@necrosuit since we have somewhat similar set ups and taste in music, I'm curious to hear how you arrived at the Nordost Heimdall 2 cables. I'm currently using DH Labs Silver Sonic Air Matrix interconnects, Anticables speaker leads, and PS Audio power cords (quality cables, but nothing really fancy in this hobby). I've been curious about Nordost cables, and have heard others say that you really need to go higher up in the product line to hear the benefits. I've been reluctant to spend that kind of $ on cables because with a multi-component system like I've got, I could upgrade my speakers at a lower cost and I'm concerned about ROI. Still, I'm curious what gains might be had there. Appreciate your thoughts.
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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@shiner01 Honestly I was cable rolling for awhile and ended up here by chance and suggestion. Im not married to these cables but dont really want to start that train again soon. I will say these are fast and open sounding compared to a lot of them I have had. I am open to different cables but right now I am in speaker / room treatment / amp mode. |
This is a tough one. Ive owned my CLS 1s for over 30 years. To me, they're that good. I dont hear the galr or brightness that others describe. My hair still stands up from time to time. Yes, they dont go extra deep, but what they do well is what has kept me captive all this years. Granted, I have too motch electronics that mate well with the CLS---and that's got to be right. Im keeping them forever. (Idont know if I can say the same about the hybrid models...but full-range 'stats or ribbons are damn fantastic. With that said, Im sure I'll make space for kef blades or SF Amatis. |
Volti has already been mentioned/suggested, so I'll just pile on. Axpona would have been a good opportunity to listen to Greg's sweet spot Lucera's and walk around doing some comparisons. I have listened to all of the Volti line up, including when Greg's flagship Vittora was a prototype. I have enjoyed the entry Razz for several years now, (as my budget dictated). There is surely a Volti house sound, amazing mids, very impactful and dynamic presentation, I would not characterize Volti as laid back, however since I have paired my Razz with a class A integrated from Luxman, there is a whole additional ballgame emerging. Delicate and refined when I'm listening to jazz, yet still peeling my eyelids back when I'm in the mood for metal. I have yet to hear anything at either AXPONA or the FLA. show that changes my thoughts. |
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