Martin Logan CLX ART and other Electrostatics

Calvin

Calvin

Banned
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Dec 6, 2019
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785
Location
USA
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.
 
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.
 
Thanks. Though I think they would be too large for my room what did you think of the Neoliths?
 
Calvin said:
Thanks. Though I think they would be too late for my room what did you think of the Neoliths?
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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.
 
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.
 
Understood. I’ve always wanted Sound Lab speakers but they require a lot of room, something I don’t have.
 
joeinid said:
Understood. I’ve always wanted Sound Lab speakers but they require a lot of room, something I don’t have.
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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.
 
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.
 
brad225 said:
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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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.
 
brad225 said:
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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OMG !!!

CLX with ARC 40th pre and 610T amps? Holy cow, you’ll ruin him. Careful Joe. :)
 
joeinid said:
OMG !!!

CLX with ARC 40th pre and 610T amps? Holy cow, you’ll ruin him. Careful Joe. :)
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Yes, this sounds like an unbelievable system. I heard the Wilson Alexias on ARC, so it will be a great comparison.
 
Calvin said:
Thanks. Though I think they would be too large for my room what did you think of the Neoliths?
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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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Mikado463 said:
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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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/documents/manuals/manual_clx_illustrated.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.
 
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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