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Upgrade from Martin Logan Sequel II's to ????????

10 years ago my re-paneled & new Capped crossover Martin Logan Sequel II’s speakers were the best part of my system. Now 10 years later after some upgrades I think they are the weakest link. I am looking for suggestions on a different speaker under 5K or preferably under 3k if I can swing it.

Current equipment list: McIntosh C49 Preamp, VPI Classic Table with a AT OC9XSL Cart, Mark Levinson  No 23 Amp. Currently using the C49’s built in DAC and Phono Preamp. Streaming Qobuz via USB through a MacMini 2018 using BitPerfect to bypass any alteration to the bits (I hope).

Room is 13 feet wide x 16 feet long x 8 foot ceilings. Not sure what else to list. Suggestions?

chippieboy
kofibaffour
412 posts
 

They're a panel speaker, yup they're the bottleneck in your system but that is just my anti panel bias showing strongly. Hope you get to demo some stuff cos I know you're not buying off of recommends here.

Anyway look at this - SourcePoint 10 Bookshelf Speakers (Black, Pair) **OPEN BOX** - Music Direct

@chippieboy 

audphile1's avatar
audphile1
5,655 posts
 

Look into the latest version of ATC SCM40 passive. Used within your budget. 
I owned ML Aries and Montis and heard the Sequel and SLIIII. They’re old. The SCM40 will have similar delicate and warm sound but will be more resolving and easier to drive. A much more modern sound. Audition them if possible. 

chippieboy OP
15 posts
 

kofibaffour, can you please explain in a bit more detail what you meant by "I know you're not buying off of recommends here."

soix
10,245 posts
 

What improvements and sound characteristics are you looking for?

jsalerno277
375 posts
 

I do not believe the Logan’s are your weakest link.  I believe the weakest link is the internal MAC DAC and use of a PC for streaming.  I recommend a dedicated DAC  and streamer.   There are many choices each with their own sound pallet.  Go with preowned units.  For example, a preowned Bticasti M3 and Aurender N150 will get you in or slightly over budget based on HifiShark recent sales.  
 

if you are set on speakers, +1 @soix .   Define what improvements you wish to achieve over the current SQ of your system.  Once you have a goal, there may be options to reaching your goal other than disowning the Logans.  

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