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  3. 149505-120185

Bookshelf to replace Martin Logan Source

Looking to replace a pair of Martin Logan ESL 'Source' speakers with a bookshelf set that can deliver similar sound quality with wider/taller dispersion. Trying to reduce the clutter and footprint (towers and subwoofer), and improve sound field. System will be powered by NAD C388 (with BloOS2i MDC) - once I figure-out how to get all the various firmware updates done and app to recognize it (wow NAD setup is unfriendly - compared to Denon).

Tried:
  • B&W FPM4 = Used these as computer monitors for years. They have terrific mids/highs, but require a sub.
  • Elac Debut2.0-6.2 = Great value (not on-par with FPM4 or Debut2), now in the garage system - replaced Micca...
  • Micca MB42X - also a good value, but these weren't intended to compete with ML - they were purchased for near-field computer speaker duty, and later moved to garage (prior to Elac). 
  • SVS Ultra Bookshelf = Had high-hopes for these, and they do play low along with good mid/highs, but they sound like old rotary phone speakers compared to ML Source.
  • Auditioned Golden Ear Aon3 side-by-side with SVS Ultra Bookshelf in a store recently, and couldn't immediately tell which I preferred, so likely Aon3 will compare similarly to UltraBS against ML's. Even though I'm a GE fan (Triton3+ in the HT system), Aon3 is a non-starter.
Next, I'd like to try Buchardt S400 (rated down to 33Hz), reviews say they are very good - especially bass and dispersion. One YouTube review I watched even mentioned 'ESL sound'.

Are there any other bookshelf possibilities in the sub-$2000 range that might be close to ESL? Oddly enough, think the biggest hurdle is bass. They don't need to have the 'magic' mid/highs of ESL's (I'd be very surprised to find that), but they need bass equal to Source (which are not especially noteworthy - for towers).

SVS UltraBS fall short on bass. I could leave the sub there, but with a sub the B&W FPM4's actually have better mid/high than SVS. Guess I'm looking for outstanding bass and mid/highs on-par with UltraBS and FMP4's.

Any bookshelf recommendations in the sub-$2000/pr range are appreciated!
128x128mwatsme

Showing 2 responses by agronatz

agronatz
13 posts
 
Hi! Just read your post. I’ve been looking at the Polk T50 speakers for a stereo setup.I listen to a lot of orchestral classical music but not at loud concert levels and do so in a 20 X 22 foot room.I don’t want to use a sub and this is just for a stereo setup.
Do you still have the Polk T50 speakers? And do you think they will satisfy my needs? BTW, I do have the money for better speakers but I just hate spending more than I have to. I’m cheap. Thanks for any response.  All the best!
agronatz
13 posts
 
Wow! Thanks for the quick and informative response.I will check out the LXmini and the rest of the LinkwitzLabs offerings.You have already help me eliminate some speakers that I was considering andthat is a tremendous help to me.The Tektons, MLs and B&W are fairly expensive and I don't want to be boxing any of them up, lugging them to FEDEX/UPS and shipping them back.

So maybe the Polks are not the best option for me but they are the price
of a really nice meal for 2 including wine.
Once again, a huge "Thank You".


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