I have always been very impressed with the SQ of Martin Logans. I am especially attracted to their very detailed, open, airy, transparent sound. I have been reluctant however to jump to electrostatic speakers . I am in the market for new speakers (I have some old but tremendous Boston Acoustic VR 40s); I am looking for dynamic speakers which have sound characteristics similar to the ML's. I know the sound cannot be exactly duplicated but would value your opinions re which dynamic spkrs have similar detail and openness. Need to stay in the $2000 to $3500 price range for a pair. I have an HSU subwoofer to go with them. Maybe its just time for make the jump to some Martin Logans.
Thanks very much.
HR

Magnepan. Like the ML, I would stay away from the lesser models unless you have a small room.

If you go ML, make sure you know the limitations of electrostats before jump on that ship. It is not for everybody nor for every type of music.

I am looking for dynamic speakers which have sound characteristics similar to the ML's. I know the sound cannot be exactly duplicated but would value your opinions re which dynamic spkrs have similar detail and openness.
HR

Kinda like asking for an apple that tastes like an orange. I have never heard a dynamic speaker that comes close to the airiness and openness of a good electrostatic. Maybe they exist, but I sure haven't heard it.

at $2000 msrp, you have the martin logan source which is the smallest electrostatic
at $3000 msrp, you have the purity which is fully self powered, great speaker IMO
at $3500 msrp, you have the martin logan vista which is nearly a full size electrostatic panel (by todays standards...) but it will require an amplifier both woofer and panel

You should go at least listen and check out the new logan stuff as I find the purity's to be a great option personally. I think they sound very good and you don't need an amplifier at all.

Magnepan. Like the ML, I would stay away from the lesser models unless you have a small room.

If you go ML, make sure you know the limitations of electrostats before jump on that ship. It is not for everybody nor for every type of music.

I agree with this. However, take my opinion with a grain of salt, because I dislike Martin Logan from both a sound perspective and a value perspective. I do, however, very much like Magnepan, and if electrostats are your type of thing, they'd be a good choice (though Magnepans are not electrostats).

I appreciate this input. My impressions are being confirmed that the ML sound is unique and hard to replicate. I have heard many of these speakers (and yrs ago toured the factory!). May be time to make the move to Magnepan or ML. Thanks again.

IMO&E the only dynamic speakers that will match the clarity and low distortion of MLs are large horn-compression driver systems and I ain't talking Klipsch either. Such speakers are rare and take a certain amount of---dedication.

I'm going to be downsizing from large horns and was just out listening to MLs yesterday and they made the dynamic speakers I heard, both Maggies and high-end market cone-domes, sound pretty mediocre. My opinion ya inderstand.

After wanting ML's for about 10 years now, I found a great deal on some used Vista's and have had them for a few months.

They have exceeded my expectations and give me the ML sound that I personally love.

One of the biggest knocks on ML is that they do have a small sweet spot. I cannot argue this point but I do have to say that they sound great even out of the sweet spot. It is just that the sweet spot on ML's is almost *magical* to me and unlike any other speaker I have auditioned. In 2 channel the sound is engrossing giving the effect that all the speakers in my 5.1 set up are playing, even though they are not. They give an amazing center image with great detail and separation to my ears.

The sweet spot in my set up is about 3.5-4' wide and about 8-12' from the speakers. In that box they are jaw dropping, outside that box, they sound great too, just not *magical* for lack of a better adjective.

This is my opinion of the speakers and there are others that disagree. We all hear things differently.

I look at my ML set up like this. For me, they are great all purpose speakers, but are ultimately my selfish HT item that are truly enjoyed most when I am sitting in the sweet spot, eyes closed and letting them take me for a ride. In other words, they are designed for sitting down and appreciating the music you love.

Just my .02 from a ML lover.


Later

All this is making me want to hop in the car and go listen to some ML's. I have heard the Vistas and am very impressed. I agree they sound very good even outside the precise sweet spot. (Can't say this for some of the smaller MLs). I have not had a chance to hear the Puritys but look forward to the opportunity. Thanks for the continuing input!
HR

All this is making me want to hop in the car and go listen to some ML's. I have heard the Vistas and am very impressed. I agree they sound very good even outside the precise sweet spot. (Can't say this for some of the smaller MLs). I have not had a chance to hear the Puritys but look forward to the opportunity. Thanks for the continuing input!
HR

If you can swing it financially, I'd go (I did) for the Vantages. You'd be surprised what a powered woofer and a lower crossover point can do in a medium-large to large room. On the other hand, for small room I'd recommend the Purity. The Vista is good but I'd drive it with a good amp.

And if your dealer has a proper 5.1 ML setup, go listen to that! Every detail and nuance was crisp and clear. I thought ML were for music only until I demoed it in person.

The Purity sounds really interesting. Any concern re the lifespan, maintenance of the built in amps?
HR

The Purity sounds really interesting. Any concern re the lifespan, maintenance of the built in amps?
HR

I do not know about any quality concerns, but the built in amps do a great job in driving the Purity's. I was going to get them until I found the deal on the Vistas.

I have a Sherbourne 7/2100 amp (300 wpc @ 4ohms) driving my Vistas.

You don't have to worry about that with the Purity's.

Later

I am considering a Marantz SR7002/8002 to bring my AV equipment to the modern era. Would either/both of these drive the Vista adequately?

I am considering a Marantz SR7002/8002 to bring my AV equipment to the modern era. Would either/both of these drive the Vista adequately?


Well, my Denon 4308ci did a nice job of driving my Vistas via Bi Amping. But going with a separate amp has definitely done a better job. My 4308 is now the pre amp.

Their ESL line of speakers really want power. Thats one of the things that make the Puritys so nice with having the amps built in.

I have no experience with Marantz, but I do hear that they have nice amps in their receivers.

Later

The Purity sounds really interesting. Any concern re the lifespan, maintenance of the built in amps?
HR

I'm sure you'll have issues with the ESL panels and/or woofer before any issues with the ice power amps. The amps are quite robust and reliable.

Thanks for that info re the Purity amps!
HR

I'm going to be downsizing from large horns and was just out listening to MLs yesterday and they made the dynamic speakers I heard, both Maggies and high-end market cone-domes, sound pretty mediocre. My opinion ya inderstand.

Saw you stuff up for sale on the LH forums. Good luck with the new system. Sometimes a change is as good as a vacation. :)