Martin Logans vs Polks

Velocitydreamer · February 2014

Hello Fellow Polkies,
I'm in need of some unbiased, factual/experience backed opinions comparing two specific pair of speakers and their appropriate centers. I'm considering picking up a pair of Martin Logan Aeon i's with Cinema i center; however, I'm interested in how they compare with the RT3000p w/ CS1000p front stage? I'm currently running an SC-57 receiver, but am looking to upgrade to a 2 or 3 channel amp for the front stage. Which setup do you think will do better for my needs (Music/Movie @ 60/40 w/ some light gaming), based on the information given? The ML's are suposed to be in wonderful shape, though I'm aware that ESL panels are rather prone to have problems over time (if anyone has any tips on how to check their integrity/condition, feel free to educate me!)

I love my RT3000p/CS1000p front stage; however, I wouldn't mind moving it to the other room if the Martin Logan setup would be better. Sound clarity aside, I simply love the looks of the ESLs, but want this to be a rational decision.

If I don't get the ML setup, I'll probably be looking at purchasing another RT5000 setup for the livingroom, so it's not a "keep the 5000 front stage and be happy," I'm calling for a comparison. Thanks guys!!!

AsSiMiLaTeD · February 2014

You need to listen to a pair of ML to see if you like the sound. The Polk will have more impact and would be better for movies and games, but the Ml are more musical to my ears.

Velocitydreamer · February 2014

That's what I thought, ML's are more musical. How much better for music do you think the ML's are (Artists are all over the place from The Glitch Mob, Deadmau5, Nero to Godsmack, Rise Against, A Day to Remember, etc), and how much better do you think the 5000 front stage would be fore movies? I've heard ML's, but only their entry level ESL models.

AsSiMiLaTeD wrote: »

You need to listen to a pair of ML to see if you like the sound. The Polk will have more impact and would be better for movies and games, but the Ml are more musical to my ears.

Velocitydreamer · February 2014

Another option is to keep looking for a different Martin Logan setup, but the price is pretty good on this set of 3.

Velocitydreamer · February 2014

Any others with input?

SCompRacer · February 2014

I had a pair of InnerSound Eros hybrid ESL's for about 8 years in my two channel system. The InnerSound Eros had flat panels versus curved and the MK III's had pretty much lifetime trouble free panels. There are some issues with some ML panels, so I suggest searching the ML forums for what they are before proceeding to make an informed purchase. My comments will confirm what has been mentioned already.

With dipole ESL panels, you get an expansive soundstage with incredible transparency. They work great in two channel or in a home theatre. They will play any kind of music but IMO while they excel with acoustic, blues, classical, and orchestra type music, they don't with rock or dubstep. They just don't sound as dynamic as box type speakers with that type of music. I like me some Deadmau5 and even Skrillex every now and then so I speak from experience.;) I've had friends here that felt the same.

I went with speakers that had a Raal tweeter and Accutron midrange and while I lost some expansiveness I retained the transparency. I can even dipole the midrange on them. To me they will play everything without any compromise. Good luck in your quest.

SCompRacer · February 2014

The other thing I would mention are ESL's present a capacitive load to an amplifier. The panels can range from a 140 Ohm to 2 Ohm load at the high end of the frequency range. IMO a receiver will not properly power them for movies or music at reference levels so you would need that external amp you mentioned.

tonyb · February 2014

SCompRacer wrote: »

To me they will play everything without any compromise. Good luck in your quest.

Amen brother....and that's what I look for in a speaker too. Tired of the speakers that are only good for certain types of music or HT speakers that excel for HT but fall short on music.

The 3000p's are excellent HT speakers, but just OK for music imho. I think the newer Def Techs would stomp them in both area's, or nice bookies with a pair of subs. More speaker choices out there than you can shake a stick at these days.

pitdogg2 · February 2014

not to mention they need a LOT of BREATHING room...If you don't mind and have the space out into the room get your ears on them.

polkfarmboy · February 2014

If your sitting with just two people there is nothing that can even touch the Martin Logans period. Sure many will say this or that but I have went through lots of home theater speakers and the ML sound the best as no other speaker can put out all those little details with the clarity and dynamic range that the ML's have. The Logans you are considering however would not be very good as the panel is real small on that cinema.

SCompRacer · February 2014

polkfarmboy wrote: »

If your sitting with just two people there is nothing that can even touch the Martin Logans period.

Why touch them when you can exceed them?

ROHfan · February 2014

Having just ordered ElectroMotions this thread is very interesting to me. We will be using ours for movies and music. My 2 kids rarely watch movies with us anymore and my wife and I are always in the "sweet spot" so for us the directionality inherent in their design is not really an issue. These are the best sounding speakers I've ever heard and is exactly what I want in a speaker. Bare in mind I've never heard speakers more expensive than them so my experience is limited but, nevertheless, I'm very happy with them.

marvda1 · February 2014

DSkip wrote: »

ML's are highly directional. I would never consider ML, Magnepan, or any other panel-type speaker for a home theater - they just don't have the dispersion width you'd want for a multi-seat listening experience. If you want an improvement on those RT3000p's and like their sonic signature, you should strongly consider Usher 6311's and the matching X-616 center.

Buying used ML's can be a bit of a gamble too. Those panels take maintenance, and buying a pair used is like buying a used car with no documentation. I've considered buying a pair before, but they were listed at a phenomenal price that made it worth the gamble. I don't think a coastal area is an ideal location for electrostats given the maintenance they require, which would make me a little less encouraged to buy a pair.

if you want the usher 6311's get them used as the new distributor has upped the retail price back to the original $2100 pair.

tonyb · February 2014

My favorite ML speaker is the older version of the CLS's. Haven't heard the newer version yet though. Full panels have a unique sound to them that's very addicting. However, think twice if you smoke, have high humidity, or your wife's nick name while cooking is "smokey".

Velocitydreamer · February 2014

I believe I've made up my mind to get the 3000p's... (found a VERY wicked, wicked deal I'll mention after all's said and done regarding a pair of 3000's & f/x1000's) but yeah, I'm thinking of running a 9.x with CS1000p Center, RT3000p Fronts & Wides, F/X1000 Sides & Rears... may add a pair of RT3000p Tops for 11.x whenever I get a different receiver/pre... yes... I definately need amps lmao. I'm sure it's rediculous sounding, but I want to hear how it turns out. I'll be getting into a bigger place (purchasing) in the next year or two so...

mantis · February 2014

tonyb wrote: »

Amen brother....and that's what I look for in a speaker too. Tired of the speakers that are only good for certain types of music or HT speakers that excel for HT but fall short on music.

The 3000p's are excellent HT speakers, but just OK for music imho. I think the newer Def Techs would stomp them in both area's, or nice bookies with a pair of subs. More speaker choices out there than you can shake a stick at these days.

I so agree with you on the Def Tech comment. The new Def Tech series are both musical and theater which is makes for a killer upgrade from RT series Polks. Another serious upgrade would be to consider the new LSIM's which are by far light years better then the RT's.
ML's are absolutely fantastic. Yes they can do both music and theater very well. I have set up enough ML's systems to speak first hand that they can bring theater into your home and thrill you. They also make damn good subs.

Upgrades are fun , I'd suggest getting out there and try to hear as many different things as you can. The Polks are very fun and enjoyable but do leave you wanting more.

ROHfan · February 2014

DSkip wrote: »

Congrats on the purchase! You're completely transforming your system, aren't you?

You noticed.

Yes, I thought that if I were getting the MLs I would want better amplification and better source. After a day of obsessive listening I can say that so far they're just as magical for movies as for music. I put on Transformers (1) and was blown away by the impact and dynamics. I also listened to Norah Jones' "Come Away with Me" and she sounds like she's in the room with me. And the instruments seem perfectly placed behind her on the stage. I can't wait to hear what these things will do once they open up a bit.

Velocitydreamer · February 2014

ROHfan wrote: »

You noticed. Yes, I thought that if I were getting the MLs I would want better amplification and better source. After a day of obsessive listening I can say that so far they're just as magical for movies as for music. I put on Transformers (1) and was blown away by the impact and dynamics. I also listened to Norah Jones' "Come Away with Me" and she sounds like she's in the room with me. And the instruments seem perfectly placed behind her on the stage. I can't wait to hear what these things will do once they open up a bit.

GAH... now ya got me wanting ML's

I'm sure, in the end... I will have Electrostats. I actually found a wicked deal on some LSi's that I'm going for for now. I have a question though, I noticed they're 4 ohm speakers. My SC-57 is technically (lamely) rated to 6ohm... am I ok driving the LSi speakers? It's a 5 speaker set.

suprafantx · February 2014

Velocitydreamer wrote: »

GAH... now ya got me wanting ML's I'm sure, in the end... I will have Electrostats. I actually found a wicked deal on some LSi's that I'm going for for now. I have a question though, I noticed they're 4 ohm speakers. My SC-57 is technically (lamely) rated to 6ohm... am I ok driving the LSi speakers? It's a 5 speaker set.

Go flat never go back.

tonyb · February 2014

Velocitydreamer wrote: »

GAH... now ya got me wanting ML's I'm sure, in the end... I will have Electrostats. I actually found a wicked deal on some LSi's that I'm going for for now. I have a question though, I noticed they're 4 ohm speakers. My SC-57 is technically (lamely) rated to 6ohm... am I ok driving the LSi speakers? It's a 5 speaker set.

5 lsi's...get an amp or risk doing damage to either or both. SC receivers technically could drive a 4 ohm load....but not optimal and I sure wouldn't do it with 5.

Martin Logans vs Polks

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