Which to keep! Pick one of these two soeakers


Sorry about the typo in the title, I have two sets of speakers and I need to sell one. Of these two, which would you keep or which would you be more likely to consider a better choice? I’ve been running the Spendors for a while and they are very good, very transparent and I’d say their weakness is that they lack low end but I run a sub so it hasn’t been an issue. I just got the ML Ascent’s in a bundle buy of equipment and I’m really liking the looks of them in my space but I am still sure about how flat they are sonically or if they are as good as my Spendors. I’m having a hard time deciding.

1. Spendor S100 circa 1970’s

2. Martin Logan Ascent w/ new ESL panels

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Sound wise, your choice, you've go both on hand. Panels and boxes sound very different. I've had panels, electrostatics, and boxes. Set up for panels can be a journey, boxes are relatively simple. Ditto amplification. Those old spendors are a fine speaker. Panels can (can, not will automatically) sound more dimensional if properly set up. 

While ultimately it depends on how they sound to you. However, it also depends on your electronics and how much time you have spent with the Martin Logan. 
 

It would be really helpful to know your components and venue… there is a place under your UserID to create your virtual system. It is easy to attach photos and ID equipment there. This would help us better determine how to help.

 

Just in general, I suspect the Martin Logan’s are more challenging to power and position and perhaps you are not getting the optimal sound from them. They can sound very good.

The previous owner of the Martin Logans had them bi-amped with an Audio Research VT100 (feeding the subs) and ADCOM GFA-555 (feeding the panels). The Audio Research SP16 preamp feeds both amps. I have all of this gear now but I’m only running the VT100 biwired to both the panels and subs in parallel. The room is carpeted and about 12x20 or so. I’ve beed auditioning the Spendor and ML with the Audio Research pre and tube power amp.

I'm all for using one amp for both panels and subs. I've a hard time thinking the Adcom would be a good match (soundwise) for the panels. When you set these up, I assume in a somewhat triangular configuration, you need not be as concerned with sidewall reflections (as you would with boxes, but the rear wave is a potential problem. To hear this speaker best it should be about 6 ft off the wall behind it. Dispersive material on the wall wouldn't hurt much either. Good place to start anyway. Take your time with setting up these speakers before you come to any final conclusion. 

IMO you should be able to pick your own speakers? 

I guess I don't understand what you are asking? You own both pair now, yes?

You can configure them how you like, yes? You can listen to both and decide which pair sounds best? no???