Is Martin Logan considered High End?

[caesar]

Other than their full range electrostatic speakers, do audiophiles consider Martin Logan a high end brand? Or is it an entry level brand geared to semi-audiophile/ semi-home theater enthusiast?

Their hybrid speakers just don't present the same "cloth of sound to my ears" - it's kind of like someone wearing blue pants and a jet black jacket while calling it a suit. And a lot of audiophiles seem to like Magnepan better at that price point.

[ack]

I haven't yet had a single visitor who hasn't been wowed by my system, and I always start by pointing out all the negatives that can be easily identified... The Summit X's and CLX's are considerably even better, and yes, true high end to these ears. Mine? Almost so, but not quite. And don't forget the Statement e2!

[MylesBAstor]

The Summit X's and CLX's are considerably even better,

That's an understatement

[ack]

Gee, are we a bit biased??? Hey welcome back

[MylesBAstor]

Gee, are we a bit biased??? Hey welcome back

Thanks Peter.

No, just relating personal experience The Summit-Xs are worlds better than the previous version new out of the box and they only get better and better with breakin.

[Ron]

Love my CLX's. I consider them high end.

[microstrip]

Other than their full range electrostatic speakers, do audiophiles consider Martin Logan a high end brand? Or is it an entry level brand geared to semi-audiophile/ semi-home theater enthusiast?

Their hybrid speakers just don't present the same "cloth of sound to my ears" - it's kind of like someone wearing blue pants and a jet black jacket while calling it a suit. (...)

I have to disagree with this view - hybrid Martin-Logan are great speakers. Properly amplified - they need matching amplifiers that can supply the needed current to the crossover and panels - you will not notice any transition. Surely, if you are used to the dipole bass, you may prefer it - but it is just a preference.

IMHO , their top models belong to the High End. I have not listened to the recent cheaper models.

[Phelonious Ponk]

The "high end" is a false construct that shouldn't be taken as any indication of anything other than price and target market. With that said, the hybrid ML's can sound great in the sweet spot, but the bigger the panel, the bigger the sweet spot. The smaller hybrids, in particular, can be pretty frustrating once you realize all you have to do is stand up to go from open and detailed to flat, dull upper mids. Slightly off axis? I've heard $200 bookshelves that sound better. ML's "entry-level" motion series floor-standers sound a LOT better off axis, and just barely off axis at that. Honestly, I think many listeners would like them better on axis, as they have a lot more warmth and body.

By the way, this is the second thread questioning Martin Logan's "high end" credentials in the last couple of months. I have to wonder if this is because you can hear them at any Best Buy with a Magnolia Home Theater in the back corner? The have B&Ws now too. Until recently, they had Vienna Acoustics. Are they still "high end" in spite of being tainted by the big box?

Tim

[microstrip]

The "high end" is a false construct that shouldn't be taken as any indication of anything other than price and target market.

I hope that 99% of the people in this forum understand what we mean by "high-end" . Surely if you do not valuate or consider non-existent aspects we consider characteristics of high-end equipment you are free to define it as you did.

[caesar]

Love my CLX's. I consider them high end.

I DEFINITELY agree. So is the CLS, IMO.

My question was about the hybrids, as I could never get past their boomy bass.