ML Advice
About 4 weeks ago, I called ML and asked their recommendation for a ML center channel speaker to match the new ElectroMotion electrostatics I was buying. At that time, the sales rep suggested using an electrostatic center channel for superior voice matching. The ML electrostat center channels (Matinee, Feature, Motif, and Stage) range in price from $1,500 - $3,000 and were outside my budget. But since I noticed that the ESL C2 center channels were not yet shipping, I took the "voice pairing" issue with a grain of salt.
Last week I ordered from OneCall the ESL C2 for $800--expensive, but about half the cost of ML's electrostatic center channels. The C2 shipped immediately and arrived yesterday. I've not yet installed it, but look forward to hearing the dialogue in HT use. Since center channel is not encoded in normal stereo audio recordings, I don't think the "voice matching" is likely to ruin my day.
By the way, I also accepted in part and rejected in part ML's advice regarding a subwoofer. That same sales rep advised against the ML Dynamo ($500) because its ported design results in less precise audio reproduction (fine for HT, but not so good for music). ML advised using the closed cabinet Dynamo 700 ($700), which again was above my budget. My research confirmed the advantages of closed cabinet subs, so I purchased a closed cabinet Emotiva Sub 12 ($429) which does sound better than the ML Dynamo 500 (I could not find demo for the ML Dynamo 700).
Of course, I make lots of mistakes and probably worry too much about saving a few dollars for retirement.
GinMaster
