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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
necrosuit OP
17 posts
 

Hey everyone,

Wow — thanks for all the suggestions. My “must audition” list just grew quite a bit.

@kennymacc
Funny enough, I just realized there’s a Focal dealer literally 1 mile from my house — setting up a demo this week.

@mazian 
I’ve read similar feedback about Focal’s tweeter design. My dad and I actually heard them last year, and he experienced some fatigue that lines up with what you’re describing. Looking forward to doing a proper, controlled listen this time around.

@donquichotte 
Appreciate the detailed thoughts. Sonus Faber is definitely moving up my list — I’ve heard enough now that I really need to experience them for myself.

@iseland 
I do have acoustic treatment in place (absorption and diffusion), but I haven’t run ARC yet. That’s probably my next step before making any big moves. The ML 15A are fantastic overall, especially given how wide my musical tastes are, but I do feel like I’m missing a bit of midrange body and dynamic impact.

Horns never really crossed my mind before — I always assumed they might be too forward or lean for heavier genres — but I’m starting to rethink that. Definitely something I’ll explore now.

The good news is I’m lucky to have a ton of great dealers within about a 2-hour drive, so I’ve got plenty of opportunities to hear this gear properly.

phishhhhh4's avatar
phishhhhh4
175 posts
 

Fischer & Fischer 470

 

https://fischer-fischer.de/en/snsl-470/

mike4597's avatar
mike4597
303 posts
 

In the $15K to $25K range I would definitely look hard at the Fyne Audio 700 series.  The F-704 (12” bass) and F-703SP (10” bass but upgraded components) both are in the middle of your range—not sure of the price on the F-704SPs.  I have the F-702 models with the 8” woofers and run them with two Rhythmik F12se subs, and the sound quality is superb, with the MSRP of that combo now running about $15k.  Great instrument and voice tonal qualities, superb soundstage, and great definition.  The music does not “appear” to be coming from the speakers at all, but from an area around, behind, and above them … and to some degree from beyond the sides of the speakers.  I am using a tube preamp and solid state power amplification, and I could not be more pleased with the sound.  I would have liked to buy the F-704s, but they would have overpowered, visually, our modest living room.  This combo gives me superb SQ throughout the spectrum, with bass you can feel … but only when it is there in the music.  

ronboco
1,110 posts
 

@jijoh123 

interesting comment about Tekton speakers. I would love to hear them someday. What are the other brands you have compared them to ? 

jfrost27
97 posts
 

Legacy Audio Focus HD. Or if you can stretch a bit, the Aeris. The Aeris retails for $30k. But dealers will usually discount as much as 15% which brings them very close. They’re stunning both in sound and appearance. 

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