$10K Budget for Speakers: Martin Logan Masterpiece vs Tannoy


For much under $10K I can get a pair of Martin Logan Masterpiece’s Classic ESL 9 (the new ones retail for $6.5). Alternatively, I might go ahead and get a used pair of the top-of-the-line ESL 13 with all the bolts and whistles the modern electrostatic speakers offer: an unbelievable 3D-almost-surround-like staging and very detailed, life-like sound. Those Martin Logans speakers do have a huge speaker emission surface (the sound radiating "panel") emitting the sound bi-directionally and these speakers are almost the human hight tall.
The same $10K would also get me a top-of-the-line Tannoy Arden speakers (8K per pair). On the used market, if I am lucky, I could get a pair of Turnberries. Tannoy, while does have some unmatched style and a "company history-story" factor, apparently doesn’t even come close to be able to give the same sound experience Martin Logan speakers do. Tannoy speakers radiate sound from a single 10", 12" or at best 15" driver. The speaker themselves are significantly smaller than Martin Logan ones. They are barely hip height.
The esthetics and design is a huge factor for me, I do love Tannoy speakers. But, from a practical standpoint, and because the main reason I am getting the speakers is still the SOUND, and not the speakers design, I am heavily inclined to get a less-by-my-opinion-styled speakers made by Martin Logan. Because MLs, regardless of the price, offer a wider, cleaner, more life-like sound than Tannoy speakers do.
If the sound reproduction is the only concern, why would I choose a smaller, a single driver Tannoy over state-of-the art technology implemented in Martin Logan?

esputnix

Showing 2 responses by tk21

If you want a hybrid electrostatic loudspeaker that looks good (in my opinion), you might consider the JansZen Valentina P8 at $9,250. These are made to order (with many finish options). There are no distributors so you must order directly from JansZen. 30 day trial.
https://janszenaudio.com/products/valentina-p8-passive
"If you want to know what a kick drum sounds like put it
on with 15" Dual concentric speakers and turn it up!!"

Or get a good subwoofer?

I'd love to hear Sanders loudspeakers, though. Unfortunately, they're probably beyond the OP's budget new, and good luck finding them used.