Trading Magnepan 1.7 to Martin Logan Impression 11A worth it?


The subject title is my question. I primarily listen to vinyl on the system. The preamp is a McIntosh C2300 tube, and the amp is a Bryston B4 cubed. My Magnepan 1.7's have Mye stands. I also use two SVS subwoofers. This is in my living room, an asymmetrical room approximately 17x17, with the right and rear walls opened to other rooms. I like the sound of this system usually - depending on the quality of the recording - the soundstage can be large, with good air around instruments and quite revealing. I like the Magnepan sound.
I would like MORE of that sound! Magnepan's 3.7i would be the natural upgrade that I think of. The thing is, my wife might flip if she came home and saw panels that are even larger than the 1.7's, which she already considers too large. So... I thought I'd throw the question out here and ask for some thoughts on this. The Martin Logan 11A's would appear to be smaller than the 1.7s, and they are definitely sexier looking than a large flat panel. I could also lose the subwoofers. However, I certainly wouldn't want to compromise on the sound quality. In fact, for the price difference I would expect an improvement in that regard! I guess I'm looking for something with a good WAF and an upgrade for me! Maybe at this point it would be just a matter of preference. Thoughts?
thewetdog59

Showing 1 response by mtmug

The Absolute Sound reviewer, Paul Seydor, found the 11A’s to be more forward and less forgiving of poor recordings than the Montis, which he seemed to indicate might be very slightly recessed in the midrange. In his opinion, the tonal balance of the Montis was more in service to the music. However, check forums online and you will find the 11A’s described as "dark", "bright", "warm", "lean", and everything in between. To my ears, they are fairly neutral and my experience is that their transparency simply makes them sound like whatever is upstream.
I spent about 9 months shopping for speakers before I settled on the 11A’s and I have had them now for nearly two years with no regrets. I may represent a minority view but, naturally, since I own them I feel motivated to defend them a bit. For me, the stats build an acoustic landscape that I find very appealing while at the same time the woofer modules, using ARC, are able to provide good bass extension and articulation. I think they are fantastic speakers.
I do agree with dougsat that the overall presentation of Magnepans and the Martin Logan hybrids is different enough that you could have a strong preference for the sound of one over the other.