TAS Reviews the Summit X

[RUR]

In the January TAS, Dick Olsher reviews the Summit X. Available right now for subscribers and Golden Ear members, or you can buy the individual issue via download for a few bucks.

A very favorable review in which he praises all the usual ML attributes, as well as the X's improved ability to blend the panel to the cone woofs. He concludes:

"I can't think of a box speaker under $40K I would rather live with. A mandatory audition for anyone serious about reproduced music."

 

[ack]

Ken,

have you heard the speaker, and what did you think?

 

[RUR]

Ken,

have you heard the speaker, and what did you think?

Peter, I have not. FWIW, several folks whose opinion I respect have indicated that all the new, DSP-based Logans are a significant improvement as regards panel/cone integration.

If I upgrade, I'm more likely to go CLX than Summit X. I've heard those in a couple of good rooms and thought they were phenomenal.

 

[ack]

I just read the review. Felt it was quite a bit incomplete - no references to music used, not enough specifics on sound other than timpani impact and cymbal brush work and some others... No references to voice, specifics on piano pieces, kickdrum or other bass instruments... It really left me wondering and wanting to go back and listen again for myself.

 

[nsgarch]

Thanks, but 'no thanks'!

FWIW, several folks whose opinion I respect have indicated that all the new, DSP-based Logans are a significant improvement as regards panel/cone integration.

Are you suggesting the Summit X employs a DSP-based crossover? A careful reading of the details for all of MartinLogan's Reserve ESL and ESL series speakers indicates that only the Ethos employs such a DSP-based crossover. All other ML speakers have passive/analog crossovers -- and thank God for that! It shouldn't be necessary to resort to "digital airbrushing" in order to "retouch" the response of a poorly designed loudspeaker system; or to take the place of intelligent room treatment when necessary. Placing DSP inside a loudspeaker is a cheap and lazy solution IMO; and remember, if you digitize any part (or all of) the signal after it leaves the amplifier, you can never get it back again. No thanks!
.

 

[RUR]

Are you suggesting the Summit X employs a DSP-based crossover? A careful reading of the details for all of MartinLogan's Reserve ESL and ESL series speakers indicates that only the Ethos employs such a DSP-based crossover.....

You're right, Neil. I should have referenced Vojtko vs. DSP, since only the Ethos incorporates the latter.

 

[ruxtonvet]

Compare ML Summit X to Sanders Model 10

In the TAS review Olsher states that the ML X is the" best sounding hybrid ESL in the world". Pearson made similar statements about Sander Model 10 hybrid. Do Harry and Dick talk to each other? Have they compared the two speakers? They look very similar.