Any Martin Logan Classic ESL 9 owners?

grillebilly

grillebilly

Empty Head
Seriously considering buying a pair based solely on a recommendation. The guy reviews speakers professionally and owns a pair. He raves about them and says they sound better than the powered models, which are all more expensive.
It's a giant leap of faith as I have never heard them, and only one pair of electrostatic speakers, which I liked. I'm happy with my current pair of Tekton Double Impacts, they would go to the all tube system since they are very efficient.
The ESL's would have 450 watts of Mac power driving them. I've heard speaker placement is a thing, my only options is an extra foot of space from the wall.
Thanks for any comments.
 
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IMHO ML's and other electrostat's/Plainer speakers,
have a different unique way of doing imaging, Dipole whatever terminology they call it.
Before you jump in go hear a pair.
Yes they do need to be out from the rear wall, 1' out probably will not be enough room,
to get the desired effect. In general ES panels don't match up too well with Tube amps.
If you have and like the Double impacts and Mac amps,
I doubt the ML's can even approach the big sound you already have.
bobhorn
 
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I'm unclear what your potential seller is talking about with "powered models". Typically when you talk about powered speakers, you're talking about a built-in amp, and to my knowledge, M-L has never made a pair of powered (i.e. active) electrostatic speakers. All their ESLs need power, though; that's the nature of electrostatic speakers. There were a few electrostatic speakers made long ago that connected directly to a tube amp with a high voltage output, but I don't think anything like that has been made in decades.

Any dipolar speaker is going to be more difficult to place than a standard monopole speaker due to increased room interaction. It would be near impossible to predict how it will sound in your listening room. That said, I own an older pair of M-L ESLs (originally intended for resale) and I found their ability to audibly "disappear into the room" very impressive.
 
The Impacts are "they are here" speakers. 'Stats are "you are there" speakers. It's hard to say whether you might switch allegiance, or simply enjoy the alternate perspective, or hate the whole deal. I'd say it's worth trying just for the experience. My guess, based on some friend's MLs, is that you will find the ML's highs to be superior, but their bass rather less. They will need to be out from the wall behind them as mentioned. If the MLs can be bi-amped, I'd put a tube amp on the panels in a heartbeat - IME tubes and 'stats are fine together. I'd try both combinations in any case. You may find yourself listening at lower volumes, but still liking it. ;-)
 
sqlsavior said:
that you will find the ML's highs to be superior, but their bass rather less
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We all have our likes and dislikes, I am not a fan of an unnatural low end. It's great for movies but not what I like musically. Back in the days of EQ's I had mine the opposite of the "smiley face" that seems popular. It might be my hearing, I'm old and worked in noisy environments for 50 years, but sometimes high pitched vocals sound abrasive at louder listening levels. Not LOUD, but louder than you would want to have to talk to someone in the room.
Thanks for your help.
 
grillebilly said:
The other models in the line have powered bass drivers.
Thank you for your comments. I think the DI's would match up well with the lower power of the tube system.
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I have the DI's hooked up to this 10w seul kt-88 and only thing really missing is the bass slam of SS amps.
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Live recording of EL34-KT88 SEUL Vacuum Tube Amplifier Speakers: Altec 604E Super Duplex Loudspeaker Audio Recorded with Sony ECM-DS70P Stereo Microphone Song clip: "Make Me A Memory" from the EP "Tribute To Grover Washington, Jr." - performed by Rocco Ventrella - used by permission
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The 9's are the entry level of the Masterpiece Series, so no powered woofers. Though they do allow for biwiring and biamping. The rest of the Masterpiece line use built in amps with DSP control, one amp per woofer.

While I haven't heard the 9's, I do have the Martin Logan EM-ESL's. A single woofer, with a slightly smaller panel, compared to the 9's. The EM-ESL's are imaging champs, with a wide and deep soundstage. No speaker localization. Transients are lightning fast, with a slightly lean midbass. I feel that's to better blend the woofer/stat crossover. Good bass and decent dynamics for a panel speaker. Better dynamics than the Magnepans I've heard, IMO. If I found 9's at a good price, I'd jump on them...!

Good luck.
 
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