The CLSIIz was a very fine full range stat. It was a hard ball to play with, especially difficult to drive even with powerful amps claiming top performance. The impedence curve was notorious and could actually shut down many so called high-end contenders without prior warning. The highs and mids were superb, until you listened to the Quads, which actually had a midrange bump to over-play that area. The CLS did have limited bass but this this apparent when driven inadequately. Amps that I used at the time were more than capable- Manley Ref 350's, and the CJ Premier 8 monoblocks at one point. The main issue with stats in extremely humid climates, was they just didn't last over a year or so. Wires started to corrode and perish faster than expected, glues would easily break off and the Quads were just a nightmare.
This is about when I did away with all stats and we took delivery of Ribbons at the dealership, mostly Maggies and they lasted far longer than stats. However, we all missed that immediacy in stats, with both the CLS and Quads for that matter.
Fast fwd nearly 25 years, and now we have the CLX, which is a completely different stat altogether. They new "X"-stat air frame is far more rigid than ML previous designs. The panel is vacuum bonded rather than glued, and the cross over uses very high quality parts. The efficiency factor is probably the biggest improvement over a wide margin, therefore making the imedence curve far more tolerable compared to all ML stats in the past. The added high efficiency factor also caters to the ability to be driven with low-moderate power amps, even solid state having Class A power ratings.
The bass (when driven properly) is simply superb! It is probably the fastest bass I have ever come across to date, full range bass from a triple stator panel design. I still hold a strong view point that this full range stat is meant to be driven "full range" to experience that bass energy movement is simply breath taking and the speed and articulation is marvelous. The moment a sub is added, this will kill and over-power that affect. It will just be another dynamic-stat hybrid config, might as well stick to the Masterpiece line of hybrids and claim the Neolith to be the best.
There is nothing more pure than a full range panel, be it a stat or ribbon, when driven across the entire radiating surface area, the sonic presentation is unhindered, un-colored, and very natural. Adding a sub is an artifice to me, I wouldn't even bother to demo a full range stat with a sub woofer system in it, no thanks mate.
For those who find that the CLX is inadequate in the lowest registers of bass, and adding a sub gets your fix- so be it! Enjoy whatever floats your boat. As I said before, you have just ruined a pure marvelous high grade Cognac...
To improve on the CLX? I don't really see any areas that it requires further improvement, I sincerely think ML have done it here very well. Improvements can eventuate from the upgrade in electronics because Kostas and Roberto have upgraded their electronic components, this has definitely increased the level of sonic performance by quite a factor and their experiences have been very positive. Hence, this is the only area of improvement I could think of at the moment.
Those who own CLX's and have been with them for quite a while now, will immediately realize the benefits in upgraded sound when compared to the CLS. Those who had obtained a CLS system before, were probably never bass oriented listeners to begin with. Therefore, to claim that the CLX is inadequate in the bass area is just silly. This is obviously coming from dynamic driver type preferences and those who are used to dynamic drivers all their life! The CLX and CLS, and Quad stats are "full range" not hybrids nor sub oriented designs. Compared to dynamic driver designs, yes- they are less bass responsive, obviously!
A fine cognac, high grade single malt whiskey is meant to be enjoyed in its intended way. Similarly the new ML CLX is a work of art and beauty!
Cheers to all CLX owners and have a blast!
RJ