2. speakers
  3. 1019822717

B&W CDM 9 / ML Aeons

I am losing sleep over my inability to make up my mind -- I keep on wafering back and forth. Now I am finding great deals on audiogon for Aeons:-(, which makes things even worse:-) I am building a hometheater/listening area in my basement and for my budget have decided to either go with B&W CDM 9NT L/R or the Martin Logan Aeons L/R, my Theater/Music ratio is 50/50. What am I to do? I thought the B&W's sounded great with Jazz (which is what I most listen to) as did the Martin Logans. The only thing is that I am concerned that if I purchase a mint set of Aeons at a great price I will not receive the warranty. This is my first big audio purchase (big for me). I have a Cinema Grand and AVM20 pre/pro. I am a bit discouraged to buy the B&W due to lack of info on this site, this site is a vast wealth of info and I believe if no one is talking about them there might be a reason. Anyone offer any suggestions -- also, my third choice was DynAudio Audience but I really couldn't get over the laminate finish.

Thanks,

Jplenhart
jplenhart
s7horton
1,077 posts
 
I've got the CDM 1NT's and they do sound really nice. The 9's will add bass of course. However, I find them a little congested in the midrange at times. Personally I like the nautilus tweeter, but not everyone does.

The Logans are nice also from the little time I spent listening to them. I'm still not sure if they got the whole integtration of the electrostat with the dynamic driver right. If i had to make a choice, I would choose the logans.
tinman
35 posts
 
I have ML SL3 for almost 3 years now and I have heard a few expensive systems but I still like the transparency that ML offers. ML excels in mid to high and even performs well at 200-70Hz bass region but it lacks the deep bass that my friend's 801 S3. If you like bass then you should look for a used pair of 801 S3, it is awesome. Adding excellent sub-woofer like Velodyne HSG15 still does not have a same continual and integral sound as the 801. For about $2500 a pair used, you can't beat that. If I am buying new speaker now, I would pick 801. Bottom line is you need to like the sound first and don't let the brand influence your decision. Happy listening.
edpadden
11 posts
 
I just got a pair of the CDM-9NT's. I love them. I have listened to them with the Sunfire amp and they are simply stunning. The ML's tend to be a little harsh in my opinion with home theater. The B&W's are much more sweat and have better finesse. the ML's tend to scream at you with theater. Just my $.02
More to discover