Martin Logan SL3 vs Ascents

Sorry Ed, I respectfully disagree! The SL3s are certainly not better in terms of performance - the Ascents better them in just about every way, especially in the low mids and downwards.

I've got nothing against SL3s - you're correct in that they can be had relatively inexpensively and can be a dandy bargain, but head to head the SL3 is no match for the Ascent.

My premise is flawed?

Do me a favor, if you have both of them (SL3's and Ascents)as I have (I got the Ascents, my friend who lives 2 blocks away have the SL3's)access to them compare it with equal electronics and make your decision.

There are lot's of companies whose replacement products does not equal to the previous generation I agree, but I respectfully disagree that Martin Logan is one of them by just a single argument alone. They are still doing great business and introduces new products year by year! Also, the most important thing, people are buying them!

I have nothing about the SL3's at all. I am just stating my opinion of the comparison base on my experience. Please, do not take it too personal. What will your reaction be if I am the one telling you that "your premise is flawed"?

Ahh...conventional ethics and respect to one's opinion....what ever happened to them.......?

While I can not help you decide which is better between the SL3 and the Ascents, I can agree with the premise that a replacement product may not be "better" than the product it replaces.

For example, I used to own the ML Sequel II's and I much prefered them to the SL3 which replaced it. I felt the soundstage was fuller, especially vertically.

I highly recommend you trying to listen to whichever speakers make your shortlist using similar electronics to get what you feel sounds best to YOU.
(Perhaps you can bring along your CD player to both dealers so that at least the front end will be exactly the same).

Good Luck in your search! (Especially since I probably muddied the waters for your decision!)

This is the premise that is flawed: "It is just basic logic. A company that wants to move forward will not make a model who is inferior (Ascents replaces the SL3)than what it wants to replace."

In general, ML has raised prices and not raised quality to match. I agree, the SL2 has a lot over the SL3 - just look at the difference in panel size. Differences vs. SL3 and ascent - I should hope the ascent is better, for the price increase! Still, I'd take the SL3. Better value, as good sound (IMNSHO). The real bargain is the Aerius i. Currently I use CLS (I), which in my opinion and that of many others, is the best of the CLS lineup, which in itself is in many ways the best speaker ML ever made. A shame they discontinued it. Apparently Innersound has a large full-rangish panel speaker coming out soon, but will be pretty high priced (unfortunately) from what I hear. Anyway, digressing a bit here...

-Ed

Hi Ed,

You have raised some rather valid points regarding why you favor the SL3 over the Ascents. However it is incorrect to state that ML "has raised prices" and assume that they have not "raised quality to match." The prices have to match the costs of producing the products- the Ascents have a totally new driver and parts and the costs reflect the latest technology that ML has incorporated. MLs have never been bargain specials and are firmly entrenched in high-end audio territory. The high-end business is a tough market and ML has never been cheap in their attention to their products. The costs of manufacturing are high even now, and so it makes sense that the speakers will be a little more in pricing. Yet in the high-end speaker market, they are reasonably priced.

If you look at the latest line of ML speakers and products, you can see that the company has made great efforts to increase the quality of their products.

I own a pair of Aerius i's and do find that the older models have a fantastic magical quality in the mid-range but honestly the ESL/woofer integration in the newer models are better and the bass is stronger. There is more character and punch in the new line. Does it mean I am going to give up my Aerius i's? No- I appreciate what my speakers can do but it is also nice to know that ML continues to improve their products which gives me additional reassurance in the name.

Whatever the case is, there are ML speakers to fit many different budgets including the older models. There is nothing wrong if you prefer the SL3s over the Ascents, since that is your preference. Everyone has their own personal tastes. However, Martin Logan can never and I repeat, never be accused of selling out and not raising the quality of their products. This is one company that never rests on their laurels and be content. The proof is in their sales, innovation, quality, and selection. After so many years, the company has never looked healthier and their new line of products including their second generation ESL panels are keeping this company at the forefront of electrostatic/hybrid speaker manufacturers.

Jason