Nice post foreverhifi and in answer to the question, yes I feel they are reference with all the considerations given in the above posts. As always, listen with your own ears and most importantly, no product stands on its own, it is the combination of room, set-up and complimentary components which can make even a modest system excellent. So too with the Merlin VSM. They are throughly musical and enjoyable long term, what more can you ask for? Does my enthusiasm show yet?
