The Official Martin Logan Speakers Thread

[SlaughterX]

My ML set-up will be done by the end of this month. I went the cheap, non-electro static route because I can't afford it now, but I think I will be satisfied with my system once I am finished with it. So far I have the 10" DYNAMO, an Encore as the center, and a Helos 20 for the rear (I plan on getting another and running 7.1). I plan on ordering a couple of the Preface speakers unless ML's new line are better and can be had for around the same price. I might have jumped on the Source is the prices hadn't shot back up...

[awal]

I am looking to buy a new home this year and have been putting together a "dream theater" list of components to aquire for a dedicated theater room.

I have completely fallin in love with the Martin Logan Preface http://www.martinlogan.com/products/preface for my Fronts

and the Martin Logan Encore TF Dual 4" http://www.martinlogan.com/products/encoretf for my Surrounds and Back Surrounds.

Of these two models, which do you think would work better as a Center?

As of now, the receiver driving them will be an Onkyo 807.

[richteer]

Hmm. If you can stretch your budget a bit further, try for one of ML's electrostatic speakers. That's where the magic starts!

[awal]

So far I have only been able to directly compare the Preface and the Source. During the demo, I had my eyes closed and had them switch back and fourth between the two.

To my surprise, I didn't really prefer the sound of one over the other. They were both amazing! The electrostatic models are definitely a work of art though!

With the Source being a full 12 inches taller, it would be difficult to use as a Center under the projector screen. I do still need to find a place where I am able to compare the Preface, Source, and Purity (since those are all within my budget).

I was really just curious to see what recommendations I would get for the Center Channel.

[clone]

is anyone using a receiver and then adding an external amp?

i have an integra 9.9, 2x aeons, 4x script i's, cinema i.

i was looking at the emotiva 7 channel.

any thoughts? thanks.

[clone]

wow no help. maybe i should pitch these and move to the b&w's?

[richteer]

Originally Posted by clone

is anyone using a receiver and then adding an external amp?

i have an integra 9.9, 2x aeons, 4x script i's, cinema i.

i was looking at the emotiva 7 channel.

any thoughts? thanks.

You'd probably get better results from using a separate amp. MLs are revealing speakers and will benefit form the best amplification you can provide for them.

[SlaughterX]

Just got my Preface(s) earlier today... hooked them up and breaking them in now. I was also thinking about adding an amp, but I really don't know the first thing about them or how my receiver handles them.

I have an Onkyo TX-SR806. I know it has pre-outs for an amp, but can I run an amp for just the front two spekaers and keep my 7.1 set-up operating the same? Will it only use the power from the amp on those two speakers, and if so does it run more juice to the other speakers? Which amp would be best for a couple of Preface?

[househead]

Hey Slaughter, how does that center blend with the Preface? I'm eyeing up the Preface @ best buy but wasn't sure that center would be able to keep up with the other 2. What are your initial thoughts? Thanks

[SlaughterX]

I still think I need to get some better wiring going to it (waiting for when I move to buy all new in wall wire), but it still seams fine, I never have a problem with voices getting drown out or anything.

[giedrys]

Anyone's interested in the new Motion series?

[richteer]

Originally Posted by giedrys

Anyone's interested in the new Motion series?

I heard them at CES last month and was quite impressed. I'm working with ML to get a pair or two of the Motion 10 & 12 towers in for review...

[lojack1976]

I made some changes to my setup over the last few months, and I've updated my gallery. Got Prefaces and a Fresco across the front sound stage as well as a Yamaha RX-V867 receiver with a Crown XLS1000 powering the Prefaces. I'm loving the finished product! Just need to replace my cheap and tacky AV rack. LOL!

[bwablu]

The Summits are great speakers for their electrostatic
transducers. The bass, while good, is now improved with
the addition of Magneplanar Tympani IV bass panels. The
Tympani's are dipole and match the dipole of the Summits.
The Summits have superb midrange, highs, clarity, detail and imaging, while the Tympani's have powerful bass, great impact and the depth is outstanding. The best attribute of the Summits is their low level detail and because of this one can play music at a much lower level without losing clarity. The Tympani's because of their low mass also have this ability and
the two speakers together have wonderful coherence and
the sound-stage is huge.

[CatBlu]

I went to my local AV store today to see what they available and the clerk said " You have to listen to these Martin Logan ElectroMotion ESL's." He put on a few CD's through a NAD and it was great! Detail, clarity and separation of sounds just like the musicians want for us to hear.

To make a long story short, I and my husband are now the owners of the very new EM ESL's. They actually did not have any in stock - two weeks before ML can ship any so the rep convinced the boss to sell us the only set in town.

Got them home and did the set up and YPOD on the Yamaha and it is nirvana! Music just like I used to hear 30years ago! Put Gladiator on as our test movie and you could hear each man laughing - no longer just a roar. The detail of sound is mesmerizing!

Hubby is going through his music collection and is enjoying each album note by note.

[john_1958]

love to get my hands on these speakers
http://www.martinlogan.com/products/source

but costly

[Waboman]

After all this time, I just realized there's a ML thread here. I'm a long time owner of their speakers.

[CatBlu]

Originally Posted by Waboman

After all this time, I just realized there's a ML thread here. I'm a long time owner of their speakers.

You have a very nice system. Something to aspire too. And a trekie to boot!

[lojack1976]

Originally Posted by john_1958

love to get my hands on these speakers
http://www.martinlogan.com/products/source

but costly

You can get them HERE for $1350/pair shipped. They only have them in black now, but they are an authorized dealer and a great company to deal with. I got my Prefaces from them. I have recently demoed the ElectroMotions myself and I have to say that they far exceeded my expectations being that I'm no fan of the Motion 10 and 12 speakers. Frankly, they blow away the highly regarded Source which they replace. The Source is still a great speaker and at that price its hard to beat them, but I must admit that I find them to be too directional which is why I went with the Prefaces which I got for a steal. They offer a much wider sound stage.

Another thing you could do is to check your local Best Buy Magnolia store to see if they have any Sources that they're trying to clear out since the ElectroMotions are now the current line. You may be able to get them for a steal. If you can wait and save then do it and get the ElectroMotions. They are that good. They offer a huge sound stage with unbelievable low end. I was shocked at the bass output of these when listening to them without a sub, and there was no lack of control. Bass was extremely tight and of course the electrostat detail and airy sound is all there. I can't believe that Martin Logan is offering this performance at this price point. I thought that the Purity was my dream upgrade, but the ElectroMotion is what I now covet.

[Waboman]

Originally Posted by CatBlu

You have a very nice system. Something to aspire too. And a trekie to boot!

Thanks, CatBlu.