Quad 2912 vs Martin Logan ESL 11a


I am seriously considering electrostatic speakers although living in a part of the world where dealership for both brands do not have all models on hand for audition. While the 2912's were unavailable, a Quad 2812 was available a month ago for audition. It was in an all Quad setup, with a solid state and a 40  watts tube amp for comparison. In a 4 x 4m room, the music was very engaging playing Miles, Coltrane, and Heifetz. Transparency and speed were plenty evident, and  there was a warmth and solidity ( coherence ?) that was a pleasant surprise.  

Last weekend,  audition of  the Martin Logan's esl X was arranged . This is a few step down from the 11a's. Although it was in a totally different system, the ML seemed to be of a different sound signature. Brighter, more air? Ultimately I was not  impressed with the X's, the woofer seemed not to integrate well with the panels. And the salesperson admitted as mush. He said an audition could be arranged in a week or two for the 11a. 

While I wait for a proper audition of the ML 11a,  I would appreciate any comment specific to these two speaker models. Not all electrostatic speakers are created equal, as I have found out.   If the choice came down to the two, what are the issues that needs to be considered?
ledoux1238

Showing 3 responses by georgehifi

With the rainy season upon us in my part of the world, it’s a constant 70%-80% humidity level.

I’m in Sydney, known also to be very humid, but I’m talking more basement 24/7 dampness that will induce mould growth on the mylar panels ect.

I wonder also if my 40 watt Von Gaylord tube amp is adequate to drive the 11’s
It’ll work as they have an active bass, but won’t be the best for them.

Cheers George
jtucker
  One of my concerns is the maintenance of the Mylar panels.

This goes for any ESL's
No problems, depends how you treat them, by doing below you'll get an easy 10+ years out of the panels.
  
Don't smoke any kind of stuff in the same room
No direct sunlight on them, or have them in a damp basement. 
Don't have dust all over the place, or dog/cat hair  
Vacuum panels once a month, front and rear
Don't leave them powered 24/7, switch them on 1/2hr before listening.

Cheers George
  
ML’s for me, I have the latest panel Monolith’s, and a friend has the Summits, they just do everything well, even hard rock.
They have a bigger sweet spot thanks to the curved panel.
More air around them the better, for sound staging, nothing in between them for as far back as you can get, this increases depth perception.

This setup is critical.:
From the central seated position in a darkened room, shine a torch from the top of your head at the panel, the reflection back should be half way up the esl panel and 1/3rd from the inner edge, for both speakers. Then prepare to be amazed, imaging even outside the speakers like you never thought possible.

Cheers George