Martin Logan - wow

InnerSound Eros rules. You owe it to yourself to hear them before you buy the MLs...

The bass is better (certainly better integrated) than any of the ML models but you can still use a sub if you think you need greater weight and impact. I used a Paradigm Servo-15 very successfully with the Eros. And, a good buy on one of the earlier models (the original or Mk-II) could be a very cost-effective way to go if you don't have the bucks for the latest Mk-III model.

I wouldn't count on the Classe amp being the best match. The Monarchy Audio SE-160s are the best match I know of and the Monarchy SE-100s are a pretty good second choice.

Happy Listening!

All electrostatic speakers have a distinct sound that for some is an acquired taste or a lifelong fascination. The things you would notice about them is their fast, transient, and very holographic presentation that gives you a very realistic illusion of the real thing. If you want a lot of deep, chest thumping bass you may not find them with ESL speakers, unlike box speakers. However this is not a problem at all if you get a subwoofer- there are many out there that can do a very proficient job and mates well with Martin Logan speakers. Basically the bass in ML is fast, and tight (very accurate)- not bloated. The integration between ESL panel and bass is quite seamless.

Proper placement is also important in obtaining the best sound out of ML speakers. Unfortunately, many dealers are not very good at setting up Martin Logans and so the sound is less than optimal. They need at least 3-4 feet out from the wall with a slight toe-in (10-15 degrees). A slight forward tilt will help the clarity a bit as well. The Ascents would do quite well for a room of your size. Classe is not a bad match for MLs. Usually a good tube pre-amp will be a perfect balance for the system.

I have heard the Innersound speakers in some audio shows and they are quite good. However Martin Logans have always been rather special- their midrange magic is something I feel that even the Eros cannot quite match.

If you want to learn more about Martin Logan, you can check out the official Fan Club site: http://www.martinloganowners.com

Certainly if you have a specific question on ML speakers, you can post it directly on the site's forum. Check out the various member system set-ups (with photos) and they should give you a fair idea of how they should be set-up.

Good Luck!

Jason Liu

i tryed to love the mls. i still really like them. a friend of mine and i picked up a pair of prodigys and were really hopeing they would be the winner. we compared them to sound lab a3s and jm lab micro utopias. the mls were cold sounding, lean .the micros sounded more real and warm especially on vocals the mid bass on the prodigy was also very lacking. the low bass was very good though. it seemed never to fully intergrate the panel with the bass. the sound labs killed them as well. the sound labs are just downright eerie.

For electrostats, Innersound is the way to go...either the Isis or the Eros will sound better than the ML in their price range...I doubt the Classe will match them well, unless you don't listen to lots of big orchestral pieces...otherwise, try to go with the Monarchy or with the Innersound ESL amp...i had an all Innersound system that I was forced to sell so if you want to talk more about Innersound electrostats, email me...

Martin Logans are sexy but have a narrow dispersion. Sound Labs are not as pretty, but will out perform the ML's. If you want bass, the bigger the better. I have not heard the Innersounds.

If space is an issue and you want some bottom end, consider some Gallo Reference speakers. The sweet spot is much larger given the 320 degree dispersion mylar tweeter. Bass comes from two Dynaudio 6.5" drivers weight damped to match the natural roll off of the tweeter. There is no crossover, and integration is quite good. Space Invader looks you either love or hate.