2. speakers
  3. 1006009568

Sonus Farber Guarneri vs Merlin VSM

Looking to complete a 2 channel system consisting of a Theta front end transport and DAC, and Joule Electra OTL monoblocks. Any other suggestions are welcome but my spending limit is about 4-5000. I am having some trouble finding both of these speakers to audition in my home so I would like to here from as many of you as possible before I decide on a speaker.
dredster

Showing 2 responses by glreno

glreno
224 posts
 
I own the Merlin VSM Milleniums, and have a Joule Electra OTL. This combination is magical. I'm sure the Sonus Faber is a great speaker, but I would think that there might be a better amp out there for them than an OTL. On the other hand, the Merlins were voiced using the amp that you own. Anyone with any experience in this hobby knows that amplifier/speaker synergy is especially important in obtaining the best possible results from your speakers. You already have 1/2 of the recipe. Unless you want to change amplifiers, it's an easy choice.
glreno
224 posts
 
I believe that Stereophile made the comparison of the VSM to the Amati Homage in their review of the Merlins, to further Bobby's point. Sterophile also made the VSM a runner-up for speaker product of the year in the current issue. I really like my Merlins, and I've owned many speakers. The last two I owned were Talon Khorus and Silverline La Folias. Neither gave me the listening pleasure that I get from the Merlins. They just seem to do everything right.
More to discover