Martin Logan CLS II New Panels (Worth it)?

I would rather have à working pair of CLS's than any Magneplanar! Far more transparent, especially in the midrange!

I have a pair of CLS speakers.  I was about to buy new panels for them when I found another speaker that has as good a midrange performance as the CLS (very hard to do) and sensitivity to work with a tube amp.  So the CLS speakers are in my backup system.  Many have had good luck taking the panels out and washing them (in the shower and then rinse with DI water) but $2800 for a new speaker of this quality is cheap.

You will likely need a sub to help the low end.

One of the best systems I've ever heard was based on the CLS IIz.

Jerry

I am a long term user of ESLs. The CLS is ML's best loudspeaker IF you use it with two subs crossed at 125 Hz by a dedicated two way crossover. If you are not prepared to do this then upgrade your Magnepans. The CLS with subs would be special, the Maggies are good but, not that good.

Thank you for the advice. It seems that the CLS will be a worth a try. In the past I owned the  Martin Logan Acent I. I loved the mids and highs, but didn’t not care for the built in woofer. So, I’m hoping that if I pair the CLS with some JL Audio Subs I will have a balanced sound. JL Audio makes a crossover that may work with the CLS and JL subs. 

CLS is a special loudspeaker worth repairing in my opinion. I've owned 2 pairs my friend bought one pair from me many years ago and still uses them today though he has upgraded and replaced parts.

The CLS is a fine loudspeaker, it would take properly driven Magnepan 20s to match them.

UPDATE

I just  picked up the CLS’s this morning. All I have to say is that I am blown away by these speakers. I can’t believe they were made in the 80s. The seller told me these speakers would buzz or rattle and moderate to loud volumes, and in my system there is no such issue. Pretty awesome! Thanks again for all that gave advice and recommendations. Definitely at good purchase.  Happy Listening!