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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 6 responses by pvmike

pvmike
40 posts
 
I have no experience with the Quads. I do own a pair of the ML 11A’s and love them. They are fast transparent and airy. They deliver awesome highs without being fatiguing. The mids are full and warm and do not get cluttered. The bass is fast and rich.
There is a big difference between the masterpiece series and the rest of the Martin Logan line up. I suggest taking a listen to the 11A’s and see for your self.
pvmike
40 posts
 
this is just my opinion. the one thing to remember is with the 9a the base speakers are passive meaning they will not be driven by their own amps. this translates to what amp are you using and will it have enough bottom end. I also have a small listening space and the 11a's fit well as can be expected. the speakers sit 4' from the side walls and the rear of the speakers are about 1.5' from the rear wall. The speakers were set up by the personnel that have been setting up sound systems from the store I bought them from. they took about 3 hours to get them placed. 
pvmike
pvmike
40 posts
 
just remembered the 9A does not have room correction either

pvmike
40 posts
 
Toe in is critical arc will help a lot too. I still need to do room correction even without room correction my system sounds awesome
pvmike
40 posts
 
tube amps are great. When it comes to ESL the problem lies in how the speaker looks to the amp with tubes they do not work well with the very low impedences the the panels can achieve they need lots of current. The panels act more like capacitors giving low to no negative feedback to the amp tubes like the feedback to my understanding. check out the Sanders white papers to better understand what is going on with these speakers
 
pvmike
40 posts
 
As far as maintenance goes I will unplug them vacuum them wipe them down and that’s it. I also use the covers that come with the speakers.  
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