Martín Logan choice help


Hi and thanks for the help you can offer.

I am trying to choose between a pair of Clarity or a pair of SL3s

Your opinion matters as this will be a shot in the dark without your comments.

I am just getting back into 2 channel systems and have a clean slate.
bohe60s
if you are trying to assemble a new system from scratch, IMO settle on the speakers first then go from there. go to some dealers (if available) to hear what's on offer in your price range. Then pick the amplification to drive them and decide what kind of front end you like.
I currently own Clarity, after living with it for about a year, I am impressed with this little guy. I have push Clarity with Micromega M100 Integrated amp, the result is spectacular. However, it really took me many trials and error to find the ideal position. And one of the major downfalls will be the small sweet spot. If you just move your head by an inch or two, you will lose that sweet spot. And yes, Martin logan panel would require to refurbish or replace soon or later. Brand new replacement panel is about 830USD from Martin logan, so you should factor into the future cost. 
"I was thinking before, that I could get the Magnepan LRS, new and a good subwoofer..."

That would be a better route to take assuming you also get an amplifier that drives them close to their potential. As for Martin Logan panels, in my experience they last much much longer in terms of their sound performance if they are cared for properly by their previous owner(s), e.g., exposure to direct sun, smoke, dust, humidity, etc. I have a pair of ~20 year old Aerious I model speakers and they (still) sound very clean, crisp, top to bottom. Same consideration for amplifier choice applies to Martin Logans as well. My suggestion is consider your total budget and divide it between speakers and the amplifier/preamplifier, source component, cables, etc., etc., accordingly.
Good luck.