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  1. #1
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    Martin-Logan Summit-X fans here ? ...

    I've been looking at the Summit-X speakers and wonder if anyone can tell me about your experiences with them.

    Natural Cherry / Black Aluminum

    Summit X


    Unparalleled Sound Inspired By the CLX

    Amazing mid-range clarity and openness inspired by the CLX loudspeaker is only half of the story. Summit X is the first hybrid electrostatic speaker to bring controlled dispersion to low frequencies. Using a precision Vojtko Voiced™ crossover network to apply variable phasing near the crossover point, Summit X's Controlled Dispersion PoweredForce™ technology provides seamless blending with the XStat™ transducer. Four innovative modular feet adjust vertical dispersion over a 12 degree range, while the 25 and 50Hz level controls fine-tune woofer output to provide smooth, clean, and powerful bass throughout the listening environment.

    Frequency Response 24–23,000 Hz ±3dB
    Horizontal Dispersion 30°
    Vertical Dispersion 44" (112cm) line source
    High Frequency Transducer XStat™ CLS™ electrostatic transducer
    » Panel Dimensions 44" × 11.3" (111.8 × 28.7cm)
    » Radiating Area 497 in2 (3,209 cm2)
    Low Frequency Transducer Two 10" (25.4cm) cast basket, high excursion, aluminum cone with extended throw drive assembly, non-resonance asymmetrical chamber format
    Amplifier Woofer: 2 × 200 watts/channel (4 ohms)
    Sensitivity 91 dB/2.83 volts/meter
    Impedance 4 Ohms, 0.8 at 20kHz. Compatible with 4, 6, or 8 Ohm rated amplifiers.
    Recommended Amplifier Power 20‒600 watts per channel
    Crossover Frequency 270Hz
    Components Custom-wound audio transformer, air core coils, polypropylene capacitors
    Audio Controls ±10dB at 25Hz
    ±10dB at 50Hz
    Lighting Control knob to adjust illuminated blue hood logo, back control panel lighting & ground effects lighting
    Inputs Custom 5-way binding posts
    Power Draw Standby: <1W/channel
    Max: 350W/channel
    Weight 75 lbs. (34 kg)
    Dimensions 60.9" × 12.7" × 21.3"
    (154.8cm × 32.2cm × 54cm)
    Specifications are subject to change without notice.
    Fleetwood Deville by Oswald Mills Audio, Vienna Acoustics Haydn Jubilee, Wharfedale Linton w/ stands, Klipsch RB-75, Klipsch RP-160M.

    Job INTegrated. Luxman L-595aSE

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    First Watt SIT-3, Job 250 Monos, NuForce STA200, AkitikA GT-102 amp, ASL Wave monos, Dennis Had 45 monos. Absolute Audio Labs PCF 25 amp (improved First Watt F7 super clone)

    Topping D90, RME Audio ADI-2 DAC FS, ModWright Ultimate Sony XA-5400ES.

    Burmester 948, McIntosh MCLK12, Kimber Kable, Siltech, Cardas, Avanti Audio cables.

  2. #2

    Re: Martin-Logan Summit-X fans here ? ...

    I've had Martin Logan speakers in my room (Vantage) and used to listen to the CLX at my local dealer quite a bit. Probably got the most positive reaction aesthetically from my non audiophile friends and family. I found them really difficult to place and in my room and to my preferences had its strengths and weaknesses. Strength was how the sound just seemed to float in the air, transparency was excellent and imaging superb. Downsides were I could not get the balance right, meaning the bass and sometimes the mid-range seemed detached from the higher frequencies. There was also this slightly artificial quality to the sound. Then again, I heard the same speaker with McIntosh Tube Amps and a lot of these downsides were mitigated. Very fun speaker to listen to.

  3. #3
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    Re: Martin-Logan Summit-X fans here ? ...

    I demo'd a pair of ML's a while back and was pleased with their sound. Pretty fast sounding. Bass was strong too. I would be intrigued to hear what others have to say as well.
    Sean

    Lumin T2
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  4. #4
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    Re: Martin-Logan Summit-X fans here ? ...

    Joe....It's funny you brought this topic. The Martin Logan was the speakers that I first fell in love so much and got me in to this wonderful hobby about 20 yrs ago but never had a chance to own one yet. I've been thinking to getting one of these for my self as well. however after research I found that the Montis ( one below SummitX) has been good reviews and some people even told me the Montis is better than Summix overall. ( Not sure coz never had a chance to comparison side by side )

    If you go to Martin Logan site the Montis has a more information page including more gallery pics and video when the Summit X page has really nothing.

    They really shine on mid range and excellent sweet spot.

    Good Luck .

    Paul

  5. #5
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    Re: Martin-Logan Summit-X fans here ? ...

    Thanks Paul. I'll definitely look at them. I have a few other speakers in mind and will be asking opinions as I discover where I am headed. Overall I love the Studio2 and am finally thinking about selling the TAD CR-1 and I am looking for their replacement once my EAR 890/868 and Conrad Johnson GAT/ART gear comes in.
    Fleetwood Deville by Oswald Mills Audio, Vienna Acoustics Haydn Jubilee, Wharfedale Linton w/ stands, Klipsch RB-75, Klipsch RP-160M.

    Job INTegrated. Luxman L-595aSE

    NAD C 658 streamer.

    First Watt SIT-3, Job 250 Monos, NuForce STA200, AkitikA GT-102 amp, ASL Wave monos, Dennis Had 45 monos. Absolute Audio Labs PCF 25 amp (improved First Watt F7 super clone)

    Topping D90, RME Audio ADI-2 DAC FS, ModWright Ultimate Sony XA-5400ES.

    Burmester 948, McIntosh MCLK12, Kimber Kable, Siltech, Cardas, Avanti Audio cables.

  6. #6

    Re: Martin-Logan Summit-X fans here ? ...

    One of my local friends here, have the Montis and they sound much better than the summit
    only one problem, they go very low, less than 1ohm
    You will need Krell or MC to drive them

    The sound is one of the best I heard but they need a lot of setup to sound at best
    Highly recommend it to check them out

    Nelson
    Caribbean Distributor of
    ARC / Sonus Faber / Wadia / Wilson / VAC / Soulution / Nordost / Shunyata / Stillpoints
    Kuzma / Focal / Resonessence Labs / ARIA / KRELL / Pro-Ject...

  7. #7

    Re: Martin-Logan Summit-X fans here ? ...

    Joe, I had the Summit X & the Strads at the same time, my vote is don't go it.

  8. #8
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    Re: Martin-Logan Summit-X fans here ? ...

    Quote Originally Posted by sharkmouth View Post
    Joe, I had the Summit X & the Strads at the same time, my vote is don't go it.
    It was a kind of fleeting thought. I had Apogee Duetta II ribbon speakers and think these would be similar.
    Fleetwood Deville by Oswald Mills Audio, Vienna Acoustics Haydn Jubilee, Wharfedale Linton w/ stands, Klipsch RB-75, Klipsch RP-160M.

    Job INTegrated. Luxman L-595aSE

    NAD C 658 streamer.

    First Watt SIT-3, Job 250 Monos, NuForce STA200, AkitikA GT-102 amp, ASL Wave monos, Dennis Had 45 monos. Absolute Audio Labs PCF 25 amp (improved First Watt F7 super clone)

    Topping D90, RME Audio ADI-2 DAC FS, ModWright Ultimate Sony XA-5400ES.

    Burmester 948, McIntosh MCLK12, Kimber Kable, Siltech, Cardas, Avanti Audio cables.

  9. #9
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    Re: Martin-Logan Summit-X fans here ? ...

    Hey Joe. The Summit X was one of my finalists before I got the Salon2's. I heard them at a local LI dealer. I love panels, and have always had a sweet spot (but not a physical spot, lol) for the first speakers I ever fell in love with: Maggie's (loved both the 3 and 20). I thought the Summits might be my answer, but, although there were certain sonic aspects that were awesome, they just sounded a bit thin in midrange and a bit metallic sounding (in a slightly unnatural way). Enough so that, while I agonized, I just couldn't pull the trigger on them. Still wish I had the room to put in a pair of Maggie's or, better yet, Soundlabs.
    Main Speakers: Revel Salon 2
    Center: Revel Voice 2
    Side Surrounds: B&W DS7
    Back Surrounds: B&W XT4
    Sub: Velodyne Optimum 12
    Amps: McIntosh MC452, Sunfire TGA5200
    Preamp/Processor: Krell S-1200
    Sources: Esoteric K-03, Oppo BDP-95, Sonos
    Wires: Various low end Audioquest ICs,SC
    Power cables: Shunyata Venom3 on amp, preamp, CDP, BDP
    Power Conditioners: Furman Elite-15pfi, Furman Elite-15-dmi
    Rack: Salamander quad 20 with custom raised center

  10. #10
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    Re: Martin-Logan Summit-X fans here ? ...

    If properly positioned and excellent upstream equipment synergy, your jaw would drop hearing a world class reference playback performance. If anyone would like, come on over to experience it yourself.
    George
    -----------------------

    Aurender ACS10 Music Server > Holo Audio May KTE R2R Ladder DAC > Pass Labs XP-30 Preamp > Pass Labs XA160.5 Class A Mono Blocks > Martin Logan Renaissance ELS 15A Speakers

    Powered By 2X BPT 3.5 Signature Plus Ultra Isolators | Shunyata Research Hydra Triton + Typhon | Shunyata Hydra 2 Power Conditioner

  11. #11
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    Re: Martin-Logan Summit-X fans here ? ...

    Quote Originally Posted by Jeffkad View Post
    Hey Joe. The Summit X was one of my finalists before I got the Salon2's. I heard them at a local LI dealer. I love panels, and have always had a sweet spot (but not a physical spot, lol) for the first speakers I ever fell in love with: Maggie's (loved both the 3 and 20). I thought the Summits might be my answer, but, although there were certain sonic aspects that were awesome, they just sounded a bit thin in midrange and a bit metallic sounding (in a slightly unnatural way). Enough so that, while I agonized, I just couldn't pull the trigger on them. Still wish I had the room to put in a pair of Maggie's or, better yet, Soundlabs.
    Thanks Jeff,

    My Revels are wonderful with the CJ gear. I'm still shopping for fun, not because I need a different speaker, I just keep looking.

    Quote Originally Posted by Audioseduction View Post
    If properly positioned and excellent upstream equipment synergy, your jaw would drop hearing a world class reference playback performance. If anyone would like, come on over to experience it yourself.
    George,

    I forgot you have the Summit X. Very nice!
    Fleetwood Deville by Oswald Mills Audio, Vienna Acoustics Haydn Jubilee, Wharfedale Linton w/ stands, Klipsch RB-75, Klipsch RP-160M.

    Job INTegrated. Luxman L-595aSE

    NAD C 658 streamer.

    First Watt SIT-3, Job 250 Monos, NuForce STA200, AkitikA GT-102 amp, ASL Wave monos, Dennis Had 45 monos. Absolute Audio Labs PCF 25 amp (improved First Watt F7 super clone)

    Topping D90, RME Audio ADI-2 DAC FS, ModWright Ultimate Sony XA-5400ES.

    Burmester 948, McIntosh MCLK12, Kimber Kable, Siltech, Cardas, Avanti Audio cables.

  12. #12

    Re: Martin-Logan Summit-X fans here ? ...

    Late post here, but fronted by ARC ref anniversary and constellation centaurs, it's keeping my q3 on the sidelines...haven't heard a cone/box type speaker that outperforms it in the midrange. Simply heavenly.....And with more than adequate bass that blends seamlessly with the esl panels.

  13. #13
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    Re: Martin-Logan Summit-X fans here ? ...

    Sounds like a very nice arrangement of gear for a fantastic sound. Enjoy!
    George
    -----------------------

    Aurender ACS10 Music Server > Holo Audio May KTE R2R Ladder DAC > Pass Labs XP-30 Preamp > Pass Labs XA160.5 Class A Mono Blocks > Martin Logan Renaissance ELS 15A Speakers

    Powered By 2X BPT 3.5 Signature Plus Ultra Isolators | Shunyata Research Hydra Triton + Typhon | Shunyata Hydra 2 Power Conditioner

  14. #14

    Re: Martin-Logan Summit-X fans here ? ...

    George, I'm familiar with the sound of the XA SERIES amps, I can just imagine how sublime that pairing with the Summits must sound! How long have you had this set up?

  15. #15
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    Re: Martin-Logan Summit-X fans here ? ...

    Hello, got my new pair of summit X yesterday. Made a nice deal and found a Demopair for a reasonable price.
    Now they should replace the old ML quest i had for over 10 years.
    Foto (1).JPG
    What i did not hear at the Studio of my dealer was that there is a noise hearable after the Summit is active.
    To my ears it sounds like a typical fan-noise originating in the bass section. As both loudspeaker have the same phenomenon, i´m sure that this is no failure more of a amplification quality problem.

    It is not loud and not very disturbing but as i live in a very quiet environment any noise is detectable.
    I could imagine that it could be a reaction to the german 220 volt electricity supply.
    So, is there any SummitX owner who recognized the same or found a solution to this problem.

    karl

  16. #16
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    Re: Martin-Logan Summit-X fans here ? ...

    Welcome Karl!
    Fleetwood Deville by Oswald Mills Audio, Vienna Acoustics Haydn Jubilee, Wharfedale Linton w/ stands, Klipsch RB-75, Klipsch RP-160M.

    Job INTegrated. Luxman L-595aSE

    NAD C 658 streamer.

    First Watt SIT-3, Job 250 Monos, NuForce STA200, AkitikA GT-102 amp, ASL Wave monos, Dennis Had 45 monos. Absolute Audio Labs PCF 25 amp (improved First Watt F7 super clone)

    Topping D90, RME Audio ADI-2 DAC FS, ModWright Ultimate Sony XA-5400ES.

    Burmester 948, McIntosh MCLK12, Kimber Kable, Siltech, Cardas, Avanti Audio cables.

  17. #17

    Re: Martin-Logan Summit-X fans here ? ...

    Quote Originally Posted by audiokarl View Post
    Hello, got my new pair of summit X yesterday. Made a nice deal and found a Demopair for a reasonable price.
    Now they should replace the old ML quest i had for over 10 years.
    Foto (1).JPG
    What i did not hear at the Studio of my dealer was that there is a noise hearable after the Summit is active.
    To my ears it sounds like a typical fan-noise originating in the bass section. As both loudspeaker have the same phenomenon, i´m sure that this is no failure more of a amplification quality problem.

    It is not loud and not very disturbing but as i live in a very quiet environment any noise is detectable.
    I could imagine that it could be a reaction to the german 220 volt electricity supply.
    So, is there any SummitX owner who recognized the same or found a solution to this problem.

    karl
    Mine have no such noise.
    Myles B. Astor, Senior Editor, PF, www.positive-feedback.com
    Zellaton Plural Evo speakers, Doshi Audio EVO phonostage, VPI Avenger direct-drive turntable/VPI 12-inch gimbal Fatboy/vdH Colibri Master Signature/Triangle Art Apollo cartridges, SAT LM-12 tonearms/Lyra Atlas SL Lambda, VPI 12-inch gimballed Carbon Fiber arm/vdh Black Crimson and Sumiko Songbird, Mutech Hayabusa cartridges
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  18. #18
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    Re: Martin-Logan Summit-X fans here ? ...

    Quote Originally Posted by Myles B. Astor View Post
    Mine have no such noise.
    Thank you,
    This is what i was trying to find out. Maybe just the european transformer version of the SummitX might have that problem.
    But a transformer problem normally result in a kind of hum.

    I remember my old old sony TA-E9000ES preamp.
    This was one of the early 5.1 surround which had a highclass stereo section inside. If this thing switched to DSP controlled 5.1 a typical noise occurred.
    Reason was the low quality DSP chip, at that time one of the best!

    Hopefully there are more SummitX owners connected.

  19. #19

    Re: Martin-Logan Summit-X fans here ? ...

    Mine were very quiet when I had them, no noise at all at standstill.

  20. #20
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    Re: Martin-Logan Summit-X fans here ? ...

    Mine are 100% silent when not playing.
    George
    -----------------------

    Aurender ACS10 Music Server > Holo Audio May KTE R2R Ladder DAC > Pass Labs XP-30 Preamp > Pass Labs XA160.5 Class A Mono Blocks > Martin Logan Renaissance ELS 15A Speakers

    Powered By 2X BPT 3.5 Signature Plus Ultra Isolators | Shunyata Research Hydra Triton + Typhon | Shunyata Hydra 2 Power Conditioner

  21. #21
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    Re: Martin-Logan Summit-X fans here ? ...

    Quote Originally Posted by Dafos View Post
    George, I'm familiar with the sound of the XA SERIES amps, I can just imagine how sublime that pairing with the Summits must sound! How long have you had this set up?
    This setup is going on 4 years. Love it and no plans to change for many more!
    George
    -----------------------

    Aurender ACS10 Music Server > Holo Audio May KTE R2R Ladder DAC > Pass Labs XP-30 Preamp > Pass Labs XA160.5 Class A Mono Blocks > Martin Logan Renaissance ELS 15A Speakers

    Powered By 2X BPT 3.5 Signature Plus Ultra Isolators | Shunyata Research Hydra Triton + Typhon | Shunyata Hydra 2 Power Conditioner

  22. #22
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    Re: Martin-Logan Summit-X fans here ? ...

    George - we have to get Howard, Bart, Charles and some of the other guys and make a road trip to hear Jerry's new MBL's.....assuming Jerry will have our motley crew.

    I LOVE MBL's!

    ....ok, back to our regular scheduled programming.....Martin Logan's (p.s. I sure do like the looks of their new ones).



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  23. #23
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    Re: Martin-Logan Summit-X fans here ? ...

    That would be cool Mike! I'm game....
    George
    -----------------------

    Aurender ACS10 Music Server > Holo Audio May KTE R2R Ladder DAC > Pass Labs XP-30 Preamp > Pass Labs XA160.5 Class A Mono Blocks > Martin Logan Renaissance ELS 15A Speakers

    Powered By 2X BPT 3.5 Signature Plus Ultra Isolators | Shunyata Research Hydra Triton + Typhon | Shunyata Hydra 2 Power Conditioner

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