Martin Logan CLS "Buyer's Guide" Question

Ditto. This is a slam-dunk for information. Thanks for the help!

Just made a (sight unseen) deal on what looks to be a very nice condition pair that allegedly are the IIs (upgraded electronics) with replacement panels (SN CS1H1715, I think) that were done in ’02-ish. It'd be helpful if there were an easy way to identify the 1-series panel from the 2-series panel.  Though they’re *theoretically* toward the end of the 12-15 year lifespan, I also tend to think that the owner has much to do with that.

I guess I’ll just roll the dice to see. Stay tuned...

Hmmm... yeah, the photo he sent did show the gaps in the spars, so that would make 'em the I's, and his calculations on replacement year sadly mistaken, though I don't think he's done so intentionally.  You've given me a moment of pause, now.  What would you say is a fair price for this older set, or would you walk away?

I was told S# 2502/2503 (sequential).

What would be the danger if I were to buy this set now (because they are becoming somewhat rare) and later purchased the II panels at some point in the future?

How long would you say I might be able to run them, given the 19 year old stators?

What would you think is a fair price, under the circumstances?

Should I be looking at getting a newer generation pair of Logans (i.e. Theos) instead of screwing around with the CLS in the first place?

That's why you're here at this juncture...correct?

At this juncture, I'm beginning to think I need to have my head examined.  ;-)

I've been wanting a set of CLSII's for years.  It's taken me this long to be able to afford to do so, because it's not just the speakers, but the rest of the system, that starts getting expensive.  You need an amp powerful enough to drive them, and a preamp clean enough to not make your ears bleed.  That equipment is far more costly than most folks expect to spend on a 'stereo'.  It was only recently - in the last couple months - that I've finally saved enough and been patient enough to stumble on the Bryston/Krell combo.

The seller claims that the electronics were upgraded by a local ML dealer, though if he's as mistaken about that as he is with the panels, it does give me a moment of pause.

I was prepared to drive 9 hours each way to buy 'em, but the asking price is more than you indicate and though they look by the photograph to be in very good condition, it's a LONG time to spend in a car and a LOT of money to lay out.

I'll probably beg off and wait it out.  My set of Dahlquist DQ10's don't suck, so I guess I'll just have to struggle through, until what I really want comes my way.

Thanks for all your help!!!

Very grateful for your assistance.  If you happen to stumble on a pair in the Northeastern PA region (keeping in mind I was ready to drive 9 hours each way for this pair), let me know.

Hey, guys. Just wanted to report in and say that I stumbled into a pair of mint condition ReQuests at a great price, so I couldn’t resist. They’re the newer design, production date in early 2000, and were in storage for some 5 or 6 years, so the panels are effectively about 10 years old.

If anyone has advice on tips, tricks, tweaks or general wisdom, I’m grateful for the input.

Panels can be rebuilt, per the ML Owner's forum.  I got in touch with the guy who does the work and he quoted $500 for a set of ReQuests with newer and better coating on the mylar and upgraded contact strips all the way around.  Not too bad, all things considered.