Martin Logan's Prodigy

I have yet to be truly impressed by any of the ML hybrids. Macm hit the nail on the head regarding the CLS/Genesis combo. Lots of panel-- lots of fast, articulate bass. I disagree with the comment about "any good subwoofer will do", however. Been there, done that. There are some very good subs (like the REL's, for instance) that just couldn't cut it with CLS's. Not fast enough, and they do not lend themselves to the correct positioning... *not* behind the panels, not firing downwards. The optimum subs for a home-brewed mini-Statement system are the Kinergetics SW800's and SW800C crossover with Compusound software -- subs and crossover designed specifically for the CLS, (saw a pair with the amplified version of the SW800C for sale here on Audiogon for $3000). I imagine there are other fast, front firing sub towers that can be positioned correctly just outside the CLS's (Infinity?). Another benefit of this type of set up is that you can just run your IC's from the pre to the power amp (bypassing the crossover) and run the CLS's full range for smaller scale, more intimate music. Try that with a stinking hybrid ;-) There is some loss of transparency, even with the Kinergetics system, so it's nice to be able to have the speakers do what they do best with little hassle.

Hey, Doug. You are so right about speaker positioning when it comes to all ML's. I don't know whether having the bass driver attached to the panel is more or less difficult than a separate sub-woofer. I guess both are a speaker tweaker's delight (or nightmare). This is just part of the admission price with this entire family of speakers. I'm *still* playing with my set-up -- fractions of inches now make a difference. CLS's are renowned for their potential to take months of experimentaion with placement to get it right. Then tweak some more. The next steps are room treatments.

I have to admit that I do not believe I've ever heard any of the hybrids set up in an ideal environment. Only at dealers and it was evident that placment lacked the same detailed attention to placement as we do at home. The break-in issue is also very legit. Going through that myself with the paper drivers on my subs which, while a few years old, were virtually unused. At times there is a bit of an act of faith involved in this, given less than perfect listening environments and lack of break-in.

If you are ever in Los Angeles let me know and we can try to schedule a listen to my work in progress. Best, Jim.