Martin Logan Owners...Why should I?


Fellow Audio Lovers,
I currently own B&W speakers... 805's used in a stereo setup, I am looking to add to my system to incoporate home theater "5.1", I was going to add N802's as mains and a center channel HTM 1 or 2 not sure on that WHEN a friend suggested instead of adding to my B&W collection I go Martin Logan. He suggested Aeon 1's at minimum if not Ascent 1's... for center a Fresco or a Cinema 1, and maybe Fresco's for the rear surrounds... My question is MAYBE someone on Audiogon has "been there done that" already and can give some advise... I will use the system mostly to listen to music say 90/10... My musical tastes vary... You might say go listen to them and decide for yourself...good answer BUT for me... a side by side demo isn't going to happen...I haven't found a dealer that has both..some input from Audiogon readers is important..As I started this thread I stated why should I?? TELL ME PLEASE!!
wmwman
Wmwman,
I've not heard the ML Scripts so I can't comment there. The N802s however are fantastic! It just makes sense to me to stick with B&W. Especially if you already have the N805s and are able to consider the N802s as mains. But I understand sometimes you just want a change.

Also as Willhitx states, dealers are typically not the ideal venue for comparisons which is what I'm basing my comments on. But for what it's worth the N805s were brought over to where the Aeons were already set up.

Whichever you choose make sure you've got an amp with some guts. Both B&W and ML speakers need power to open up.
You'll miss exactly nothing with movies. Set preamp to phantom center channel and you're good to go. All the info is there.
Thanks Again willitx!!!!
I appreciate the clarification on the center channel. Have you heard either the Scripts or Fresco's.... "possible surrounds"
Hello Wmwman,

you may wish to read some of the posts on the hot formum topic on this site: Electrostatics or Dynamics. This is a very subjective preferance between the 2. I for one, prefer ML's. Also, as JohnK mentioned, Fostex based single driver speakers are an excellent approach. I own both ML's (SL3) and Hornshoppe Horns'. The Horns come remarkably close, embarrassingly so for the price! Overall, I prefer the ML's because of better soundstaging. Bottom line: if the ML's produce "magic" to your ears, nothing else will do, except perhaps another stat speaker.

good luck,
Paul
Hi Wmwman,

You better have a good amp to drive logans. Even the smaller ones like the Aeons need an amp that can handle the difficult load the ESL will present.

you will get some VERY good answers to these and more questions if you visit the Martin Logan Club online.

http://www.martinloganowners.com

I personally have owned MLs for nearly 20 years. I currently have a pair of reQuests and a Cinema and can tell you that it's AMAZING what these speakers can do for movies, if driven properly...

Good luck.. check out the site, you'll learn ALOT

TomDac
ML Club Webmaster
http://www.martinloganowners.com