Abe, I also answered your post about digital IC's, and I think we might have some similar system preferences - I run my Thiel 2.2's with a c-j MV-55, and I believe you use a Premier 11a, if I rememeber correctly from your past postings. I have heard the Aerius and did not think it superior overall, though I do like panels. Room placement is far more critical with a dipole radiator, and in general, I'm not sure that "small" panels are really a good idea, since dipoles work best in larger rooms where they can be placed away from reflective walls. I'm basically happy with my 2.2's, and they do offer more bass and a better tweeter within a 3-way design than do the 2-way 1.5's. In my apartment-size room I've had no problem driving this larger Thiel with my smaller c-j amp, so you might give these a try if you like the Thiel sound. M-L has introduced a new replacement for the Aerius recently, which I haven't heard. If and when I find myself in a bigger space, I may well try a large panel speaker, as I love the image that can be reproduced, but for now, a quality conventional box speaker is easier to live with and get good sound from.
Thiel CS 1.5 vs Small Martin Logan?
I've never tried ML speakers and I'm curious about the smaller models, like Aerius-i. My listening room isn't big and unfortunately I cannot move the speakers more than 3-feet from the back wall or 1.5-feet from the left wall. I like my Thiel CS 1.5's that I've owned for 7 years and they are a good match for my 70w/ch tube amp.
1) In general how do the smaller ML speakers sound compared to the small Thiel CS 1.5's? I ask this question with the assumption that both speakers are being driven by a hefty solid-state amp and not starved for power. How's the ML bass since the panel is integrated with a powered sub-woofer, right? Is ML room placement super critical?
2) I know that my Thiel CS 1.5's sound surprisingly good with my modest 70w/ch tube amp. Thiels are supposedly current hungry speakers but the small 1.5's aren't that difficult. The bass is decent but not huge. Will the smaller ML's sound decent with a modest amount of tube power?
1) In general how do the smaller ML speakers sound compared to the small Thiel CS 1.5's? I ask this question with the assumption that both speakers are being driven by a hefty solid-state amp and not starved for power. How's the ML bass since the panel is integrated with a powered sub-woofer, right? Is ML room placement super critical?
2) I know that my Thiel CS 1.5's sound surprisingly good with my modest 70w/ch tube amp. Thiels are supposedly current hungry speakers but the small 1.5's aren't that difficult. The bass is decent but not huge. Will the smaller ML's sound decent with a modest amount of tube power?