On the surface the Merlin VSM Milleniums look like a slam-dunk-obvious choice. They have a very similiar footprint and placement requirements when compared to your LS3/5A-AB1 combo and they also easily offer the air and immediacy of the best planars but...
They are a bit fussy about both wires and upstream components. Get that nailed and they are simply the best loudspeakers anywhere close to their size and price. Don't however, expect to simply plop them into your existing system and "see God". I've been listening (and enjoying) various itterations of the VSM for about 6 years and truely believe there is simply nothing better available in a monitor suited to small-medium sized rooms. The VSM is very much a monitor though, and you will most definitely get out what you put in. Contact Bobby P. at Merlin. He is an honest, honorable man who will give great fair-minded advice to those who are serious about getting the most out of a pair of his speakers. Good luck!
They are a bit fussy about both wires and upstream components. Get that nailed and they are simply the best loudspeakers anywhere close to their size and price. Don't however, expect to simply plop them into your existing system and "see God". I've been listening (and enjoying) various itterations of the VSM for about 6 years and truely believe there is simply nothing better available in a monitor suited to small-medium sized rooms. The VSM is very much a monitor though, and you will most definitely get out what you put in. Contact Bobby P. at Merlin. He is an honest, honorable man who will give great fair-minded advice to those who are serious about getting the most out of a pair of his speakers. Good luck!