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.

http://www.martinlogan.com/images/tr..._black_alu.jpg Natural Cherry / Black Aluminum

Summit X

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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.

http://www.martinlogan.com/images/sp...es/summitx.gif

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.

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.

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.

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 .

http://senseaudio.ca/uploads/thumbna..._________0.jpg

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.

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

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

Quote:

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Originally Posted by sharkmouth

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

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It was a kind of fleeting thought. I had Apogee Duetta II ribbon speakers and think these would be similar.

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.

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.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Jeffkad

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.

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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:

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Originally Posted by Audioseduction

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.

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George,

I forgot you have the Summit X. Very nice!

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.

Sounds like a very nice arrangement of gear for a fantastic sound. Enjoy! :)

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?

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.
Attachment 6480
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

Welcome Karl!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by audiokarl

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.
Attachment 6480
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

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Mine have no such noise.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Myles B. Astor

Mine have no such noise.

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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.:skeptical:

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

Mine are 100% silent when not playing.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Dafos

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?

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This setup is going on 4 years. Love it and no plans to change for many more!

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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That would be cool Mike! I'm game.... :D