Magnolia demo's the ESL using recievers with poor current delivery. The ESL as with other Martin Ligan ESL's will dip to 1 or 2 ohms in the high frequencies. What you heard is the rolling off of the highs due to the loudspeaker not getting what it requires. It affects the whole audio bandwith as well. Buy the ESL's, if a reciever is your budget, go to the nearest high end audio store and ask to see their used equipment. A buddy of mine just picked up a Jeff Rowland model 1 amp for 700 bucks to drive his ESL X's. The sound is a spiritual experience.
Just auditioned Martin Logan ESL vs 60xt
I just left my Best Buy Magnolia HT and did A/B comparisons between these two speakers. I really wanted to walk away shocked at the ESL electrostatics but was left very disappointed. They were just muddy and boring compared to the 60xts right next to them. It was as if someone turned off the tweeter too. I felt like there was almost nothing over 7k hz like cymbals, upper guitar string plucks, etc.
Now, the 60xts did sound muddy in male vocals down low but they definitely peaked my interest more than the electrostatics.
Now, if I ONLY owned the ESL's, I'd probably be happy, get used to the sound and think they sound good. We're all subject to that trickery, but I just thought there should be more..
I was listening to some of my favorite tracks through Tidal, into a Marantz sr7705 receiver..
I know the amp/situation wasn't perfect but the sonic characteristics between the two would be unchanged in a more optimal situation.
Anyone else kinda feel this way?
Now, the 60xts did sound muddy in male vocals down low but they definitely peaked my interest more than the electrostatics.
Now, if I ONLY owned the ESL's, I'd probably be happy, get used to the sound and think they sound good. We're all subject to that trickery, but I just thought there should be more..
I was listening to some of my favorite tracks through Tidal, into a Marantz sr7705 receiver..
I know the amp/situation wasn't perfect but the sonic characteristics between the two would be unchanged in a more optimal situation.
Anyone else kinda feel this way?