martin logan electrostatic transducer

[mike c]

what are your comments re: electrostatic transducer vs. conventional speakers?

 

[Eric Apple]

I like 'em

I like the ML ESLs a lot. I have a pair of Aeon-i's and they sound great. The bass is generally lacking though on the ML's and you must use a sub with a higher xovr. I run about 100hz with a 10" sub located up front by the ML's. Imaging is fantastic and the resolution of the speakers is as good as it gets.

Since they are dipole speakers, placement is critical. You need to have these out about 3' from a normal type of drywall wall. Fabric hangings would reduce this distance.

Compared to normal speakers, they are quick. But, much more picky with placement, and a better image (IMHO) offset by a smaller sweetspot compared to high end conventional.

 

[mike c]

so is the imaging on an electro... better than a conventional speaker? (so ML says so)
or are you just paying for the "new" technology and not "better" sound

 

[jaxvon]

Mike,

The technology is definitely not new, and arguably not "better". But the sound is different. And for some, it's "the sound" that they have been looking for. Like Magnepans, ML Electrostats have a great sound stage, but only if you sit in the sweet spot, due to their limited horizontal dispersion.

 

[mike c]

in the interest of true audio addiction and obsession ... im already planning my next speaker purchase

i think i should research this early so that i dont rush into buying something next time. it also gives me something to look forward to

 

[annunaki]

I have listend to the 'Logans quite a bit. They do sound quite good. They image and stage very well and very accurately. They are a fairly transparent speakers as well. On acoustic recordings they sound fabulous. The Prodigy and Ascent i are excellent speakers, though very expensive.

On the negative side, they do have a small sweet spot. The sweet spot is usually about 18-24 inches wide by 24-36 inches tall, at a normal seating position. They can suffer placement issues in active rooms. The lower end models lack bass mid/bass output. On amplified music they seem to exhibit a harshness that does not seem realistic, almost exaggerated. I also have felt that they are not as dynamic or punchy in the midbass regions as dynamic speakers. They can be a difficult load for some amplifiers to drive as well.

Money aside, the Prodigy is one of the best speakers I have ever listened to. I would have a hard time turning down a pair.

 

[mike c]

hmm, what are the prodigys?

http://www.martinlogan.com/speaker_gallery.html

is it an old model?

 

[Dan]

I auditioned the Aeons thoroughly about three years ago when I was shopping. I thought they were thin sounding and imaged poorly for their price. This included a variety of music from classical to jazz piano to vocals to rock. I had wanted to like them because they look so cool and have great conversation value. I think they might benefit from a big amp. I was listening on a B&K receiver of about 125 W/ch. The Vandersteen 3as image much better (also with a small sweet spot), have a better frequency range and are a little less money. They also weigh 15kg less. Those MLs are mighty heavy. The salesman had said upfront I would like the Vansersteen's better and he was right. He did say that the $10K/pr MLs were much better and more competitive at their price point than the Aeons. I refused to listen to anything beyond my price range, a rule I strongly recommend to anyone. Try Vandersteens if you can find them. They are fabulous for jazz or just about anything except music to rupture eardrums by. I think they have a lot of what people look for in electrostats but solve the problems of them better.

 

[annunaki]

hmm, what are the prodigys?

http://www.martinlogan.com/speaker_gallery.html

is it an old model?

I noticed that as well. I think the Prodigy was replaced by the Summit. They seem similar as far as what they use for drivers and the like.

I have not been impressed by the models below the ones I mentioned previously. I think there is better available at those price points.

 

[mike c]

so with 3k-3.5k USD, what choices of speakers can i get?
(the only advantage of the ML transducers is the look factor, and like someone said above, makes for a good conversation)

 

[Eric Apple]

I like the MLs not for looks but sound; like I said I like how they sound a lot. My suggestion is that you plan a few road trips with your favorite CD's and listen to see what you like. I find that is pretty entertaining. The UPS delivery route gets old, and return shipping charges add up fast. Maybe spend some time auditioning in person, then pick out one online order bundle. Get the online set, see if you like them.

Then decide to keep the mail order, or return them and get one of the sets you got to hear.

3-5k price range there's plenty to pick from, and no one is going to be able to tell you what you'll like the best. You have a nice list of speakers and descriptions of how they sound from earlier posts in this thread.

 

[annunaki]

I would also suggest a listening session in person. Also, compare dynamic loudspeakers in the same price range as the electrostats and make your conclusions. Bring your favorite cds and a notepad. Take down notes as you listen. That way, if you must go to another retailer to hear other speakers, you will have a better basis to go from. There are a lot of great speakers in that price range.