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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
necrosuit OP
17 posts
 

Afternoon all,

Thanks again for all the feedback, suggestions, and links, really appreciate it. My list is up to 22 speakers to research now… getting a little out of hand (in a good way). I’m also starting to consider amp/tube changes, and maybe even exploring Zobel network options. I try not to go too far down the cable rabbit hole, but for reference I’m currently running Nordost Norse Heimdall 2.

Just wanted to say thanks again and that I’m keeping up with the thread and taking notes as I go.

@technomagus 
Really interesting—thanks for sharing that. I’m going to dig into that combo a bit more. I appreciate the comparison, and yeah, it’d be fun to experiment with amps too.

Looks like I may need to spend some time with KEF speakers as well.

@jtucker 
Haha, that sounds like a blast—but did your pants actually fly off? 😂

@cooperdude6 
I do have some room treatment, but there’s definitely room (no pun intended) for more. I’ve also read that more current could help smooth things out and improve impact on the 15A. My dad has an Accuphase E-5000 that I’d love to own… just not sure it’s in the budget right now. Or is it…

@shiner01 
Thanks for the input. It does seem like adding power and possibly mixing in tubes could be the direction to go. I really love the huge soundstage of the ML 15A, so I want to build around that. What are you currently running for amp/preamp?

@polkalover 
Appreciate it, that “processed” description really resonates. I’ve added those speakers to my list to check out.

@vip428 
Thanks for the detailed reply. I’m definitely going to look into the Zobel network idea., it’s the kind of tuning/experimentation I enjoy, especially when it’s something new to me. Appreciate the insight and the links.

shiner01
27 posts
 

@necrosuit PS Audio BHK Pre and BHK 300 Monos

shiner01
27 posts
 

potential interesting twist ->

ML just reduced the price on their Masterpiece series across the board...during a time of supply chain disruptions and material price increases.  Product refresh coming soon???  The line up is about a decade old at this point. 

https://www.martinlogan.com/en/category/our-speakers

kennyc
2,974 posts
 

@necrosuit The fatigue I’m experiencing shows up mostly with compressed hard rock recordings,

is this THE major concern meaning are you striving for a more forgiving presentation?  I ask because electrostatic and planar speakers are usually ruthlessly transparent. More forgiving electronics can also be sonically helpful. 

necrosuit OP
17 posts
 

@shiner01 Wow! Those Neoliths are looking good for a cool 120k . lol. Interesting though. They are due for something. 

 

@kennyc Its one of the concerns. I know I can "tame" some of the harsh with elctronics but I am also seeking / seeing if a box speaker may actually give me that best of all worlds scenario. Having this insanley huge stage presentation with the 15a is hard to let go. 

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