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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
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
jonk78 OP
19 posts
 
Bob,

I never heard Innersound, so I can't say the new one is any better... but sure blew my mind away!

Just like Maggie's fan, those who like Roger's speakers swears that his speakers are the best.
And Roger back up his babies with life time gurantee (That's a quite a statement - I just hope Roger will live longer than me :0)

-----

Mr Tennis,

Thanks for explaining Box coloration...
I went to Montana's showroom 3 times, but didn't notice any of those...

-----

James,

No, I never tried Martin Logan but Roger told me they make pretty good lower priced eletrostatic speakers.

But if I ever buy elctrostatic speakers, it will be a Sanders speaker, period.

I spoke with Roger for quite long time at the show.
He is a down to earth, no BS, straight forward guy.

-----

Angela,

Ahhhhh so..... you are the lucky gal who married Roger, huh? (Or is it the other way around? :0)

I went to Rogers show room every day (twice a day) for 3 straight days to get a FIX of awesome sound of sonic !

As a newbie to audio, I asked Roger many STUPID questions but he patiently explained to me a lot of things from Ohm's law to what is the most important thing in setting up an audio system.

I wish Roger's speaker to be sucessful and grow so that many more audiophiles can enjoy pure sound in the future.

But it seems he doesn't want to expand his business... I know it is none fo my business, but please make sure he trains and groom someone... so that Sanders name and his speakers will continue on...

Nice chatting with you Angela,

luv,

jon
sarcher30
596 posts
 
Jon, I own Innersound Kayas. If you want to soften up the sound some, I suggest a good tube preamp.

Rogers speakers deserve the best upstream equipment you can afford.

I recently upgraded from an Aesthetix Calypso pre to an Aesthetix Callisto Partial Eclipse pre into a Innersound DPR-500 amp. I could not be happier with this combo.

I would pick the Sanders 10b over ML Summits. I like the Summits but they have a lowish soundstage and are not quite as clear sounding. I have not heard the Summits in my own system so it could have been the electronics.

As far as electrostats being fragile. That is simply not the case with Roger Sanders designs. You can crank these up higher than is good for your hearing (100db+) and they will still play clean.

Sean
asturias00
23 posts
 
Jon,

With the DCX crossover, you can easily adjust the midrange and treble of the 10b to your taste (lots of experimentations required though). It will keep you busy for a long while =)
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