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.
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 have 20+ year old Magnepans MG 12’s and still have them. Glorious in their own way. For similar reasons to OP’s own, in the past year recently purchased KEF Reference 1 Metas. Fabulous! Perhaps consider KEF Reference line floor standers. Another I heard at Axpona 2026 and were one of my favorites; the Marten-Parker Duo ($19K with ceramic tweeter). |
@necrosuit , I currently run electrostats with the CNX V2. Great sound. if i were in the market for a set of boxed speakers, I would be looking at the Tektron Moab. |
I’ve been with ML since 1979. I had this saying: Once ML, never anything else. I’ve owned other more traditional speakers. The best were open baffles. My ears have a challenging time listening to anything out of a box. I’m not a bass bandit. I enjoy natural bass, like a plucked jazz bass. But more importantly I want to wish you well on your journey attempting to spread your wings, even away from ML. |
Interesting dilemma. I've been a long time planar/dipole owner and currently have ML Montis in a large room. I've been considering going a different direction and have Focal on my short list, but I might stick with ML. However I listen mostly to jazz at moderate to low listening levels. Based on your music preferences, I would steer clear of Focal, Sonus Faber, and any of the BBC clones. The best hard rock/heavy metal system I've heard was Klipsch based, four Khorns and four subs. My pants legs were flapping in the wind from them. Although I am not personally a fan, Tekton my be worth a listen. |
- 83 posts total