I love my tektons although I've been reluctant to support them after seeing what happened with Erin from Erin's audio corner. Sucks because I really like the speaks but don't like supporting someone who threatens to sue reviewers for just doing their job. Unless I'm missing info that's what appears to have happened. Not sure if anyone touches them on a value basis though. Those new Fyne models do seem pretty sick but probably can't hit the spls of the tektons from the reviews I read
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
I've owned electrostats for 35+ years (Acoustat, ML, and XStatic) and a few planar-magnetics (3 different Magnepans). I've tried lots of box speakers in the intervening years and always drifted back to electrostatics. For some of the same reasons you've mentioned, I'm toying with the idea of going to open baffle designs. We will see if this time, things work out differently. I'm particularly interested in the Pure Audio Project Quintet 15s with the Voxativ AC-X driver. That seems closest to the electrostatic sound but with more efficiency, authority and dynamics. Good luck on your quest and enjoy the music! |
@audphile1 – I’m right there with you. The 15A throws an enormous soundstage and resolves beautifully, but what I’m really missing is that sense of dynamics. The crossover and integration are the best I’ve heard from ML so far, but I’m not going to limit my music choices to suit the speakers. If only adding a second room were that easy lol. The fatigue I’m experiencing shows up mostly with compressed hard rock recordings, which is a big part of what I listen to. It really comes down to that “middle” dynamic range. I’m just not sure I can fully get there with ML. @hedwigstheme – The more I read and hear, the more it sounds like Focal may not be the right fit for me, especially given the reputation for a more forward or edgy tweeter. @decooney – I’m currently running an integrated amp -> No 585, no separate preamp. In the past, I’ve gone the full tube route with different MartinLogans. I had the Ayon Triton and later the Carver Cherry Bomb monoblocks with an Aton tube preamp. I did enjoy the overall presentation, but ultimately felt they lacked the drive and power I was after. I’ve considered going back to tubes to improve midrange dynamics, but at the end of the day, there’s only so much you can do, can’t fundamentally change what the panel is capable of. |
Not many high end speakers will play compressed hard rock well. Focal Sopra will most likely send you running out of the room. |
- 83 posts total