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Martin Logan Owners - Any problems with humidity?

Hi,
In my quest to replace my current speakers and during my research I came across an ex-Martin Logan owner who complained that the speakers sound terrible when the humidity level is high, which is typical during summers here in Toronto. (We try not to use the air conditioner whenever we can opting for 'fresh' air instead.)

The other caution he uttered was that they can't be put in front of a window for fear that the direct sunlight will cause them harm in some way. I can see how direct sunlight might bleach the wood trim but for me this is no big deal and certainly not a deal breaker. I think he said that the sunlight breaks down the panel or glue somewhere . . .

Is there any truth to either or both of these warnings for current versions of ML speakers (e.g. Aeoni i, Ascent, Ascent i or Odysee)?

I would appreciate hearing from ML owners and your experiences.
kevinzoe
amperidian
67 posts
 
I hove a pair of ML Clarity's and no problems so far. I live by the lake in Oakville where the humidity can be quite high in the summer but I did not notice a drop or change in perfomance. I clean them every 2 or 3 months with a vacuum cleaner (after unplugging them overnight) and they sound just as good as they did after breaking in.
The humidity issue, as far as my understanding goes, applies to significantly older models from Martin Logan (1993 and earlier) but not to the models that followed. I've never heard of the sunlight/glue problem, but then again I don't know what was used to drive those speakers nor what volumes they were pushed to. ?? Abuse can also cause the panels to come appart.
brimac
59 posts
 
I'm in Ottawa, arguably the same weather as Toronto, and My Ascents sound great all year long. By the way, if you're in the market for some well maintained Ascents, mine may be up for sale soon!
kevinzoe OP
167 posts
 
Hi all,
Brimac - I'll contact you offline.

I called up Martin Logan and spoke to some product or sales specialist who had the following to say:
* humidity is really only a problem if you live at the equator otherwise just keep the ESL panels clean and I shouldn't have a problem.
* panel maintenance should consist of vacuuming the ESL panel at least twice annually and more frequently for humid weather conditions.
* sunlight and UV rays can deteriorate the mylar conductive coating but is very mimimal and would takes years of constant sun exposure.

Thanks everyone for your real-life experience. So to sum up, use window coverings if possible and keep the ESL panel extra clean during humid weather and everything should be fine.

Just as an aside note, ML will be discontinuing the selling of their Prodigy and Odyssey speakers on Dec. 31, 2004, so there should be some good deals out there with at least one local retailer trying to buy up some inventory and unload it at 30% discount . . . hummmm.

kevinzoe
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