Martin Logan/Vienna Acoustics

[cthomp]

I am looking for opinions on Martin Logan speakers for home theater use. Just went to Best Buy(Magnolia) and guy there preferred them over BA and DefTec's. I also auditioned a brand called Vienna Acoustics that sounded pretty awesome. Looking for somebody that owns either one of these brands for their opinions. Any idea how these would compare to Aperions?

 

[jaxvon]

Either VA or ML would outclass Aperion by a pretty good margin. I've heard Vienna Acoustics and they do sound awesome, just a lil rich for my wallet.

 

[Buckeyefan 1]

ML's have a very small "sweet spot", so I don't know how great they would be for HT use. Go back and demo them from a few different spots in the room. See if you still like them sitting off to one side.

 

[corysmith01]

cthomp, I agree with Jaxvon...the Vienna Acoustics are pretty nice. I listened to their bookshelf offering (Haydn Grand) while I was also at Magnolia. I really really liked them, but thought they were a bit out of my price range too.

If you're considering those, it may be worth it for you to look around and see if there are any dealers in your area other than Magnolia/BB. The reason being, you'll be hard pressed to get Magnolia to give you a discount...in fact, I don't think they will at all. However, a small b&m shop may be willing to work with you and take a percentage off to get your sale. Just a thought. Don't know if you have any other dealers of those brand near you, but could be a way to save some cash. Good luck.

 

[zipper]

I've had pretty good luck getting discounts at Magnolia. Timing is everything though. I've seen them offer some of their high dollar stuff @ 30-40%. Most of the time that applies to demo's, but it never hurts to ask or just make them an offer.

 

[cthomp]

Vienna Acoustics

Thanks for the input! There certainly doesn't seem to be many dealers
other than Magnolia. If anybody out there knows of one, please let me
know! Thanks

 

[Gatorchong]

I've got a pair of the Vienna Haydn Grand's, and I'll probably upgrade to the Mozart one of these days. IMO Vienna has the higher build quality of the two and they also have higher sensitivity so you have more options when it comes to amplification. (I use a Primare I21) I haven't heard Aperion's but based on what I've read you would be better off with either Vienna or ML.

 

[sokrman14]

I used to sell both of those, and I prefer the Vienna Acoustics over the ML. The ML's tend to distort when you crank them up with high frequencies, almost like you can actually hear the electrostatic panels vibratings. Thats my experience with them. Depending on the model of VA you get, they require you to fill the bottom with sand, which gives a little less resonance and crisper bass. I really like the cleanliness and punch of the Viennas. What models are you looking at between the two?

 

[cthomp]

Vienna Acoustics

I listened to the Haydn Grands watching a movie called Open Range. There was a gunfight scene that was awesome! When a bullet hit a wood post, I was looking for the hole in the room! Super crisp, clear and zero distortation. You could even hear the pistol hammer strikes. I have a decent sized room at 17 x 25 x 8 so I was thinking about going with the Bach's in front, Maestro Grand in center, and Waltz Grand for surrounds. The Maestro Grand is expensive at $1195 but I know the center channel is extremely important. This set-up will set me back about $4500 and I don't even have a sub yet! As good as it sounded, it would seem that there are many other options!

In the ML's I was interested in the Mosiac's. I do not care much for the
look of their center and surrounds.

 

[corysmith01]

As good as it sounded, it would seem that there are many other options!

You are correct there. With that kind of cabbage at your disposal, you could probably get set up with something equally good AND have money for a solid sub. Poke around, you'll probably find a lot in terms of recommended systems per budget, etc. But also, keep in mind; they're your ears. If those VA's sounded great (and I'm sure they did), well, you only have to please yourself. But, if you're not hung up on them, do yourself a favor and do some exploration. What's that old saying? Measure twice, cut once. Yeah, that's pretty applicable when buying a/v gear. Good luck.

 

[sokrman14]

Hey CThomp, what area do you live in and what Magnolia did you go to? If near me I can take you to some other stores in the area to show you other things.

 

[cthomp]

I live in Alaska but am visiting Tucson. I went to the Magnolia here in Tucson. I appreciate the offer though.