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Which to keep! Pick one of these two soeakers

Sorry about the typo in the title, I have two sets of speakers and I need to sell one. Of these two, which would you keep or which would you be more likely to consider a better choice? I’ve been running the Spendors for a while and they are very good, very transparent and I’d say their weakness is that they lack low end but I run a sub so it hasn’t been an issue. I just got the ML Ascent’s in a bundle buy of equipment and I’m really liking the looks of them in my space but I am still sure about how flat they are sonically or if they are as good as my Spendors. I’m having a hard time deciding.

1. Spendor S100 circa 1970’s

2. Martin Logan Ascent w/ new ESL panels

128x128cabkab
soix
9,456 posts
 

Sounds like in your heart of hearts you prefer the Spendors.  If that’s the case I’d sell the Ascents and add a second sub that’ll likely provide a very nice improvement with your S100s.  FWIW, and best of luck. 

newbee
4,767 posts
 

Sound wise, your choice, you've go both on hand. Panels and boxes sound very different. I've had panels, electrostatics, and boxes. Set up for panels can be a journey, boxes are relatively simple. Ditto amplification. Those old spendors are a fine speaker. Panels can (can, not will automatically) sound more dimensional if properly set up. 

ghdprentice
6,967 posts
 

While ultimately it depends on how they sound to you. However, it also depends on your electronics and how much time you have spent with the Martin Logan. 
 

It would be really helpful to know your components and venue… there is a place under your UserID to create your virtual system. It is easy to attach photos and ID equipment there. This would help us better determine how to help.

 

Just in general, I suspect the Martin Logan’s are more challenging to power and position and perhaps you are not getting the optimal sound from them. They can sound very good.

cabkab's avatar
cabkab OP
9 posts
 

The previous owner of the Martin Logans had them bi-amped with an Audio Research VT100 (feeding the subs) and ADCOM GFA-555 (feeding the panels). The Audio Research SP16 preamp feeds both amps. I have all of this gear now but I’m only running the VT100 biwired to both the panels and subs in parallel. The room is carpeted and about 12x20 or so. I’ve beed auditioning the Spendor and ML with the Audio Research pre and tube power amp.

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