Purchasing Martin Logan?
Velocitydreamer
Posts: 252
Hello All,
I've found a pair of Martin Logan Ascent speakers for $500... this would normally be an amazing deal (and may still be) however, the person claims one of the ESL panels isn't working and that it might be the power supply or crossover... they say the panel technically DOES work, but doesn't put out sound. I don't know much at all, which is why I'm asking on here, should I still go with this and see if I can get the speaker repaired?? Any opinions or suggestions help, thanks!!
I've found a pair of Martin Logan Ascent speakers for $500... this would normally be an amazing deal (and may still be) however, the person claims one of the ESL panels isn't working and that it might be the power supply or crossover... they say the panel technically DOES work, but doesn't put out sound. I don't know much at all, which is why I'm asking on here, should I still go with this and see if I can get the speaker repaired?? Any opinions or suggestions help, thanks!!
LivingRoom
Source: HTPC
Display: GT720 (on the wall)
Receiver: HK AVR1700
L/R: RS850 Signature
Center: RSC200 Signature
SS: Onix Rocket ELT DPA
Sub: SVS PB1-ISD
2 Channel (in the making)
Source: TBA
Amplification: TBA (Integra 2.1 interim)
Speakers: AV123 Onix Rocket Strata Mini
Source: HTPC
Display: GT720 (on the wall)
Receiver: HK AVR1700
L/R: RS850 Signature
Center: RSC200 Signature
SS: Onix Rocket ELT DPA
Sub: SVS PB1-ISD
2 Channel (in the making)
Source: TBA
Amplification: TBA (Integra 2.1 interim)
Speakers: AV123 Onix Rocket Strata Mini
Post edited by Velocitydreamer on
Comments
-
You could flip the panel between sides and prove that he's right or not. If so, any repair of the crossover or power supply isn't all that big of a deal. You should be able to find competent repair of those ok. If you aren't aware of it, an electostat runs a very, very high voltage power supply at an extremely small current to biax the panel. So you have a PS in there running 8-12kv. The PS does this by using a whole string of diodes to multiply up the voltage. Those are suspect to be damaged in a sharp power surge situation (lightning). Seeing that you're in Florida, that would seem to be a possibility. There may be a fuse in there that isn't accessible externally too.
Panels should have power on them for 15-20 minutes before judgements are made regarding fidelity or output level. But I'd also listen to the working side carefully for output level...note the preamp knob level...and then after moving the panel and confirming function, listen again for the level and see if it seems to match. Some older panels will to some degree lose output level over time. I think the replacement panel from age thing is a little overblown, but satisfaction and/or replacement cost could depend on the panel condition and need to replace or not.
If you jump in, have the room for proper setup and the amp power to run them properly, not many are better than an electrostat!! Very careful setup is required to get the magic they contain!
CJA so called science type proudly says... "I do realize that I would fool myself all the time, about listening conclusions and many other observations, if I did listen before buying. That’s why I don’t, I bought all of my current gear based on technical parameters alone, such as specs and measurements."
More amazing Internet Science Pink Panther wisdom..."My DAC has since been upgraded from Mark Levinson to Topping." -
I own a pair of Sequel II's for 12 years now and still one of the best speakers i have ever heard. To this day has provided me with listening pleasure. Pushing it with Dynaco Tube Stereo 70, Dual 1229 Q TT, Hafler Iris Pre-Amp. They do use a lot of power so don't skimp on Amp Wattage. Tubes preferred.
-
I bought a ML matinee center channel and had a loose connection to the panel so the sound did not play like it was dead. I opened the speaker up and saw that the there was 3 wires from the crossover and when I touched the plastic mylar with the loose wires the sound came through. All I did was solder the wires back onto where they previously were on the panel and it was as good as new
For 500 I say you have a good project on you hands. There are some experts on the ML owners forum that have made repairs to speakers that the company admits to not being able to do. You should go there and ask a few questions once you have the speakers in your possession
