Time to buy some Martin Logans... EM-ESLs or Vistas?

[Chacranajxy]

So, I have most of the equipment for my new sound setup together. I've got an Emotiva UMC-1 and an Emotiva XPA-2... all I need now are the speakers. I was planning to go with the Martin Logan EM-ESLs, but I noticed I can get the Vistas for about the same price. The Vistas are a few years older, but they retailed for like... twice as much... and that has me wondering which model would ultimately be the better choice. Because who knows? Maybe the EM-ESLs use a better panel or something. I'm so clueless

Help me out so I can finally get the whole thing put together!

 

[Hocky]

Em esl. The Vista had some quality problems and really couldn't be driven hard.

 

[Chacranajxy]

Em esl. The Vista had some quality problems and really couldn't be driven hard.

Really? Any more details on the quality issues?

Kinda torn, because the Vista seems to have a larger radiating surface which, for whatever reason, makes me think it would sound better... hmm...

 

[Hocky]

Really? Any more details on the quality issues?

Kinda torn, because the Vista seems to have a larger radiating surface which, for whatever reason, makes me think it would sound better... hmm...

The bigger the panel the better it typically is, but I think the newer crossovers are better and the integration improvement might be enough to make you forget about it. Personally, I think you're better served with a current model, current technology vs the older, more expensive, but discontinued technology. You wouldn't believe the difference between my Summit and Summit X and they're basically the same speaker with a different crossover.

As far as quality issues, the Vista is one of the China built models (although the EMESL probably is, too, I would guess) and a lot of people have had issues with cracking/breaking plastics and blowing woofers multiple times. I haven't heard the Vista, personally, but I've heard from more than one person that they have some problems.

 

[Chacranajxy]

Interesting. I didn't realize that the crossovers were changed, nor that the integration was improved in the EM-ESL.

Reading up on the woofer-blowing problem kind of terrifies me. I don't need to blast music so it might not be something I have to worry about, but it's still concerning, to say the least. I don't want to have to handle a new setup with kid gloves.

And as far as I know, Martin Logan ditched China. I think the EM-ESLs are built in Canada, which... while Canadian, is still a respectable place. I haven't heard of build quality issues.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

You can't audition both and see for yourself?

Just because a product is newer and different does not guarantee that it is better.

Where are you planning on buying them (return policy)?

 

[Chacranajxy]

Nope. Can't find the Vistas in a store locally. I'd be buying the speakers online, either from Amazon or Audioholics' store.

But yeah, I know that a newer product isn't necessarily better... but it certainly could be.