2. speakers
  3. 182790-21892

Martin Logan CLS II New Panels (Worth it)?

I am currently using Magnepan LRS Plus speakers and am pretty happy. However, like many of us in this hobby it’s fun to try something different. I have the opportunity to buy some slightly working CLS II for a decent price. I have never listened to the CLS but have read they special speakers.  The panels will need to be replaced for approximately $2,800. Any advice from those out there that have had Martin Logan CLS’s and have also owned or listened to Magnepan’s . Would I be disappointed after the cost and effort of bringing these back to life? I favor speakers that are fast and transparent with a big soundstage. I would be pairing these with a JL Audio Fathom F113 to supplement the bass.  The other option is to upgrade my LRS Plus to Magnepan 1.7i.  Any thoughts? Thank you for any advice. 

Amplifier to power CLS will be a Levinson 432 

 

rick_hilton
jasonbourne52's avatar
jasonbourne52
2,863 posts
 

I would rather have à working pair of CLS's than any Magneplanar! Far more transparent, especially in the midrange!

carlsbad's avatar
carlsbad
1,551 posts
 

I have a pair of CLS speakers.  I was about to buy new panels for them when I found another speaker that has as good a midrange performance as the CLS (very hard to do) and sensitivity to work with a tube amp.  So the CLS speakers are in my backup system.  Many have had good luck taking the panels out and washing them (in the shower and then rinse with DI water) but $2800 for a new speaker of this quality is cheap.

You will likely need a sub to help the low end.

One of the best systems I've ever heard was based on the CLS IIz.

Jerry

mijostyn's avatar
mijostyn
8,217 posts
 

I am a long term user of ESLs. The CLS is ML's best loudspeaker IF you use it with two subs crossed at 125 Hz by a dedicated two way crossover. If you are not prepared to do this then upgrade your Magnepans. The CLS with subs would be special, the Maggies are good but, not that good.

More to discover