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Martin Logan Aerius i vs. Spica TC-60

I've just bought a used pair of Aerius i's to replace my recently-acquired Spica TC-60s, and I've had 'em for half a day now. It's been a very interesting adjustment. Before I get into the comparison, though, I'll first address a 'goner's concern that the Aeriuses might be too bright with my Adcom amps. They are a bit bright, but this is easily offset with positioning, at least in my room. First, my listening chair is quite low, putting my ears at 36". I figured I was too low, so I tipped the speakers forward a bit by raising the back foot 1/2". Whoa. Too bright. Horns were aggressive. Untipped the speakers and toed them in just a bit more than recommended, and that took care of any residual brightness. I like a solid center more than a wide stage, so toeing suits me.

Now, I've gotta say, as far as imaging goes, my old Spica TC-60s put up a bloody good fight, and are actually better on simple, intimate vocal material. The Spicas elicit a "Wow!" on Boz Scaggs' "But Beautiful" and Lyle Lovett's "I Love Everyone", and the Aeriuses don't. Boz' voice hangs in the air like a levitating brick on the Spicas, like a cloud of smoke on the Aeriuses. On "I Love Everyone", the beautifully recorded drum kit is rock solid on the Spicas, a bit see-through on the Aeriuses.

That said, the Aeriuses do just about everything else as well or better. Detail is finer, bass is deeper and rounder, more life-size, but fairly agile. Tonal balance is otherwise very similar to the Spicas. Both could use another dB or two in the upper midrange. Where the Aeriuses steal the show, though, is on more complex material with a bigger soundstage. On the Manhattan Transfer's "Offbeat of Avenues" and Manu Dibango's "Wakafrica", the layered voices are more distinct and have lots of space around them. Little Feat's live "Waiting for Columbus" is amazingly big, live, reverberant and exciting.

I can't see going back to the Spicas, but I'm loathe to give them up, too. Wish I had two living rooms. The whole exercise has given me a new appreciation of just how astoundingly good the Spicas are at what they do best. The going prices for used ones make them an absolute steal.

Not that I can afford to trade up, but I'm wondering what speakers in the $1k-$2k (used) range might combine the Aerius' huge soundstage and detail with the Spicas' rock-solid center imaging and meaty vocals. Any thoughts? I've auditioned Gallo's Reference 3 and a $3k Audio Physic, and neither did it for me.
jacquescornell

Showing 2 responses by doncar

doncar
2 posts
 
My Logan experience takes a slightly different tack from previous submissions, but you might be interested. I can't speak to the Spicas, but I did go through a series of Logan upgrades: Aeirius i - SL3 - reQuests (which I still have). Amplification was consistently S/S - Aragon 8008BB.

First: I found that, as the crossover frequency dropped with the increased panel area, the soundstage "depth" grew immensely. (Big surprise - right!) More to the point, the brightness (I thought) I had heard in the Aerius, was just more apparent in the compressed frequency range from the smaller panel. With the SL3 and reQuest upgrades, I could better assess the high frequency range and it wasn't bright at all, just annoyingly aggressive - and that had been consistent with all three models. I tried upgrading the Logan's power cords and, believe it or not, it was instantly smoother! I would try that fix first - before investing large in amps. (And yes, "Spikes" make a huge difference.)

Interconnects and Speaker Cables were also large contributors. Starting with Transparent Link/Wave Plus - the system is now completely wired with Transparent Ultra and the Logans just kept getting sweeter. Finally, I invested in an AudioPrism Foundation 3 - everything was "blacker" and less aggressive again.

Nowhere in any of this, does anyone identify "source"...? All three models of the Logans beat-up on CD Players. I started with a Krell 250, (too digital) then Classé CDP 1.5, (too flat) then Wadia 830, (it had dogs wailing) and finally a Krell 280..."music" at last. I'm wondering if Aerius is revealing the "digital" in your CDP?

I don't know if your into analog but, if you have an opportunity to listen to a decent T/T with your Aerius...well, just try it and see!

Anyway, just my experience - for what it's worth.

Good Luck!
doncar
2 posts
 
Hi Jacquescornell
I (sincerely) hope I didn't convey audio cable arrogance in my offering - that was certainly not my intent. In fact, I will freely admit to the same "brass wallet" challenge that you profess. :-)

Specifically, I wanted to reassure you that Aerius is a truly excellent speaker. I'm the dummy - I spent way beyond my means (upgrading) only to learn in the end, that my problem was "dirty power" and my (CD) source! (The "Silk Sock/Sow's Ear" thing)

We might debate "cable value" as I believe the ultimate villain is "Digital Noise" and all it's trappings. It's everywhere in your system...and add to that all the additional EMI/RFI running through your residential power environment. Compliments to Martin Logan Aerius - they are doing a marvelous job of reproducing it all. I wasn't smart enough to understand that, until I had spent my way into financial oblivion on larger panels that allowed me to "hear" exactly what I was listening to.

If you require evidence of that claim, see if you can "borrow" a good turntable and a couple of pristine records; disconnect and "unplug" the CD Player - then listen to your Logans (as late as possible) some "Sunday" evening. (When NYC's power grid isn't flexing it's muscles) I promise euphoria! (No cost!)

By the way, I also live in an apartment, in a heavily populated area.
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