Martin Logan Summit

I have heard the Summits run with Mac 501s at a dealer with good results. Parasound Halo JC-1s would probably work well also.

I'm running Innersound Kayas with a Parasound Halo A21. This combo will go over 100 dbs with out clipping but I think they would benifit from more power.

I think the Innersounds are about as tough a load as the Summits.

Objective1, you made the following statement (below):

"I do like to listen loud, and these speakers are very transparent. You will end up driving them very loud before you get the same kind of 'full' feeling you get from traditional drivers."

Correct me if I have mis-interpreted your comment. Are you saying that the Martin Logans need to be played fairly loud (in comparison to cone speakers) to get the same full performance? Without playing the MLs loud, do you find that they lack the luster and excitement and sound somewhat dull at the lower volume levels?

Reason for my question is that I recently purchased a pair of ML Quest Zs and find them dull unless I really crank them up louder than I like to listen. I have suspected that they may need new panels as the existing panels are aging and "wearing out" or "tiring".

Thanks if you don't mind elaborating on your statement (I am not challenging you, just seeking your input and clarification).

Well tks guys for your feedback, i have never encountered speakers with low ohm before, so probably i have to try them with a high current amp first before a final judgment is made.

ckoffend i wouldnt say they are dull when played low, but probably its an electrostatic feature, as i have tried beside these pair the quad electrostatic and a couple of other MLs, and i found there performance at higher volume levels is very different from lower levels, that some times it gives me the impression that its a completly different speaker, however their transaprency when played at low level is enjoyable as well except for the bass reproduction which i would say is less exciting IMHO...

FWIW, I put new panels in over the weekend. They have livened up at lower, but not low listening levels. I typically run Wilson W/P and the two speakers are very different in many regards. This fact (with mine) just being one of them. The MLs have a great, large sound stage and other attributes, as well.

Gosh, I run my Summits with a vintage Yamaha MX-2000. Plenty of power and no clipping, ever.

Very satisfying. I understand the Summits are not as difficult to drive as some of their earlier models...