For the music you describe, perhaps give horns a listen? Hard to beat for impact and live sounding presentation.
Speaker hunt -> To leave or not Leave Martin Logan Behind
Hello all,
I’ve been a MartinLogan owner for about 22 years and have gone through much of their lineup, including the CLX. I’m currently running the 15A, which has been my favorite to date.
Lately, I’ve been considering a move away from electrostatics. While I’ve managed to get the 15A dialed in extremely well in my room (great stage, excellent low end integration), I’m starting to experience some long-term fatigue with the panel presentation—particularly with my core listening preferences.
Roughly 60% of my listening is hard rock/metal, with the remaining 40% being more refined material (Al Di Meola, Patricia Barber, Nils Lofgren, etc.). I also occasionally stream electronic (techno/dubstep). Vinyl is my primary source, with some streaming mixed in.
What I’m looking for:
- Retain a large, dimensional soundstage similar to the 15A
- Strong, controlled low-end performance
- Improved midrange density/impact and overall drive, especially for rock/metal
- Better long-term listenability with more dynamic “weight”
I’m currently considering the Focal Sopra No.2, but I’m open to other options in the ~$15-25K range (new or used).
I figure I’ll need a sub as well once O lose the 12” subs on the ML
I’d really value input from those who have transitioned from panels to dynamic speakers—what worked, what didn’t, and where you ultimately landed.
Current system:
- MartinLogan 15A
- Mark Levinson No. 585
- Rega P8 / Ortofon 2M Black LVB 250
- Manley Chinook SE
- Cambridge Audio CXN V2
Room: 18’ wide (front wall) x 15’ to back wall and 9ft from listening seat to speakers
Appreciate any insights—especially from those with similar musical tastes or system paths.
Thanks in advance.
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- 83 posts total
What is your amp? Have you considered Vandersteen Quatro CT? Active sub with built in 11-band EQ for in-room optimization. It is within your price range. They can be bi-wired, or, single-wired using the supplied jumpers. Check out my system, I was using a Pass stereo amp for the past 5 yrs. and have just switched over to monos. They are a bargain considering the $$ of comp speakers. |
@necrosuit I strongly suggest you go and personally audition all the speakers on your list of consideration, and as many others as you possibly can. Then, base your decision solely on your own ears, which, ultimately, is all that matters. Happy listening. |
A friend of mine was a big ML fan for many years. He moved up the ladder until he eventually had I believe the ESL12A or something like that, maybe one step down from your 15A (ML products mostly look the same to me so hard to remember). They sounded excellent in his room though. One day I went to visit and he no longer had those but instead switched to a speaker I was unfamiliar with, the Janszen Valentina. He said after trying a lot of different models, these were the only things he liked better than ML while retaining some of the same characteristics. From my limited time listening I would say they did have the same magical properties but improved impact and immediacy, plus a more organic tone that didn't get obnoxious even with trumpets or other challenging sounds. He said he tried the passive version with his (really nice) monoblocks but ended up liking the active version better. He felt like that made them an incredible value. No idea of his room or taste is similar to yours at all but maybe Janszen is worth a look? |
On the mention of a horn speaker, I would consider the Charney Audio Companions. They are in your price range with the Vocative AC 2.6 and slightly higher than your price with the uncompromising AER BD3. I think you will be quite satisfied with the sound.
Of note, I have mine paired with a SET 45 tube amp. I find ML a bit clinical, so although I listen to similar music to you and feel these speakers do it all in those genres, a live listen would be warranted. They have a sense of 105 dB, so you could easily trade in the ML and get a beautiful sounding lower wattage amp and use the profit to upgrade to the AER BD3. Charney is located in the NE (? Jersey). I am located in New Orleans and would be happy to let you listen if I am in your area.
Cheers
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- 83 posts total