Why not listen to the 13A's yourself? Is there a store nearby that carries them?
IS THE MARTIN LOGAN Renassance 15A worth the $10,000 higher cost than the Expression 13A
Thinking of buying a pair of Martin Logan's electrostatic speakers. I heard the 15A and loved the sound. They are $10,000 a pair more than the 13A. Is the difference worth it? Has anyone ever compared these 2 speakers?
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I auditioned both the 15A and 13A. The 15A has a wider and taller panel, with complete vertical orientation, so slightly larger "sweet spot" and perhaps a tad deeper bass. Midrange and highs essentially no different. IMHO, the 15A is ideal for a large dedicated listening room, although I can’t honestly say you get $10k improvement vs. the 13A. I was replacing ML Summits, so went with the 13A, as their size was better in my family room. Of note, I’m using Summit X legs on the 13A’s, to achieve an essentially vertical orientation (also raises the speaker a couple inches). I also have two ML BF210’s, which are now overkill given the improved bass performance of the new Masterpiece line. |
Scorpio... I purchased the Summit X spikes from ML for my legacy Summits, as Mids and Highs are very sensitive to "rake angle" (i.e. tilt) of the panel. The default angle for Summits and Expression 13A's is ~5°, but using the Summit X legs, I've adjusted mine to 1°. Samgar2, my family/listening room is 17' x 21' with cathedral ceilings, and adjoining 18' x 14' kitchen, so total ~6400 cubic ft. You can see a pic here... http://www.martinloganowners.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=18721&d=1473094788 The Expressions would likely be fine in your room, but depends on overall acoustics/furnishings. If it's a DEDICATED listening room (or Home Theater), you might still consider the 15A's if you really want larger scale sound (and appearance). Depends on budget +/- wife or SO acceptance factor! |
Thanks again for your comments. I am strictly 2 channel but like a large sound stage. That is why I am trying to justify the large price difference between the 13A and 15A. Yes, my wife would prefer the smaller speakers, however it is my man cave so her vote has little merit! These would be a second set of speakers in the other 2 corners of the room. |
Good Morning Gadawg58: Still have not made a decision, however I am leaning towards the 15a since I have a larger room. I wish I had the luxury to compare the two. Please let me know your thoughts once you have heard both. My feeling is that if I buy the 13a it will save me some money, however it will have a smaller sound stage and I will wish I had the larger model. Thanks, Sam |
I have listened to the Rennaisance's before. They are very impressive; and very large. Ultimately, your room size should be the main deciding factor between the Rennaisance and the Expression. In a nutshell.... If you have a fairly large room, and if you sit a bit further back, and if you want the maximum depth in soundstage/image, and if you desire that slightly deeper bass response, and if you need that extra 1 db of efficiency, AND if you have the cash.... then consider the Rennaisance. If you have a moderate to medium sized room, and if you sit a bit closer, and if 24hz is deep enough, and if you don't mind the slightly lesser efficiency, and you want to save that extra $10,000.... then consider the Expression. Also, bear in mind that the ARC technology is highly effective and is available in both of these models. It really helps to iron out a lot of the acoustical and room placement issues common to electrostats. I saw a demo of this technology performed by a ML rep at a very popular dealer in Canada. I couldn't believe the difference! |
Samgar2, You can't go wrong with either speaker but with the size of your room the 15A's would be best. I had the 15A's in a 18 x 24 room and they sounded awesome. The 15A's have a bigger sound which is why i bought them and I liked the way they look better then the 13A's. However, they are a big speaker and my wife said "x!@#+^!" when she first saw them but learned to appreciate their modern aesthetics. In your case bigger will be better. |
i have the 13a's .. love them...15a 's provide more of the same sound...the signature sound holds true from the 11a to 15a imho. my room is 17 by 16 and they work nicely... these speakers are very revealing.. they will demand good clean electronics and wires upstream for sure. i like to use solid state amps with tubed preamp.. i use krell/arc combo with mit wires |
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https://www.audiogon.com/listings/lis97d8i-martin-logan-esl-15a-gloss-black-nib-never-used-full-rang... I am also tempted to get one as my second system. |