Speaker hunt -> To leave or not Leave Martin Logan Behind

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.

I have a friend with ML speakers. He is spending ALOT of money trying to tame the brightness and etch. I highly recommend you add Rockport speakers to your list to audition. The Atria ii should be in your price range but the Avior ii is the one I would try to find used. It is amazing. My room is slightly smaller than yours and my Avior ii’s sound phenomenal. Good luck in your search! 

Do you have any kind of room treatment , diffusers, absorption ???

I recently took a dive back into Martin Logans as well having had a few pairs in the past. At the time I decided to do so I was running a pair of Tekton Moabs with Krell, Primaluna and Rotel amplification that I'd had for about 6 years when I got the "change/upgrade" bug, I opted for a pair of ML Montis speakers (used but in pristine condition).

I now know that was an enormous mistake. Although the ML's were nice, they did not have the soundstatge, realism, impact or depth of musical character that I had become used to with my Tektons. The ML's were also fairly fussy about setup as has been noted, though I did "dial" the in the best I could.

On the other hand, the Tektons are fast, accurate, truly full range, brilliant at reproduction and, quite frankly, the best spoeakers I've ever heard in my 40+ years of audio/music listening. And I've listened to many of the so called best ovet that time. And they're not nearly as fussy about setup. 

Needless to say, I sold the ML's and am now pursuing either Tekton's Encores or Symphonys.I'll be in Utah at the Tekton's facility this week auditioning to make that choice.