Which would you choose?


I have choice to make, and I can't decide. The Sequels are there only because they are so much cheaper. I don't think I could go wrong not matter what I choose.

Paradigm S4's
Martin Logan Sequels for $1200 (6 years old)
Martin Logan Aeon
Martin Logan Accent?

They will be powered by a B&K ST 125.2, PT5, and in a room that is 30X25. Stereo music is their purpose, not HT. A sub would not currently be part of the system.
jd1319
I'd take the Paradigms just because I don't like any of the other options. I'm not an ML fan, never heard one that I liked.
For your size of room I would recommend the Ascent.

If all your upstream components are good full range Planars (Apogee, Maggies) or Electrostats (Quads, Soundlabs) let the music through.
For example play the cd from Sara K listening with the song "Whipping Post" your brain/ear will sense a person is playing the guitar. Low to mid price dynamic speakers portray this same event as if the guitar is machine generated albiet with a bit more dynamics. But the increase dynamics are mechanical not natural.

If only one day we can combine the strengths of Planars/Electro with the strengths of top shelf dynamic/horn speakers!:)
For me, I not sure what exactly it is, but to my ear, the ML just had a wonderful sound. I'll definately try and take a look at the Quads, Maggies, and Eros but competent dealers in my area are a little tough to find, most of them are out gouging on speakers that don't compare or just don't carry quality speakers, so my chances to listin to the others is a major limiting problem, let alone comparing them. I've seen them at the conventions, but obviously those are far from the ideal listening enviroment.

The biggest reason my choices came down to Paradigm vs. ML is the one dealer within reasonable distance (90 mins) that I trust, carry those as their top of the lines.

Another question, I know the S4 are best with a sub, but what about the Accents and other speakers mentioned?

Thanks for your thought -- JD
Hello Jd1319.
Rather than give your more speaker suggestions when you didn't ask for that to begin with, I'll add my two cents, and I agree with you on the ML's (hint - look at my system).
As that's a pretty good sized room, about the same as mine, I'll agree with Kw6 and be a bit concerned as to whether an Aeon would fill it up with sound. If you're going to play it loud they may be straining. Don't know what Aeons go for now, but you may want to consider the SL3, if $1600-1700 is in your range.
Regarding subs, I'd use one with an Aeon, but it shouldn't be necessary with a SL3 or an Ascent for music.
A Paradigm and a Logan are quite different beasts, and sound very different, so depending on you music tastes, volume,room acoustics etc. it shouldn't be difficult to decide what you want.
As for INNERSOUND, only 12-18 inches of sweet spot, might feel like your a bit too confined