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MartinLogan CLS IIz panel upgrade

I just ordered a set of new panels for my CLS IIz's. These incorporate the latest diaphragm improvements (both the mylar and the conductive coating), high(er) current hookup wire, and "Clear-Spar" section dividers. Has anyone out there already done this upgrade?

My current panels are 17 years old. They still sound great and look perfect. Yet Dana Brown at ML told me to be prepared for a "big surprise". After a ~100 hour break-in, he says the new panels will have even better high frequency extension and more detail than the originals. Anyone already experienced this?

I wrestled with pulling the trigger at this time, but decided to do it now based on:
*my advancing age
*continuing price increases (currently $1500 + $100 shipping)
*the demand is such that I had to get in line and wait a full three months before mine were ready!
*no clear information on how long they'll continue making them -- although Dana says there are no plans currently to discontinue providing CLS IIz panels; he says they also have a large quantity of parts on hand for the CLS IIz electronics modules.
*and last, Dana was fairly convincing in his assurance that I would enjoy a noticeable improvement in performance over the original panels -- which I never found lacking. In fact even driving my CLS's with a tube amp, I still tend to use the "softening" switch most of the time in normal operation.
They'll be arriving in a few days, but of course I'll have to put a week or two of use on them, after which I plan to write a little review ;--)) Regardless, considering the cost of replacement with, for instance, a CLX @ $25,000, this has to be a no-brainer -- I hope! Stay tuned . . . .
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texas42
98 posts
 
I'm on order for a new pair of panels for my CLS 1's. Mine are still going strong as well but figure new ones should make my CLS last for another 20 years. Please let me know how your sound as Dana told me new ones will be more dynamic and clean sounding (which will be some feat considering how they already sound!). Best of luck in changing them out. Hopefully they won't be too difficult a procedure.
msomers88
10 posts
 
I had a pair of CLS years ago. They needed a new set of panels. The design is such that dust will eventually settle one the panels reducing the efficiency. I bought a "B" grade that had a slight defect, installed them and they were definitely easier to drive.

I think the design actually had something that cut the power to the panels when music was not playing so they would not attract dust. I still miss those speakers...I keep looking for a local set of the CLS.

It's just the nature of the beast though - you are eventually going to have to replace panels on them.

P.S. Now I have a few sets of the original quads (again). They are nice because they have dust covers so will not have the dust on the panel issue. The CLS design is nice, never hesitates to generate a "wow" visually instead of a "what" from visitors
mrderrick
292 posts
 
When I replaced the panels on my first generation CLS I noted an increase of 2-3 dB more sensitivity over the old panels.
I can't say if it was due to the new technology or just that my old panels were that worn out, but it was easily heard.
They were also much more open and airy.
The clear spars were not available when I did my replacement, but then the cost was only $900.00
rrog
1,958 posts
 
Mrderrick, it's like Msomers88 said. The panels get clogged with dust and it lowers the sensitivity. Jim Power recommended years ago to use the brush attachment from your vacuum cleaner and clean the panels regularly to eliminate a dust build up.
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