Martin Logan CLS "Buyer's Guide" Question

@parabolic...the serial number you list would make them replacement panels made in September 1996. They were the 15th replacement panel made that month, (according to the serial number decoder).

If the serial number is correct, then they are the CLS I panels. You really shouldn’t mix I panels with II electronics and vice versa. I know people do it all the time, but you really shouldn’t do it. The electronics for the original CLS are designed to only work correctly with the original panel design.

Here are a few pictures of the original CLS. You need to notice the horizontal and vertical spars inside the panel. They are not connected to each other and the spacing is the same from side to side. Also, some of the original CLS panels had just horizontal spars with no vertical spars.

http://www.canuckaudiomart.com/details/649236590-martin-logan-cls-fullrange-electrostatic-panels/ima...

Here are a few pics of a II series panel:

https://www.martinlogan.com/products/clsiiz

The II series have a little wider space on one side versus the other side and the horizontal and vertical pieces are connected to each other.

Also, the panels and electronics have different/separate serial numbers.

Hmmm... yeah, the photo he sent did show the gaps in the spars, so that would make 'em the I's, and his calculations on replacement year sadly mistaken, though I don't think he's done so intentionally.  You've given me a moment of pause, now.  What would you say is a fair price for this older set, or would you walk away?

@parabolic...you mentioned above that the speakers had upgraded II electronics.  The panels do seem to be the I series.  If you can get the serial numbers on the electronics, I can tell you what they are, unless the serial numbers were never changed to reflect the II series upgrade.

If it were me, I would walk away.  Correct CLS II speakers do pop up for sale.  Not quite as much as in the past, but still every so often.  I just am against mixing I & II panels and electronics.  They just don't sound right, if you know what they are supposed to sound like anyway.

I was told S# 2502/2503 (sequential).

What would be the danger if I were to buy this set now (because they are becoming somewhat rare) and later purchased the II panels at some point in the future?

How long would you say I might be able to run them, given the 19 year old stators?

What would you think is a fair price, under the circumstances?

Should I be looking at getting a newer generation pair of Logans (i.e. Theos) instead of screwing around with the CLS in the first place?

Those serial numbers would make them original CLS electronics.  Can't be sure unless I saw pictures of the insides, if they were modified/updated or not.

IMHO, the panels are already do for replacement.  You could sure use them, but you wouldn't be hearing them at full capability.

I wouldn't pay more than around $600-$800 for them.  It would also depend on what shape the frames are in and if the seller has the boxes and packaging for them.

The newer model Martin Logans are somewhat easier to setup and drive.  They have integrated the woofer with the panel much better than the earlier models, (the CLS is, of course, a full range speaker).

Still there is a definite "magic" about the CLS series that nothing short of the CLX or the mega expensive Neolith can match.  Once you hear them setup properly and driven with enough juice, they are hard to forgot.  Just like your first encounter with them back in the 80's.  That's why you're here at this juncture...correct?