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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
coltrane1's avatar
coltrane1
883 posts
 

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. 

jtucker
105 posts
 

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.

audio-b-dog's avatar
audio-b-dog
777 posts
 

I owned Apogee speakers back in the day, and loved the sound of their ribbons. On a constrained budget, I moved over to Golden Ear with a folded ribbon tweeter. When I inherited money I moved up to Sonus Faber Olympica Nova V. I've had them for two years and really like them a lot. I would say that their treble sounds as good as ribbons, and their bass is awesome with three seven-inch woofers. I'd suggest you listen if you are able to. BTW, these are not the Sonus Faber of old. They have opened up their tweeters for a very transparent sound. They also are an extremely transparent speaker in general, so you need good upstream gear that is not too bright. I have a Pass phono preamp, Pass preamp, and Hovland Radia Amp. (I know you'll have to look that one up. 25 years old and it is awesome!)

jr19
54 posts
 

+1 jfrost27. Legacy fanboy here...

cooperdude6
80 posts
 

I haven't read all the replies in the thread, so please forgive me if this has been addressed: Have you tried/do you have room treatment to tame the sound? The 15A has a large panel and if you are getting reflections to your listening position that could be the source of some of your fatigue.

FYI, I have owned M-L hybrids for over 30 years now, and they do require some current to drive. While I respect your Levinson 585 and it's 200WPC and doubling into 4 ohms, there are some people that drive the 15A (and 13A) with much more power per channel. I cannot speak first hand on that series of M-Ls but FB has a couple of M-L user groups where this has been discussed. Good luck.

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