Martin Logan speakers


Are Martin Logan speakers still considered to be high quality speakers?   (I have an opportunity to buy a used pair of Vistas)   I have an old Audio Research VT130 amplifier.    Would it be a good fit with the Martin Logans?  If not, what would be better, but not outrageously expensive?   
jcder

Showing 1 response by shiner01

To the OP, I haven't listened to Vistas specifically, but I've owned an older model in the Aeon i's, and a newer model in the Expression 13As, and I can say that yes MLs are very directional, and yes panel to woofer integration hasn't been a strength of theirs, but both of these are much improved with the newer models, imo.  I'm not sure where the Vistas sit in this spectrum, but If you can get a good deal, and you have a dedicated room where you can really fine tune the listening and speaker positions, then electrostats can be magical.  Don't throw them in the corners of a multipurpose living room and expect to get the same results.  

As for the 13As, I decided to stick with ML when I chose them over other dynamic / cone speakers like the Sopra 2s (which I also really liked) because they just blew everything else I demoed away in terms of imaging.  I will grant that you are probably giving something up in terms of dynamic slam vs a cone speaker, but larger panels help, and so do subs, so I'm not lacking for dynamics or low end extension. 

I still went with MLs even though I'm primarily a rock and electronic music guy and could afford more expensive dynamic speakers.   Hope that helps.