Martin Logan CLS vs Newer Hybrids Like Montis, Summit X, 9A, 11A

Following this thread.....

I have the ML Montis and I LOVE them.  I mainly listen to female vocals, jazz, and some rock (Pink Floyd, Dire Straits, Eagles, others).  I've listened to many other brands of speakers at lots of high-end stores and I just can't find something that I like better.  I have a Technic's SL-1200G TT, and McIntosh C2600 Tube Pre-amp, and a McIntosh MC4500 SS amp for my analog listening and then I use a Sony HAP-Z1ES to store lossless FLAC files for digital source listening.

Thanks for weighing in. I’m curious whether you’ve ever heard the CLS or perhaps any other speakers you’ve owned or considered buying before you settled on the Montis. 

I had CLSs for many years (1989-2017), then upgraded to used CLXs in 2017 and they are better in almost every regard.  I paid $7,500 for my pair (without boxes).  I have since added a single ML BF210, which is wonderful and integrates well using the PBK kit (see some of my other posts).

Have you tried to clean your panels?  See the " Martin Logan Shower Cleaning PDF" thread at the "MartinLogan Audio Owners Forum".

i have had CLS twice and glad i sold them and went to newer models have had most of them Vantage etc  and my favorite overall speaker is the "MONTIS" its One of the best speakers they have ever made period (better then the Summit even) and they flat out smoke the CLS on so many levels they are easier to drive easier size better Full Range and way more coherent and sound better! The newer tech panels are way better and the digital crossover makes them seamless read the review in TAS they even compare them to Harbeth 40.2s which are incredible speakers at $20K you can find Montis for $4k range used get a pair and use proper amp and pre and you wont look back imho

$3000 for the pair? I'd repair them.

One of my reference speakers, (I have several) is pair of the CLSIIA’s in beautiful Rosewood frames. They still hold there own. I was a ML dealer for many years and the newer models do some things better, but the CLSes are truly a captivating speaker and fully worthy of continued use.

Russ Knotts can repair your panels for a lot less money than new replacements. He’s a really good guy and knows his stuff. Contact him and see what he will charge. I highly recommend him.

https://eslrepair.com/