Is there an alternate to Martin Logans?

There is nothing wrong to ask opinion more than one time at a group conference. you have 2 problems: 1. not loud enough and low enough - I cannot comment until I know what kind of gear you are using to drive the ML. 2. no dynamic speakers can give that kind of transparency ML does except those panel speakers like Genesis and Infinity products

So oft these two 'problems' are addressed at the backend when they should be addressed at the frontend. The Logans will go loud enough and low enough with proper source and power. VTL monoblocks or similar quality will drive these with ample amplitude and solid bass(no, not rumbling subwoofer, I have the need for eviction bass, go buy a 24" Hartley). The Logans also fool people because they disperse so well you are unaware of sound pressure levels. They can be real loud, meter them sometime and it will surprise you. Good luck. Satchmo

I own a pair of Martin Logan Quest Z's, and they play plenty loud with excellent bass. I've yet to hear another speaker with the speed and detail of the ML's (I owned a pair of Apogeee Duetta's for several years, very smooth but a power hog and lacked a little on the bottom end). Once you get hooked on the "panel" sound, it's awfully hard to go back to traditional box speakers. My suggestion to you, sell the Aerius' and move up a notch or two in the ML product line. JL

While I agree with most of whats said here so far you have to realize that the 8" driver in your ML's can only go down so far. More power (but clean) from a great amp may bring you down lower than you are now. You do not memtion your amplifier so I cannot comment on whether changing it may make a difference. For the longest time I had a pair of Acoustat Spectra 11 speakers that also had a 8" driver. I found a big difference when I went from my older Bryston 3B (200 w/ch @ 4 ohms) to a Bryston 4B-ST (400 w/ch @ 4 ohms). The bass was even better as well as lower - more control. But I return to the fact that your model's 8" driver is the most limiting factor. IMHO, move up the ML scale or bring in a good quality sub. Tne sub may well be your least expensive option.

right now I have a Conrad Johnson Premier 14 tube preamp and their new MF2500 240 watt solid state amp. It puts around 450 watts into 4 ohms, so I don't think power is an issue, also I foudn that when I had auditioned a pair of Nautilus 803s in my room they were very boomy, the aerius have been the only speaker that sounded tight.