One of my 4 favorite standmounts from my past was the Merlin TSM-M. I owned a pair about 8 years ago and liked them quite a lot, but sold them.
Bobby P at Merlin is always tweaking his designs, and I've had it in my mind to revisit the speaker. Now that the latest version of the TSM is out, used prices of MMEs are at giveaway levels it seems, so I bought a pair of -MME, which is 2 or 3 iterations later than the -M.
The buzz about the MME is correct- they are improved in every way, still very spacious and balanced, but more dynamic, with deeper bass. A very fine, well balanced high end performer.
However, in comparison to my newly tweaked out Tempestas, they are a somewhat distant second. The Selahs go much lower in the bass, but the big differences are the size and spaciousness of the soundstage and the more open and unforced quality of the presentation of the Selahs. The Merlins have a bit more of a technicolor presentation, while in the Selahs the music is just hanging there, notably larger in size and as natural and easy as I've heard.
Given the level of critical acclaim the MMEs have gotten, Rick should be proud of how the Tempesta matches up, at a similar retail price point.
I'd love to compare the Selahs to the latest VSM. My experience suggests that would be a fairer comparison - to the Merlins.
BTW, this is not to dis the Merlins-I really do like the MMEs a lot, and will be keeping them for my office system.
