own something called the BAM. Too embarrassing. Moreover, for 3K he can buy used reQuests which would smoke those Merlins.

I spent an afternoon listening to the Merlins with the BAM at a dealer. We tried a number of amps and room positions. I thought they were mediocre (I'm being kind). So did the dealer. Based on that session, I'd say the speaker might have appeal to those who value a mediocre, hi-fi sound over musicality. BTW, if the bass didn't mate well with the electrostatic panel on the Logans you heard, they weren't set up properly. Your complaint is a common one for poorly setup Logans. If set up properly, the bass/panel match shouldn't be distracting. I'm sorry you were hurt by my comments about the BAM. Why not try the Wilson's POW-WOW, BAT's BAT PAK or Krell's CAST system? "There's a sucker born every minute."

Will, It wasn't a trade-in. The dealer carries the line because it can be driven by tubes and he is a tube only dealer. He is very honest in his opinions (to a fault...he's not a very good businessman). I stand by my comments about the Merlin.

***I have heard too accurate, too much detail, ruthlessly revealing...*** That IS the definition of HI-FI, Sherlock.

The reQuests don't boom unless they're set up improperly.

If you knew what you were talking about, you wouldn't waste your time with such toys as the Merlins...and yes,the early CLS was hi-fi. I don't think you know the difference between hi-fi and music.