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Martin Logan Vista spks versus Maggie 1.7 speakers. Best speaker for medium size room??

The Martin Logan Vista speaker has been discontinued; however, it always seems to be recommended over the Martin Logan  ESL-EM  which is less expensive, but not the Magneplanar 1.7 or the .7 speaker.  I am curious about "thinking outside box",  that is getting away from a traditional box speaker, for a more open,musical and transparent sound. 

Therefore, I need some input about which of the speakers cited above might work best in a 12X15 living room that opens into kitchen/ dining area that is 12X22.  As you know both the Magneplanar 1.7 and especially new .7 have received good reviews, and often are recommended on this blog

Even though the  ML Vista is discontinued, there are usually one or two pairs for sale on Audiogon. I don't want to eliminate this model because it has been discontinued, but I don't really know what took its place   Thank you.    

sunnyjim
bdp24's avatar
bdp24
10,280 posts
 
One that isn't mentioned much is the Eminent Technology LFT-8b, which are $2499/pr. A hybrid magnetic-planar/dynamic woofer with a x/o frequency at 180Hz. A really good speaker for the price. 
elevick
2,638 posts
 
Both might...
A-You need to listen to them.  Very different sound qualities.  Also, where will you be sitting?  The Maggies have an awesome sweet spot.  From my experiences, ML's are more forgiving.
B-What's driving them?  You better have a lot of power.
C-Placement-Both of these sound much better far from a wall.  When I had them in my 15 x 25 room, I kept them at least 3-4 feet from any wall.
They can be great but you need to listen to them first.
martykl
3,578 posts
 
Another option is MMGs with subwoofers (if the rest of your system can accommodate that).  Last I looked, MMGs were about $600 and a pair of top flight 12" subs from SVS or Rythmik ran anywhere from $1k (very good) to $1700ish (superb).  I've run the MMG plus Rythmik combo and preferred it to Maggie 3.6s in the same room, FWIW.  That's with the pricier subs, however.

Either way, with both of these options you're in the same or lower price range.  More good news: All of these products are available manufacturer direct with full refund if your in-home audition doesn't cut the mustard.

Disclaimer, I use Audyssey to manage the subs and provide room EQ.  I think it's a big part of the great results that I get.

Good luck with the purchase.




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