Thought I’d chime in here.
Yes, you’ll find Martin Logan speakers - at least their higher end stuff - to be well regarded.
I’ve wanted a pair of ML’s since hearing the CLS in the 1980’s and didn’t get around to it until about two summers ago when I bought a pre-owned system consisting of the reQuest (gen2), Bryston 4ST and then traded from my old Mac C28 to a Krell KRC3 preamp. Even as a used system with near-vintage equipment, the performance is hard to beat until you get to the 'next level' of strata in high-end systems.
As noted above, the characteristics of ANY type of ESL will be quite different than a voice coil design, though some speakers (like the Dahlquist DQ10s that they replaced) simulate it fairly well. However, simulate isn’t duplicate. The response rate of a low mass mylar surface comes through in surprising ways. Yes, they can have a tiny sweet spot if not in the right room or placed incorrectly. However, when run in tandem with a good subwoofer, I don’t necessarily agree with them not being suitable for rock, though not at higher listening levels. If you’re running a mosh pit, you might want a cone driver for its... uh... ’durability’ for that purpose. ;-)
I’m not familiar with that AR amp, but if you have a chance, why not give them a try? Since you don’t define what ’outrageously expensive’ means, why not ’roll the dice’ and grab a pre-owned 4BST for under $900-ish.
Hope this helps!
Yes, you’ll find Martin Logan speakers - at least their higher end stuff - to be well regarded.
I’ve wanted a pair of ML’s since hearing the CLS in the 1980’s and didn’t get around to it until about two summers ago when I bought a pre-owned system consisting of the reQuest (gen2), Bryston 4ST and then traded from my old Mac C28 to a Krell KRC3 preamp. Even as a used system with near-vintage equipment, the performance is hard to beat until you get to the 'next level' of strata in high-end systems.
As noted above, the characteristics of ANY type of ESL will be quite different than a voice coil design, though some speakers (like the Dahlquist DQ10s that they replaced) simulate it fairly well. However, simulate isn’t duplicate. The response rate of a low mass mylar surface comes through in surprising ways. Yes, they can have a tiny sweet spot if not in the right room or placed incorrectly. However, when run in tandem with a good subwoofer, I don’t necessarily agree with them not being suitable for rock, though not at higher listening levels. If you’re running a mosh pit, you might want a cone driver for its... uh... ’durability’ for that purpose. ;-)
I’m not familiar with that AR amp, but if you have a chance, why not give them a try? Since you don’t define what ’outrageously expensive’ means, why not ’roll the dice’ and grab a pre-owned 4BST for under $900-ish.
Hope this helps!