B&W CM1 vs Martin Logan LX16

[BrettMendes]

The title pretty much says it all. I recently bought an Onkyo tx-nr609 and would like to get two good quality bookshelf speakers to go with it. I'm not planning on having a sub or center channel and it will likely be used in relatively small spaces for most of my life. I have the B&W MM-1 for my computer and the C5 earphones, but those Martin Logans really intrigue me. I would love to get some input on what you think would be best. I listen to a lot of classical and operatic music, as well as heavy metal and Tom Waits. Also, is the Onkyo going to be powerful enough for either of these speakers? I'm slightly concerned with the ML's being rated at 4 ohms.

 

[Swerd]

Have you listened to either of those? That may help you decide.

The frequency response of the CM-1 doesn't look so good. That ragged looking dip, centered around 2 kHz, will significantly affect the sound of voices and many orchestral instruments. It will negatively affect the off-axis performance and the speaker's ability to create good sound images.

See this link for more measurements by the Canadian National Research Council. They are a 3rd party organization (they don't sell speakers or publish reviews) that publishes reliable measurements of speaker performance.

I could not find similar info about the Martin Logan LX15. The manufacturer's claim of a sensitivity of 92 dB seems exaggerated for a 5¼" woofer in a small cabinet. A more typical sensitivity value might be 84 to 85 dB, which is what B&W claims for the CM1.

Either one of those speakers will be somewhat hard to drive to high volume, but they may not present a problem for you receiver. If Martin Logan's claim of high sensitivity is true, then they will be much easier to drive than the CM-1.

I don't know what prices you have been quoted for those speakers. Online I saw roughly $900 to $1000 per pair. For that price range, I can recommend the Salk SongSurround I. Salk is an internet direct speaker maker, you won't find any stores that sell them, but you may find an owner who will demo them for you. Look for the Owner's Audition List posted here. This model is marketed as surround channel speakers to go with the Salk SongTower for home theater systems, but I know first hand that they are excellent stand alone speakers for a 2-channel system.

 

[GranteedEV]

The title pretty much says it all. I recently bought an Onkyo tx-nr609 and would like to get two good quality bookshelf speakers to go with it. I'm not planning on having a sub or center channel and it will likely be used in relatively small spaces for most of my life. I have the B&W MM-1 for my computer and the C5 earphones, but those Martin Logans really intrigue me. I would love to get some input on what you think would be best. I listen to a lot of classical and operatic music, as well as heavy metal and Tom Waits. Also, is the Onkyo going to be powerful enough for either of these speakers? I'm slightly concerned with the ML's being rated at 4 ohms.

What's your price range? I feel you can realistically do better than either.

 

[zieglj01]

I would even look at something like the KEF Q300 - for the price,
they have decent on and off axis measurements.
KEF Q300 Bookshelf Speakers

http://www.vanns.com/shop/servlet/item/features/543883772/kef-q300-bookshelf-speakers?s_c=site_search

And the NHT Classic Three
http://www.soundstagenetwork.com/measurements/speakers/nht_classic_three/

http://www.nhthifi.com/Three?sc=12&category=3772

 

[BrettMendes]

Thanks for the responses, guys. I currently have a part time job at a best buy so with my employee discount the Bowers & Wilkins would be just shy of $600. The Martin Logans have not come in yet but they would probably be around $400-500 for a pair. I've listened to the CM1s and enjoyed them buy they seemed a little "soft" for the money. I haven't heard the Martin Logans yet. The new Definitive Technology studio monitors were pretty impressive, but I hate black speakers and really want cherry or walnut veneers.

 

[kini]

What's your price range? I feel you can realistically do better than either.

This type of "advice" is irritating. Unless you have heard the MLs, which you gave no indication of, there is no way you are qualified to make such a statement.

The MLs may well be the greatest book shelf speaker ever made. Who knows until there is more data.

Anyway, the ML folded motion tweeter sounded pretty nice in the Motion 12s and Motion 4s I listened to.

The midrange in both those speakers were not (to my ears) as nice as the B&W 683s I also listened to at the same time.

Perhaps ML made some changes to their new speaker line.

 

[jwhitt]

Martin Logan LX16

Anyone heard these Rhyme Acoustics NuScale 216 at Madisound? Looks like they might compare to the Martin Logan LX16. Only it has a larger woofer and better rated bass. Half the price.

I bought a used pair of the Martin Logan LX16. But don't have them yet.

Rhyme Acoustics $440 per pair

NuScale 216 6.5" 2-way speaker pair - Cherry

Fully assembled
2-way bookshelf speaker
Tweeter: Fountek NeoCd3.0 3" ribbon
Woofer: Fountek FW168SE 6.5" aluminum cone long throw
Crossover: 18dB HP and LP
Frequency Response: 45Hz to 40,000Hz +/- 3dB
Impedance: 8 ohm
Sensitivity: 83.7dB /W/M
Rated Power: 80W (*IEC268-5)
Dimensions: 386mm x 213mm x 288mm (15.2" x 8.4" x 11.3")
Net Weight: 10.2kg (22.5 lbs) each