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Martin Logan CLX ART and other Electrostatics
I have really been enjoying my Magico A3s and have been contemplating some M3s (which I still haven’t heard yet). I have also listened and loved a friend’s Wilson Alexia Series 2s. While I have listened to and owned other speakers, at this time only Magicos and Wilsons are on my short list to listen to at dealers when COVID-19 ends. And one of these will probably be my choice.
However, while I was searching for my present system I did listen to some Martin Logans – lots of them but not the ART. I haven’t forgotten them, as I loved them. They lacked base but IMO mastered the highs and mids. The height and majesty of their highs and mids is absolutely amazing. And the base can be remedied by a set of SVC or RELS (like the 25).
I listen to mostly female vocals. I also listen to some soft rock and jazz, but mostly female vocals. So, this is one reason I think I like them so much.
I don’t have much experience with other electrostatics like the Martin Logan. So, I was wondering what other speakers similar to them that you would recommend listening to. Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated.
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Re: Martin Logan CLX ART and other Electrostatics
Sound Lab speakers are ones that I'd love to hear.
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Re: Martin Logan CLX ART and other Electrostatics
Quote:
Originally Posted by
joeinid
Sound Lab speakers are ones that I'd love to hear.
Thanks I'll look these up.
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Re: Martin Logan CLX ART and other Electrostatics
I would also love to hear the CLX ART -- my issue is that I have no idea where to go to hear them. My local Martin-Logan dealer has never had a pair in for audition (likely because they wouldn't sell). I suppose something like AXPONA might be a possibility (I did hear the Neolith that way), but I'm still at the mercy of what equipment is brought in by distributors / manufacturers / dealers.
Another one I'd love to hear is the Sanders electrostatic hybrid speakers.
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Re: Martin Logan CLX ART and other Electrostatics
Thanks. Though I think they would be too large for my room what did you think of the Neoliths?
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Re: Martin Logan CLX ART and other Electrostatics
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Calvin
Thanks. Though I think they would be too late for my room what did you think of the Neoliths?
Conventions like AXPONA are a double-edged sword to me. While you get to hear a lot of equipment from many different manufacturers you aren't normally exposed to, demonstrating gear at the price point of a Neolith is a difficult thing to do well in a hotel room / conference room being shared with dozens of other seated guests listening to music you might not be familiar with. Don't get me wrong -- it was good! But I bet in a dedicated listening room with tracks I know, I think they could be amazing. Plus, at the time I heard them, they were paired with McIntosh electronics, which no offense meant to those who love McIntosh gear, I'm kind of lukewarm on their sound.
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Re: Martin Logan CLX ART and other Electrostatics
Quote:
Originally Posted by
joeinid
Sound Lab speakers are ones that I'd love to hear.
These look pretty amazing: Ultimate 745. But unfortunately they don't have a dealer anywhere close to us, so I doubt I could line up an audition.
http://www.soundlabspeakers.com/ultimate/
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Re: Martin Logan CLX ART and other Electrostatics
There's a dealer on this forum. I'm sorry but I forgot his name. I'll try and look it up. I bet a lot of $ that they are stunning, especially with your amps.
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Re: Martin Logan CLX ART and other Electrostatics
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Calvin
These look pretty amazing: Ultimate 745. But unfortunately they don't have a dealer anywhere close to us, so I doubt I could line up an audition.
Ultimate Series – Sound Lab Speakers
What’s your favorite ESL?
Sorry he's across the country, but it might be great to talk to him.
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Re: Martin Logan CLX ART and other Electrostatics
Not that I'm interested in used ones the pics at the bottom of this page are more helpful then the ones on their webpage:
Soundlab Ultimate U-745 Loudspeakers For Sale - US Audio Mart
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Re: Martin Logan CLX ART and other Electrostatics
Understood. I’ve always wanted Sound Lab speakers but they require a lot of room, something I don’t have.
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Re: Martin Logan CLX ART and other Electrostatics
Quote:
Originally Posted by
joeinid
Understood. I’ve always wanted Sound Lab speakers but they require a lot of room, something I don’t have.
Agreed. I just PM'd the dealer you referenced. I asked for more pics. Perhaps a smaller model would work. Still reading reviews that I find online. Pretty impressive.
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Re: Martin Logan CLX ART and other Electrostatics
Calvin, I'm not sure where you are in Florida.
I'm in Wesley Chapel 20 minutes north of Tampa. If you would like to hear CLX Art in a home listening situation, you are welcome to come for an extended listening session.
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Re: Martin Logan CLX ART and other Electrostatics
Quote:
Originally Posted by
brad225
Calvin, I'm not sure where you are in Florida.
I'm in Wesley Chapel 20 minutes north of Tampa. If you would like to hear CLX Art in a home listening situation, you are welcome to come for an extended listening session.
Wow. Many thanks. And after COVID I will contact you. I live in Naples, so I'm 3 hours or so away, but this is an opportunity I can't resist. Again, many thanks.
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Re: Martin Logan CLX ART and other Electrostatics
Quote:
Originally Posted by
brad225
Calvin, I'm not sure where you are in Florida.
I'm in Wesley Chapel 20 minutes north of Tampa. If you would like to hear CLX Art in a home listening situation, you are welcome to come for an extended listening session.
OMG !!!
CLX with ARC 40th pre and 610T amps? Holy cow, you’ll ruin him. Careful Joe. :)
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Re: Martin Logan CLX ART and other Electrostatics
Quote:
Originally Posted by
joeinid
OMG !!!
CLX with ARC 40th pre and 610T amps? Holy cow, you’ll ruin him. Careful Joe. :)
Yes, this sounds like an unbelievable system. I heard the Wilson Alexias on ARC, so it will be a great comparison.
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1 Attachment(s)
Re: Martin Logan CLX ART and other Electrostatics
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Calvin
Thanks. Though I think they would be too large for my room what did you think of the Neoliths?
what's the size of your room ? having listened extensively to them awhile back, to this day remain some of my favorite speakers. Paired with a couple of great subs they are an incredible $$ value against costlier options IMO. But again, like all di-poles, you need room for them to 'breath'
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Re: Martin Logan CLX ART and other Electrostatics
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Mikado463
what's the size of your room ? having listened extensively to them awhile back, to this day remain some of my favorite speakers. Paired with a couple of great subs they are an incredible $$ value against costlier options IMO. But again, like all di-poles, you need room for them to 'breath'
Beautiful set up. The CLX ART at 70.32" x 25.75" x 14.69" (not the Neolith at 74.8" x 30.3" x 34.2") would go in our great room which is rather large. The Martin Logan 13A fit, so I believe these would as well. According to diagram #3 - https://www.martinlogan.com/uploads/...llustrated.pdf - I would need app 48" between the curvilinear electrostatic transducer part of the panels. I have 7' at the present, so I foresee no problems there, but the front surface distance may be a problem as I need at least 5' and I have windows on this wall (though they have plantation shutters on them and easily be covered with curtains).
So, this is something I definitely need to think about.
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Re: Martin Logan CLX ART and other Electrostatics
Any time you are ready just reach out Joe.
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Re: Martin Logan CLX ART and other Electrostatics
Joe,
Regarding the Neoliths, friends and I heard them at a show several years ago. To be honest, they were not good. Don’t know if it was the room, associated gear (Rogue Audio) or something else but we could not stay. I feel terrible saying that and hope it wasn’t just the speakers.
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Re: Martin Logan CLX ART and other Electrostatics
I would agree Joe. I heard them at 2 shows and they were just awful. It was as though they didn't bother to position them properly and use any acoustic treatment in the room. On top of that it seemed that by playing them painfully loud it would make up for it.
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Re: Martin Logan CLX ART and other Electrostatics
Quote:
Originally Posted by
joeinid
Joe,
Regarding the Neoliths, friends and I heard them at a show several years ago. To be honest, they were not good. Don’t know if it was the room, associated gear (Rogue Audio) or something else but we could not stay. I feel terrible saying that and hope it wasn’t just the speakers.
It was probably the room or associated gear like you said. I don't have enough room for them anyway. The CLX seems to be a lot of value for the money. This said, I was contacted back by Tom, the Sound Labs dealer you connected me with. Very nice and he emailed me some photos in no time at all. Since I'm not suppose to fly, I'm hoping we can drive out to CA to hear them after COVID. We have friends out there, so it shouldn't be a problem. In the mean time I continue to read about them. The size of the Sound Labs may pose a problem - not sure yet. Time to put tape on the floor.
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Re: Martin Logan CLX ART and other Electrostatics
Quote:
Originally Posted by
brad225
Any time you are ready just reach out Joe.
Glad you responded Brad, hopefully next March when I'm down we can finally get together !
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Re: Martin Logan CLX ART and other Electrostatics
The Sanders were great when I heard them.
I heard an old set of Martin Logan ReQuests driven by ARC with a Wadia front end, it was one of the most human like presentations I've heard, like the singer was right there and you could touch them. More than that, the imaging was spooky.
For female vocals I'd audition Quad and Eminent Technologies as well. Although, I've been told Emminent isn't electrostatic, they sure did sound good driven by Conrad Johnson though.
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Re: Martin Logan CLX ART and other Electrostatics
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Mr Peabody
The Sanders were great when I heard them.
I heard an old set of Martin Logan ReQuests driven by ARC with a Wadia front end, it was one of the most human like presentations I've heard, like the singer was right there and you could touch them. More than that, the imaging was spooky.
For female vocals I'd audition Quad and Eminent Technologies as well. Although, I've been told Emminent isn't electrostatic, they sure did sound good driven by Conrad Johnson though.
Many thanks, I will research these too.
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Re: Martin Logan CLX ART and other Electrostatics
Quote:
Originally Posted by
joeinid
Regarding the Neoliths... To be honest, they were not good. Don’t know if it was the room,
Quote:
Originally Posted by
brad225
I would agree Joe. I heard them at 2 shows and they were just awful.
x 3.
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Re: Martin Logan CLX ART and other Electrostatics
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Spock
x 3.
they are a great speaker, it's likely your experiences were the result of a 'Magnolia' mentality with regards to set up .......
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Re: Martin Logan CLX ART and other Electrostatics
I’ve been listening to my Quad 57s restored by Kent at Electrostatic Solutions and they’re still my favorite speakers, vintage or modern. Drive them with a great tube amp and you’re in midrange heaven. Great for female vocals and acoustic jazz. Not so much for orchestral music.
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Re: Martin Logan CLX ART and other Electrostatics
Quote:
Originally Posted by
RDSChicago
I’ve been listening to my Quad 57s restored by Kent at Electrostatic Solutions and they’re still my favorite speakers, vintage or modern. Drive them with a great tube amp and you’re in midrange heaven. Great for female vocals and acoustic jazz. Not so much for orchestral music.
Many thanks. I did some reading about these and they rate very well. I did locate some Quad ESL-63 restored by Electrostatic Solutions for $2100. Requires local pick up in VA though...
Set up seems to be most crucial no matter the brand. I'm examining my room a little more.
One of the nice things about Wilson (Alexx) is that you can place them on the wall and they will still sound excellent (they have a front port too). Though I won't be placing any speaker on the wall, 4-5' is about all I can spare.
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Re: Martin Logan CLX ART and other Electrostatics
Joe, interesting, your comment on the Wilsons up against a wall. Personally I have never heard any speaker sound 'excellent' that way. IMO a soundstage is always better with a speaker out. As for the 4-5' of space to work with a di-pole you'll be fine although 6' would be ideal !
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Re: Martin Logan CLX ART and other Electrostatics
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Mikado463
Joe, interesting, your comment on the Wilsons up against a wall. Personally I have never heard any speaker sound 'excellent' that way. IMO a soundstage is always better with a speaker out. As for the 4-5' of space to work with a di-pole you'll be fine although 6' would be ideal !
My statement on Wilsons against a wall are from (1) seeing it on photos on the Wilson site when I was still on FB; and (2) dealers being questioned about the set-up and responding that the particular set up in question worked well. So, I bow to their expertise in setting up the speakers they sell, etc.
This said, I've never placed speakers on a wall. And I would think they would sound better out from the wall, etc. The only Wilsons I've heard were in a dedicated room and the speakers placed well away from the wall.
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Re: Martin Logan CLX ART and other Electrostatics
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Mikado463
Glad you responded Brad, hopefully next March when I'm down we can finally get together !
I'm looking forward to it Dave.
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Re: Martin Logan CLX ART and other Electrostatics
There are a few members in our audio club who own Martin Logan's. One is a reviewer for a major magazine and at one meeting he had one of the higher models for review. We compared them to his older version. I liked his older model a lot better. Many of us were not impressed.
I do like panel speakers but was not impressed with the new ML's.
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Re: Martin Logan CLX ART and other Electrostatics
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Randy Myers
There are a few members in our audio club who own Martin Logan's. he had one of the higher models for review. We compared them to his older version. I liked his older model a lot better. Many of us were not impressed.
kinda meaningless without knowing what models you're talking about, the room , associated electronics, etc.
FWIW, I still like my 54 year old Chevy better as well ............
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Re: Martin Logan CLX ART and other Electrostatics
They were the Masterpiece Renaissance ESL 15A. I do not know which older model he has but they were the same size. He uses a Classe amplifier; not sure which model. He uses a Meridian server and a Benchmark DAC.
For whatever it is worth that is all I know. The point was that many of us were not thrilled with the newest models versus the ones that they replaced.
His room is superb, but I cannot give you specifics other than his house hangs off above a huge valley and he had special power installed when building the house to both the electronics location and the amplifiers located between the speakers... that's all I got...
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Re: Martin Logan CLX ART and other Electrostatics
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Randy Myers
They were the Masterpiece Renaissance ESL 15A. I do not know which older model he has but they were the same size. He uses a Classe amplifier; not sure which model. He uses a Meridian server and a Benchmark DAC.
For whatever it is worth that is all I know. The point was that many of us were not thrilled with the newest models versus the ones that they replaced.
His room is superb, but I cannot give you specifics other than his house hangs off above a huge valley and he had special power installed when building the house to both the electronics location and the amplifiers located between the speakers... that's all I got...
Though I'm surprised at the findings - Many of us were not impressed - that sounds like an impressive system. More to consider for sure. Thank you.
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Re: Martin Logan CLX ART and other Electrostatics
Hey Joe,
Your taste seem to be similar to mine. I have never listened to the Magico's so I cannot give an honest opinion, but I do know they have a great reputation. I recently bought some Magnepan speakers on a whim because of reading a ton of stuff describing the type of boxless sound they have. The model I have is a lower one mainly because of size more so than price. I was hesitant of getting a larger panel because of wife acceptance factor. :)
Although they are a completely different level of speaker, with the Rythmik subwoofers I am quit happy. I also know there are many other very good panel designs. I can certainly see why this type of speaker has a very loyal following. I do not see myself owning anything but panel speakers moving forward. I certainly would encourage you to try and listen and see what you think of panel speakers :)...
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Re: Martin Logan CLX ART and other Electrostatics
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Randy Myers
Hey Joe,
Your taste seem to be similar to mine. I have never listened to the Magico's so I cannot give an honest opinion, but I do know they have a great reputation. I recently bought some Magnepan speakers on a whim because of reading a ton of stuff describing the type of boxless sound they have. The model I have is a lower one mainly because of size more so than price. I was hesitant of getting a larger panel because of wife acceptance factor. :)
Although they are a completely different level of speaker, with the Rythmik subwoofers I am quit happy. I also know there are many other very good panel designs. I can certainly see why this type of speaker has a very loyal following. I do not see myself owning anything but panel speakers moving forward. I certainly would encourage you to try and listen and see what you think of panel speakers :)...
That's quite a testimony to electrostatics. Magicos are fantastic. And the mids and highs in the M3 will most certainly beat the A3s.
But once you hear an electrostatic it's difficult to unhear one. And when you hear some of your favorite music on one that is properly set up it's beyond description - at least for me. The room though is VERY important and I'm afraid that what I presently have won't work completely for an electrostatic. But we have been talking about moving again - just moved last year - so in that case I will have an audio room.
We already have a real estate agent in FL (long time friend) and we are getting another one in another state. But at this time it is online looking only until after COVID. If we like it enough we can buy without stepping foot in the house. So, we will see.
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Re: Martin Logan CLX ART and other Electrostatics
There are a variety of types of Panel speakers. I am certainly not an expert on the subject :)... Not all are electrostatic however; Magnepan (only using them as an example because I own them, not because they are better than the others) are not electrostatic. They attach to your system the same as conventional speakers. The only difference with my Magnepan is that they do not use five-way binding posts like many other speakers (a manufactures choice). That was a bit of a surprise to me actually. However banana plugs work perfectly and there is a little set screw that secures the connection as well as other type of systems.
The point I am making is if you like what you hear from a panel speakers you are not necessarily limited to electrostatic. I do know that panels take some serious fine tuning (not difficult but might take some time playing around with them) to get the best out of them. I am confident that you would be able to get a nice match with a panel in most rooms but it might take a bit more fine tuning. I have noticed on mine that very slight adjustments make noticeable difference. I also found the short section Jim Smith wrote in his book to be very helpful!
I have also found that not all subwoofers work perfect with panels. Panels tend to be extremely fast and many subs are not perfect matches. There are some that work very well. I have seen many manufactures being discussed as being nice matches. I do know the Rythmik's are great matches (their direct servo tech)! Of course there are others.
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Re: Martin Logan CLX ART and other Electrostatics
Randy, thanks that is very helpful.
I found that Quads are sold new in the U.S. These are smaller (wife factor) and very well rated. So, I'm going to study these some; Quad ESL 2912
Quad 2912 & 2812 Electrostatic Loudspeakers | U.S. dealer in Atlanta Georgia
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Re: Martin Logan CLX ART and other Electrostatics
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Calvin
We have 2912’s and 2812’s. Good speakers, but limiting like most panels.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro
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Re: Martin Logan CLX ART and other Electrostatics
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Mike
We have 2912’s and 2812’s. Good speakers, but limiting like most panels.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro
Mike many thanks. I'll talk to you soon about these ...
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Re: Martin Logan CLX ART and other Electrostatics
Quote:
Originally Posted by
brad225
I would agree Joe. I heard them at 2 shows and they were just awful. It was as though they didn't bother to position them properly and use any acoustic treatment in the room. On top of that it seemed that by playing them painfully loud it would make up for it.
They are very good speakers heard them in a proper setup situation very difficult to get right multiple adjustments to dial them in. also heard them in show situations and they were ok to bad , unfortunately this is not uncommon today , as many other mega systems sounded bad in similar show situations , plenty bad operators running show setups ...
Regards
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Re: Martin Logan CLX ART and other Electrostatics
Quote:
Originally Posted by
joeinid
Understood. I’ve always wanted Sound Lab speakers but they require a lot of room, something I don’t have.
Not necessarily! I have a pair of the U-545s in a relatively small room (14x17') and I am thrilled with their performance. In a large room you should have a larger model, such as the U-845 which I have in my country residence. The ratio of room size in cubic feet to square inches of radiating surface determines which size panel is right for you.
Sound Labs are considered by many to be the best of all electrostatics. Over the last 40 years, Dr. Roger West has continued to improve the product. While their basic nature has not changed, today's current models are significantly better than ever before. The latest improvement called "Bass Focus" has made a major improvement in the bottom end. Sub woofers are neither needed nor desired.
Sound Labs does no advertising but mainly relies on shows and word of mouth. They are a very small, family run company located in a small rural town in Utah, and built one at a time. I have been a dealer more than 20 years because I am an enthusiast and love the product, the only thing I sell, from my home in the boonies, and a city flat (a 1910 Edwardian) in SF. I do it for love, not profit (there is none!)
There are very few dealers and thus auditions not easy to find. However, Audio Shark members are welcome to visit. If you have questions or just want to chat, my phone # can be found on the Sound Labs website.
Tom
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Re: Martin Logan CLX ART and other Electrostatics
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Re: Martin Logan CLX ART and other Electrostatics
Quote:
Originally Posted by
MtnHam
Not necessarily! I have a pair of the U-545s in a relatively small room (14x17') and I am thrilled with their performance. In a large room you should have a larger model, such as the U-845 which I have in my country residence. The ratio of room size in cubic feet to square inches of radiating surface determines which size panel is right for you.
Sound Labs are considered by many to be the best of all electrostatics. Over the last 40 years, Dr. Roger West has continued to improve the product. While their basic nature has not changed, today's current models are significantly better than ever before. The latest improvement called "Bass Focus" has made a major improvement in the bottom end. Sub woofers are neither needed nor desired.
Sound Labs does no advertising but mainly relies on shows and word of mouth. They are a very small, family run company located in a small rural town in Utah, and built one at a time. I have been a dealer more than 20 years because I am an enthusiast and love the product, the only thing I sell, from my home in the boonies, and a city flat (a 1910 Edwardian) in SF. I do it for love, not profit (there is none!)
There are very few dealers and thus auditions not easy to find. However, Audio Shark members are welcome to visit. If you have questions or just want to chat, my phone # can be found on the Sound Labs website.
Tom
The one thing I truly wish is that manufactures would include pricing on their website. Soundlab, like McIntosh keeps you guessing. It is very hard for potential customers to even know what they are looking at. This is especially true for an unknown entity like Soundlab. Looking at their website you have no idea if they are a value product such as Magnepan, or an ultra expensive product????
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Re: Martin Logan CLX ART and other Electrostatics
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Randy Myers
The one thing I truly wish is that manufactures would include pricing on their website. Soundlab, like McIntosh keeps you guessing. It is very hard for potential customers to even know what they are looking at. This is especially true for an unknown entity like Soundlab. Looking at their website you have no idea if they are a value product such as Magnepan, or an ultra expensive product????
I agree. I like to see the MSRP on the manufacture’s website. In my book, it is part of total transparency. I was disappointed when MSB removed theirs from their site.
However, I’ve been researching Sound Lab. I found these price - from a dealer:
Audio Federation - Sound Lab Price List
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Re: Martin Logan CLX ART and other Electrostatics
Thank you Joe. These should be on the manufacture's website in my view. What is the secret? It is not like a customer will buy them without knowing the price. If I liked what I was seeing and not able to find the price I would not be happy. Especially when there is an almost zero chance of going to a dealer and comparing.
So from the link you sent I would consider them a very expensive product versus something like the Magnepan, for example, which I would consider an ultra value product.
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Re: Martin Logan CLX ART and other Electrostatics
Unfortunately, those prices are extremely out of date, perhaps 2005. Audio Federation is no longer a dealer as they have moved to the SF Bay Area. MSRP is only a suggestion.
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Re: Martin Logan CLX ART and other Electrostatics
Quote:
Originally Posted by
MtnHam
Unfortunately, those prices are extremely out of date, perhaps 2005. Audio Federation is no longer a dealer as they have moved to the SF Bay Area. MSRP is only a suggestion.
I think this is part and parcel of the problem of the manufacturer not having the prices on his website. Had they listed them, I wouldn’t have assumed the ones I found were correct. But now these prices - that is negotiating from these prices - is my expectation. When I walk into any dealer and discover their beginning price is actually higher it wouldn’t begin the conversation on a very positive note.
Randy Myers is right. From the customers point of view we need to know the MSRP on the manufacture’s website.
This said, I’m still researching Sound Lab. I’m studying the quality at present. If I discover a model I think I desire, then comes the pricing investigation.