Loving my tannoys, they grow on ya....no lack of bass, detail, or imaging...in fact imaging is what they are known for...depth, width, & height, 3d, holographic. Not to mention non-fatiguing, warm, and beautiful. Everything in one gorgeous package, what the he$$ is there not to like? Different strokes for...well you know....😁
$10K Budget for Speakers: Martin Logan Masterpiece vs Tannoy
For much under $10K I can get a pair of Martin Logan Masterpiece’s Classic ESL 9 (the new ones retail for $6.5). Alternatively, I might go ahead and get a used pair of the top-of-the-line ESL 13 with all the bolts and whistles the modern electrostatic speakers offer: an unbelievable 3D-almost-surround-like staging and very detailed, life-like sound. Those Martin Logans speakers do have a huge speaker emission surface (the sound radiating "panel") emitting the sound bi-directionally and these speakers are almost the human hight tall.
The same $10K would also get me a top-of-the-line Tannoy Arden speakers (8K per pair). On the used market, if I am lucky, I could get a pair of Turnberries. Tannoy, while does have some unmatched style and a "company history-story" factor, apparently doesn’t even come close to be able to give the same sound experience Martin Logan speakers do. Tannoy speakers radiate sound from a single 10", 12" or at best 15" driver. The speaker themselves are significantly smaller than Martin Logan ones. They are barely hip height.
The esthetics and design is a huge factor for me, I do love Tannoy speakers. But, from a practical standpoint, and because the main reason I am getting the speakers is still the SOUND, and not the speakers design, I am heavily inclined to get a less-by-my-opinion-styled speakers made by Martin Logan. Because MLs, regardless of the price, offer a wider, cleaner, more life-like sound than Tannoy speakers do.
If the sound reproduction is the only concern, why would I choose a smaller, a single driver Tannoy over state-of-the art technology implemented in Martin Logan?
The same $10K would also get me a top-of-the-line Tannoy Arden speakers (8K per pair). On the used market, if I am lucky, I could get a pair of Turnberries. Tannoy, while does have some unmatched style and a "company history-story" factor, apparently doesn’t even come close to be able to give the same sound experience Martin Logan speakers do. Tannoy speakers radiate sound from a single 10", 12" or at best 15" driver. The speaker themselves are significantly smaller than Martin Logan ones. They are barely hip height.
The esthetics and design is a huge factor for me, I do love Tannoy speakers. But, from a practical standpoint, and because the main reason I am getting the speakers is still the SOUND, and not the speakers design, I am heavily inclined to get a less-by-my-opinion-styled speakers made by Martin Logan. Because MLs, regardless of the price, offer a wider, cleaner, more life-like sound than Tannoy speakers do.
If the sound reproduction is the only concern, why would I choose a smaller, a single driver Tannoy over state-of-the art technology implemented in Martin Logan?
79 responses Add your response
Please read my thread on ML Renaissance 15A Speakers https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/unbelievable-3-d-imaging-sound |
@schubert I disagree. More than 50% of my music collections are rock. I also don’t listen to classical. I have heard the ML Neolith top of the line but my Tannoy Kensington GR still sounds better to me. Different strokes for different folks. On the business perspective, no business in the right state of mind will make a speaker that will only sound good for certain genre. Who else think Tannoy’s can’t rock? I bet Tannoy owners beg to differ. |
ML speakers are not everyone's cup of tea. They can be initially impressive but wear on the listener after a while. They remind me of the rustling of dry autumn leaves, but that's just me. I would spend some serious time auditioning them before I'd make that choice or any other speaker choice, for that matter. There are many things to consider such as room size and electronics match. Have fun and choose wisely. |
https://pbnaudio.com/custom-speakers/ Scroll to the bottom of this page :-) And yes I do make them Good Listening Peter |
esputnix, that is an interesting perspective. I would expect most audio hobbyists would draw the opposite conclusion -- M-L for visual appeal but Tannoy for sonic appeal. M-L can be impressive, like most electrostatics, for their clean detail and resolution. However, in my experience with three different top models of Tannoy, they sound more like my live music experiences than most other speakers. |
$10k gives you an awful lot of options. No need to limit it to just two. I know the agony of indecision can be wearing but I think you really should look at other designs. If that’s not possible, then I’d go for the Tannoys too. At the very least they tend to hold their value well. Read this too, https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/tannoy-turnberry-se-vs-kensington-se-semi-review |
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@islandman Sounds to me like you have spent little to no time listening to Tannoy speakers. nahh that would require effort and listening skills much easier and more entertaining to make a post on the forum and yank other folks’ chains - 'mr 1 post' asking about two 10 grand speakers he's never heard ... sheesh |
Yes, seriously. When I go the movie theater I don't car what speakers brand they use. I expect a good sound, while I don't care how those speakers look. Marin Logan speakers, by my opinion, is just an electronic equipment made to produce the highest quality sound with no other concerns. While Tannoy seems to care a lot about the estetics and design that could fit and look great in a different decor styled rooms. Martin Logan speakers are made to be placed in a movie theater more than in a living room. |
