Bookshelf to replace Martin Logan Source

I agree with elliotbnewcombjr about bookshelfs and bass. As being hooked on electrostats, I have ML Source in bedroom system, and like them a lot, including bass w/out subwoofer.

Recently on an impulse bought Emotiva B1 bookshelf still on discount for just $229/pr., planning to eventually use them for desktop or basement system. The folded ribbon tweeters are very ESL like. Very nice clear and detailed mids and highs, in some ways more satisfying than ML Source. Dispersion differs resulting in somewhat better imaging than the "smearing" effect known for ML ESLs.

That would leave you $1700 or so for an amazing sub to cover the bass. Or get some ML Motion 15 or LX16 or 35XT whatever (not heard any but similar folded ribbon tweeter as Emotiva). Two ML LX16 would be $480 leaving $1500 for sub. Or Quad S-2 with $1K left for subwoofer.

As a bass fan, I would get a sub for any bookshelf system. Personally I would probably try the 92db sensitive LX16, an $800 sub like ML Dynamo 800x, and have the remainder for a class A EL34 or similar tube amp, and you would have some realistic full range music. Or stick with NAD class D if you are happy with it.

Some years ago I replaced the power amp side of my older NAD integrated with a primaluna 36W/channel power amp and my 90 db ML Sources really came alive.

Following up.

I did try the ML LX16, very affordable, didn't compare favorably with other bookshelves in the stable at the time (SVS, Elac, B&W, Buchardt), they did sound better than Micca. The cabinets were beautiful, and I really liked the grills (cat-proof). To me, LX16 (and the entire line of Motion) sound like the cabinets are made too thin or not braced enough internally - resulting in cabinet resonance. I always hear the cabinets when listening to ML box speakers, and LX16 is same.

Also tried Buchardt S400, and those are wonderful speakers. They compare favorably to SVS Ultra Bookshelf. After extensive A-B between SVS and Buchardt, decided the high frequency detail and much lower cost of SVS gave them the win.

Then I abandoned the search for best bookshelf and purchased $120 pair of Polk T50. They are essentially a two-channel bookshelf with two passive radiators added to form a mini tower. I'd never heard Polk, and the price was right for demo. The little towers sound awesome, easily besting all (even ML electrostats). For a small to medium-size room - they must be the best bargain ever. Soundfield is wide, detail is there, bass is adequate, tonal quality is outstanding. I have them setup next to ML Source, and occasionally A-B switch between them. If you hold your head just right, Source sounds a little more 'airy' and fuller midrange, but T50 sound great everywhere in the room and without rolled-off highs.

Polk T50, inexpensively bests many others. They have become my reference set for 2-channel listening without a sub. Second place goes to SVS Ultra Bookshelf due to value - you could buy eight pair of T50 for the cost of one SVS pair.

Hi! Just read your post. I’ve been looking at the Polk T50 speakers for a stereo setup.I listen to a lot of orchestral classical music but not at loud concert levels and do so in a 20 X 22 foot room.I don’t want to use a sub and this is just for a stereo setup.
Do you still have the Polk T50 speakers? And do you think they will satisfy my needs? BTW, I do have the money for better speakers but I just hate spending more than I have to. I’m cheap. Thanks for any response.  All the best!

@argonatz The Polk T50 are a terrific value. I think there are other options in the same price range that might compare favorably. Check Audioholics website for shootout that includes T50 and similar competitors.

My T50's ended up in my son's system with an old Sony receiver and CD player and BT receiver (for streaming from his phone) - seldomly used.

For my 2-ch system, once I decided to move to floor-standers, built LinkwitzLabs LXmini speakers. Continued AB/demo testing many more against LXmini, which ultimately included Tekton Double Impact (with factory upgrade). LXmini performance has exceeded everything - sold all contenders, including the Tektons, and ML electrostats sold a few months ago. I did use those two (and the B&W currently for sale) as my 'references' for a while to judge/voice against LXmini. Then about a month ago, I built a pair of dual 12" open-baffle subs to compliment the 'minis. Now, I feel the sound is perfected, and I've refocused on gear to simplify and raise the 2-ch system to the next level.

Polk T50 are an extraordinary value, but check competitors first. Also I bought them on-sale at Amazon, I recall them being super cheap - wait for the sale unless you're impatient.

Wow! Thanks for the quick and informative response.I will check out the LXmini and the rest of the LinkwitzLabs offerings.You have already help me eliminate some speakers that I was considering andthat is a tremendous help to me.The Tektons, MLs and B&W are fairly expensive and I don't want to be boxing any of them up, lugging them to FEDEX/UPS and shipping them back.

So maybe the Polks are not the best option for me but they are the price
of a really nice meal for 2 including wine.
Once again, a huge "Thank You".