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Mag 3.6R or 20.1 , Sanders & Montana EPS2

After 20 years of void & darkness, I set out this new audio venture thinking Maggie 3.6R is all I ever needed.

But after driving 200 miles to listen a pair of Maggie 3.6R, my soul wasn't satisfied.

So, I went to Las Vegas T.H.E. show.
I wanted to listen to a pair of Maggie that is well matched up by a manufacturer themselves. (which was Bryston 28BSST with new Mag 1.7 & center piece)

Even the manufacturer's demo didn't convinced me...

So I looked around, and found two speakers that standed out.

One was Sanders Electrostatic Model 10 speakers and
the other was PBN Montana ESL 2. (Both are around $10K per pair.)

Sanders speakers were stunningly clear and focused. Imaging was incredible. All I can say is Clean, Pure & deliver excellent sound from high note to low.

The sound was so clear, it almost made me uncomfortable.
Never heard nothing like this before...

The other speaker I really liked was Peter's Montana ESP 2.
Just a wonderful speaker that moved my soul...
The music flowed effortlessly. I don't know how to describe.... just beautiful.

Maggie, Sanders, and Montana... each has a different character and taste. Like wine... Cab, Merlot & Zin all have different charcteristic...

Maggie probably has most warmth and air, like Renoir's painting not sure where the line starts and ends.

On the other hand, the Sanders speaker was probably most accurate and clear but somewhat lacking in warmth and naturalness (for my taste anyway)

Peter's Montana - comes in some where inbetween the two... well balanced, opening up nicely,... just made my heart warm in satisfaction...

=====

Sorry for the long intro...

Anyway, here is my question.

If anyone had these speakers over the long period of time, could you give your likes and dislikes? (especially weakness or problems if any)

TIA

Jon
jonk78
jonk78 OP
19 posts
 
Hi 605 hifi,

Yes, I trust my judgement. Afterall, I AM the one who will listen and enjoy the music, not the critics.

But I do respect other Audiophiles with great knowledge in audio, especially those who have similar taste bud as mine.

=====

Russ,

Hmmm, I haven't had a chance to listen to 20.1 yet.
I thought the Magnepan company would bring their top of the line to the show (my mistake...)

What do you mean by "delicate"?

Yes, set up !

I do believe set up is one of the most important part in audio system afte speaker and source.

One of my old friend specialized in concert hall design.
He promised to come to my home and help me set up the listening room in April.

We'll ses how much difference that will make to over all sound....

=======

888trinity,

I hear what you mean...
I really liked Sanders speakers, and yet something was bothering me.... (I can't quite pin point what it is... but when I listen to his speaker, I seem to get more tense than relax... his speaker demands undivided full attention from the listener.)

I think I will eventually buy one of Sanders' speaker someday, if I can find a way to soften up the sound a bit.

Mr. Sanders does not belive in tubes but I a feeling that turb preamp might just do the trick... will see.

Thanks for all your inputs !

Cheers,

jon
bobheinatz
722 posts
 
I owned a pair of Innersound Eros 3's and they were outstanding. Never a problem with the treble. I have not heard the newer Sanders speakers but my bet is that he has improved the sound from his Innersound days.
mrtennis
3,295 posts
 
i think a good alternative to the sanders speakers (i almost bought a pair of his pure electrostatic, not the one exhibited at the show, which is a hybrid), is eithr the apogee duetta signature or the analysis audio epsilon (more money, however). i have heard the montanas and i concur with the observation that they exhibit cabinet colorations), i.e., the enclosure is excited at certain frequencies. thus i don't like "box spekares). the closeset i ever came tobuying one was the vandersteen 2c.
james63
534 posts
 
Jonk78,

Have you heard Martin Logan Spire or Summit x? If so how do they compare to the Sanders? On paper they look similar. I thought both the Spire and Summit had GREAT detial with some what laid back highs. You might really like them. Used spires go for a out $4500 on here.

But I have never heard the Sanders and thy maybe all around better. For what it is worth I thought the Magnepan 3.6 and 20.1 were a little better than the Martin Logan line. Well maybe just different, not better... The sound stage was larger and the bass was more natural (and intigrated) on the 3.6R than the Spire.

As always your own ear's know best.
angela100
435 posts
 
Hey Jon,

Glad you got by Roger's room while at T.H.E. Show. (Full Disclosure - I've been a member here for almost 9 years and am now married to Roger 3/3/9 [square root day] ;} ).

Roger has additional options with crossover control these days and when you want to know more, you should just call him. You can have virtually infinite control over how the speakers sound.

Harry Pearson came by on Saturday and wants to review the speakers, so you can look for that sometime this year. We'll be shipping things out in the next week or so to him. Harry has reviewed Roger's earlier products (Innersound Eros in 1998 and ESL amp in 2000); so he is very familiar with what Roger's products can do. We are excited to see what he thinks of all the improvements that have been made over the years.

One last thing of note: There are a lot of Martin Logan owners that now have Roger's ESL amp. We feel that their forum is a proponent of Roger and we have a really good relationship with Tom and the guys over there.

Cheers,

Angela
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