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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
jonwolfpell
529 posts
 

I second the Volti Audio Rivals. While they’re not as hyper detailed or offer a as good a 3 D image as some speakers mentioned, they have a full bodied, open sound that actually sounds close to live music & not “hi fi”. Dynamically, they will effortlessly blow away just about every speaker mentioned here & for rock music, sound better than most of the concerts I’ve been to in the past 10 or 15 years. They’re are really fun! 
 

I recently added an SVS R3000 sub ( new model) to augment the very bottom end in my big room ( 40 hz & below) & this seems to have added just the right amount of weight to some music & recordings. I’m still experimenting but for now, I have it set at 40 hz roll off, 12 db / octave & about -15 db for most recordings. 

manwhosoldtheworld
3 posts
 

I would consider a tube preamp to add some body, smoothness, and musicality  to the Logans, but that would also mean either using the 585 as an amp or getting a different amp.  I have heard the 585 with big JBL horns that sounded great.  Smooth, layered, effortless, and detailed. Plenty of other horn speakers out there as well.   

Not much out there can contend with electrostatic detail and precision, but they have their cons, just like anything else.  The reason all of us former stat owners always come back to stats is that nothing else quite sound like them, particularly in their price point.  I would definitely try anthem room correction or components that have dirac, but those are aimed mostly at the low end of the freq. response.   I think room absorption/treatment is going to be your best way to tame etchiness in the Logans. fwiw. 

kymanor1
126 posts
 

Klipsch or Wilson

sounds_real_audio
1,095 posts
 

Sure why not....not like you are putting your kids up for adoption. Live a little..

technomagus's avatar
technomagus
27 posts
 

I’ve had MLs (currently Spire) for 26 years. Like you I was using them with Mark Levinson amplification (331) and recognise that feeling of long-listen fatigue, set against the incomparable staging, transparency and clarity of the electrostatics. That was until I paired a really good valve amp with the MLs - in my case the Octave v110SE with KT150s and the Super Black Box capacitor bank. I promptly sold the Levinson. 
Since then, I’ve listened to a wide range of systems and speakers (Wilson, Art, Fyne, Finisterre) - all excellent, but none, at any price, have tempted me away from the synergy of my current setup.

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