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Martin Logan Repair and/or Rejuvenation?

I just sold a pair of Martin Logan Sequel II's to a fellow Audiogoner. One of the ESL panels had slipped down about 1/2 inch a long time ago, but did not affect the sound, (at least I did not notice it). I did put that in the ad, and the buyer knew about it.

I shipped the speakers from California to Texas via truck shipping.

When the new owner hooked them up, he noticed that one of the panels (of course, the one that had slipped) sounded a few db lower than the other panel. He said it was really noticable when the panel was run without the woofer hooked up. (The speakers are bi-wired, so this is easily accomplished, although it was something I never did, as I never really noticed it, and neither did my wife or my audiophile friend.) However, I will not call him a liar, as he seems honest, and it is possible, I suppose. (I am not sure how or when this db drop off happened. It might have happened during shipping (he does not think so though), or it may have been a pre-sale condition (This is his hypothesis, I don't think so). Either way, I am willing to help him resolve the problem, including reimbursement of part of the sales price.

My question is this: Have any of you Martin Logan ESL owners ever had this type of problem with a panel?

If so, is there a quick and easy fix or repair?

Or is replacement of the panel the only viable solution to the problem? (This is his solution). I worry that if we replace one panel, that given the age of the speakers (15 years old) that the other panel will then sound different.

I have read/heard of a couple of ideas which range from reasonable to pretty outrageous:
1. Vacuum the panels. I have done this in the past, although it has been years, as general maintenance. (This was originally suggested by a ML tech.)
2. Detach the panels and put them in the shower with warm water running over them to completely clean them.

I know the first idea is reasonable, but does that second solution sound viable? Any help or suggestions would be greatly appreciately by both me and the buyer!
kurt_tank
devaaudio's avatar
devaaudio
40 posts
 
Hi,

Don't mess around with these speakers. Just call Martin Logan, their service department is very helpful. They can give you assistance and help you diagnose your problem. They have even been known to send out parts to avoid you having to send speakers to them for repair. Hope this helps.
rockinroni's avatar
rockinroni
287 posts
 
I would like to take this opportunity to give Martin Logan their due. This is a fantastic company, I thought I had a problem some years back. I talked to some one at Martin Logan, the dude told me to send him the crossovers.
This was About 6 years after I bought them. Martin Logan replaced both crossovers for FREE even though they did not find anything wrong with the old ones, but it made me Happy!!!!!

I also know that you can up-grade your
Sequel II's to SL3's very reasonably from ML.
This would be a worthwhile upgrade for anyone who has a pair os Sequel II's considering their age.

Mine still work Great,I am the original owner bought them new in 93 from Howard in Ft. Lauderdale. When the time comes I believ I will opt for the SL3 upgrade,new woofers and pannels.
Every 6 months it's a good Idea to unplug them and give them a good vacuum.
lrsky
1,118 posts
 
Just to make you feel better, electrostatic speakers, from left to right channel, can vary in output audibly, regardless of slipped panels.
The conditions surrounding the output of the speakers may be more noticeable in his room because of his set up, and or a slight difference in the amp he is using. I am sure that all the astute audiophiles out there know that a slight difference in the bias from one channel to another can effect the sound.
Your best solution as an honest seller is to call Martin Logan, and solicit their help. They can replace panels etc as necessary, and if you tell them your plight they will be very helpful and gracious, and maybe even help in pricing.
Gayle Sanders is one of the good guys, as is the entire team at ML. Knowing you are in a bind will give them some motivation to help as much as possible. Of course they are so helpful you don't need any leverage.
In the interim ask your friend to switch the speaker leads, interconnect cables etc, just to make sure there is no other fundamental flaw in the system. Then tell him that variances in the output are not that uncommon with ESL's anyway.
Good Luck,
Larry R. Staples
johnk's avatar
johnk
1,973 posts
 
Sure are a lot of problems with martin logans I had problems with 5 of the 8 pair I have owned .I dont think I would want a speaker thats off in sound presure levels .The electrostatc speaker is still a fragile beast .I think we will be reading more about there problems due to the large sales of M/L to newbies.Hope Iam wrong
motox29
1 posts
 
I think replacing one will lead to the problem with the other speaker sounding weak. I have been told my ML, remove the rear plate, inspect both the coils under the large circuit board. Both coils should be bright pink, NOT brown. If one or both are brown they need replaced. Clean the panels, cant tell you which method works, and inspect coils. If that does not fix them I would replace both panels at the same time. Just purchased used set of ML sequel 2s and am having the same issue.
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