Duntech Black Knights to Martin Logan Summit X

I have not had that many speakers, just had some electrostats (Acoustats 11 and ML ESL) before and liked their holographic sound stage abut never had a chance to compare them side by side with the Duntechs. Since I like rock, the Quads are probably not best suited, hence the quest for something more modern to replace these black monoliths.

Jazzonthehudson, with all due respect to you and your speakers, the Black Knights did not have a good reputation among John Dunlavy's designs. In spite of their competitive pricing (compared to other Duntechs) they were not in production long and John did not introduce a comparable model in his DAL line up when he started that, as he did with other Duntech models.

The Black Knight had a heavy bass emphasis (to my ears and in reports from others) so if you enjoy them I would have doubts that any electrostatic or panel speaker will please you. So much depends on room, budget, associated equipment, and personal taste (for type of music and playback levels and characteristics) but I would suspect you may be better served to look at other dynamic (cone) driver models. Note that I'm not familiar with the Summit X although I am with some other ML, plus Quad, Magnepan, and Acoustat models.

Anyway, good luck.

Have you heard the Summit X? I have had the first generation Summit's for almost four years. Had Vienna Acoustic and Audio Physic before that. I knew I wanted the Summits the first time i heard them. I have heard systems with top of line Wilson's, B&W, Vandersteen Model 7 and they sound great but I am never disappointed when I get home and listen to my system, it won't make my pants legs flap but the sound and stage is oh so pure. If you are into heavy metal, hard rock etc you should look else where. As you know it comes down to price and personal preference.

First of all, the genre of music I mostly listen to, as my moniker suggests, is Jazz but occasionally I listen to some classic rock. I want to ensure the next speakers master well the imaging, clarity , dynamics yet still are neutral enough. Not just because I have had electrostats but I did listen to a Summit X in a show room and liked the sound, I prefer the Vandersteen 7 but that is now out of my budget. Looking to spend up to 8k for a worthy successor of the Black Knights in the used market.

I have owned Summit X's for over two years...they replaced my Revel Ultima Studio 2's...which replaced my B&W 802d's. I listen to mainly early 70's rock and current jazz. Those who tell you these are not good rock n roll speakers have never listened to them!! They put ALL performers in your room like no other speaker I have owned!! I even have a pair of the new Aerial 7t...not even close!! The bass is deep and VERY prominent giving a foundation far more powerfull than most dynamic driver speakers...but it's the midrange that puts most other speakers to shame!! Want Diana in your room? She's there!! Want to hear all that was meant to be heard on Billion Dollar Babies or Led 11...it can be scary how real these speakers sound!! Once again, advice from those who don't own these speakers means nothing!! PS, they usually sound FAR better in your home than in your dealers overly treated room!!