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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
oldelectricalinspector
55 posts
 

I have a friend who bought new Sopra 3s along with all Aesthetixs separates , Mola Mola dac , I first heard the system about two weeks from when first got it .  It was bright and fatigueing.  I heard it again about  4 months later, Hugh difference.  We sat for over 4 hours having a blast. 

necrosuit OP
17 posts
 

Heres a tidbit->
Local Focal dealer said the below, what do you all think about these brands that I can audition? These brands are not on my radar but neither was a lot of your suggestions. Just curious as to thoughts and expeience with these brands and models.

After living with the M/L speakers with powered woofers, you may want a sub(s) regardless of what new speaker you purchase.

For your room size, I think additional speakers would be the Paradigm($18,000.00pr) Persona 5F, and the KEF($16,000.00) Reference 3 META, work in the Sopra N2 price range.

We have the smaller Paradigm Persona 3F and larger 9H along with the KEF Reference 3META  also on display.

Sonos Faber and us parted ways back in 2010. Not familiar with the current lineup.

kennyc
2,832 posts
 

It’s been awhile since I demoed speakers, but I used an assortment of CDs when demoing: acoustic instruments (violin, piano, flute, horns, bells, drum…), male/female solo voices, orchestra, other familiar music. Noting the accompanying electronics can also be beneficial in speaker/amp matching.

Since the OP appears to be increasing speaker energy assuming significant volume for hard rock/metal, the room may need additional treatment. 

sls883
1,053 posts
 

Is your listening position 9 feet from the front wall or 9 feet from the front of the speaker pulled out some distance from the front wall? 

danager's avatar
danager
987 posts
 

I would find it difficult to give up that open sound of a dipole speaker,I  tend to hear the box of conventional speaker with sound akin to looking at a high quality photograph as a opposed to a more realistic presentation.  With the size of your listening room my suggestion is corner horns.  Mine are 18ft apart with a listening location about 9ft from the front wall and it provides an immersive, detailed sound stage with separation and depth more like an IMAX presentation.    Is it more like live... probably not but studio produced music isn't live sounding either.  Is it spectacular,  by all means. each  Nils Lofgren string comes from its own location  in 3D soundscape. 

For me also corner horns don't really take up living space a huge benefit over speaker that need to breath 3 to 4 ft from the wall. 

The sound source 18ft apart is to me closer to a headphone experience than speakers even dipoles.

The other benefit is they can be driven with anything and respond well to quality. 

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