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.

necrosuit

AXPONA would have ideal to hear different speakers to help find a personality subjective sonic preferences. 

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I second the Vandersteen Quatros, I recently moved from Logan classic 9’s in a small room which I really liked but they were too much for the room.  I feared I’d not get that fill the room ambiance that really hits home with stuff like EDM and such but I’ve been blown away by what I’m getting and the detail is way beyond the Logan’s not to mention the pinpoint accuracy in staging. 
I initially tried the Treo CT’s but just got the Quatros and they have all the beauty of the midrange and top end of the treos but include a way solid bass integration. 

Like you I had a ML for many years, the Vantage model which I really liked despite an abbreviated low end. As the change bug bit I moved on to Sonus Fabers which had mids and highs slightly better than the MLs and about on par bass response. I really liked both speakers but considered an upgrade and auditioned Wilsons and Focal Sopra 2s. The Wilson and Focal sound was a million miles away from ML and SF sound - very analytic and to my ears too bright for long term listening. If you generally liked the ML sound, like me you might not be comfortable with the Focals.

I moved away from Martin Logan after having owned the Classic 9 and the Impression 11A. They had to stay close to the front wall, so a certain amount of absorption material precisely positioned behind them was mandatory to avoid a nasty, detail and hf extension eating comb filter. Even so, I couldn't get them to sound natural in spite of partnering them with Accuphase gear and occ copper cables. They had wonderful qualities, especially detail and a very "big" sound, but not the right timber which is very important to me as a mainly jazz and classical listener. Also I wanted a more tactile midrange and ML's midrange, while very transparent, could also be a bit distant sometimes.

 

The next step was meant to be an intermediate one, but I almost ended up there: the Spendor SP2/3R2 of course did not provide the "big" sound and the detail, while surprisingly good in the midrange, was not quite in the same class; however, the sound became much more natural and very musical. Harbeth M30.2, Sonus Faber Serafino and even the Spendor Classic 100 came and left, and neither Sonus Faber Amati Tradition (first version) nor the Harbeth M40.2 heard in other rooms impressed me quite enough (although I suspect both can be massaged to sound really great). And I wouldn't put the BBC type monitors on top of my list if I was listening mainly to metal, they are not aggressive enough.

 

About a month ago I purchased a pair of Sonus Faber Amati Futura. I posted more detailed impressions in a different thread, but I don't miss my Logans one bit anymore. They do everything great, including rock, and sound big, refined, detailed, assertive and beautiful. If you don't mind buying used, they could be an option. Alternatively, maybe the current Amati Tradition G5... As always when buying audio equipment, especially speakers, you need to have a good listen first, preferably in your room with your own partnering gear.