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Planar (Eminent Technology LFT8b) vs. Martin Logan Odyssey

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Posted on November 2, 2015 at 18:51:40
tomtom58
Audiophile

Posts: 16
Location: New York
Joined: December 28, 2004
 Has anyone compared the planar ET-LFT8b with some similar electrostatic namely ML Re-Quest, SL3, or the Odyssey?
I had a guy come over a while back when I was selling a pair of LFT8's and he said he was just listening to some ML Aerius's and they were better with vocals, more airy and transparent (to him anyway). Can the Logans rock and be punchy? I know the LFT8's can. Just wondering if anyone has compared.
Thanks.

 

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RE: Planar (Eminent Technology LFT8b) vs. Martin Logan Odyssey, posted on November 3, 2015 at 09:39:03
mraudio
Audiophile

Posts: 459
Location: Northern Colorado
Joined: November 4, 2006
 I have personally owned, (although not at the same time) the ET-LFT8A, the ML Quest, ML QuestZ, ML Request, ML SL3, ML Odyssey and many other ML speakers. I was a ML dealer for many years.

I would take any of larger ML speakers any day over the ET's. The ML Aerius would be a closer call. Would need to hear side by side with the LFT8's to be sure, but the above mentioned models would be no contest...for me anyway. Just my opinion, but I do have lots of experience with planar/panel type speakers.

(This would also depend upon how old the panels are in the ML speakers and if they were working properly, since all of these models are going to be used and many years old by now).

 

RE: Planar (Eminent Technology LFT8b) vs. Martin Logan Odyssey, posted on November 3, 2015 at 10:57:18
Satie
Audiophile

Posts: 5426
Joined: July 6, 2002
 The more recent ML hybrids have better integration of the dynamic woofers with the electrostatic panels and sound more consistent than the older ones.

If you buy a used older ML consider replacing the panels as part of the purchase price, if they are not done for already they will be soon enough, unless replaced already

I never did a heads on comparison of the LFT VIII vs the larger ML hybrids, but my impression was that they did do better on fine detail and vocals but were not as coherent as the LFT8. As to whether that bothers you is a different question, if it does, then you might want to hold off for a more recent version of the bigger ML hybrids.

 

RE: Planar (Eminent Technology LFT8b) vs. Martin Logan Odyssey, posted on November 3, 2015 at 11:52:44
Dimitry
Audiophile

Posts: 457
Location: Massachusetts
Joined: January 26, 2006
 ==(This would also depend upon how old the panels are in the ML speakers and if they were working properly, since all of these models are going to be used and many years old by now)==

That's the problem right there. I simply don't want a pair of speakers in my main heavily used stereo system that need regular and expensive refurbishment, by sending very heavy and fragile devices through the mail or freight. Been there done that, don't have the back for it anymore.

That's the reason that the lovely Electrostatic Solutions rebuild Quads 988s are in my 1980s system and not upstairs.

 

RE: Planar (Eminent Technology LFT8b) vs. Martin Logan Odyssey, posted on November 3, 2015 at 13:53:08
Satie
Audiophile

Posts: 5426
Joined: July 6, 2002
 I think the ML panels are something you can assemble onto the bases at home, you don't need to send the whole speaker out.

The cost should not be outlandish.

 

RE: Planar (Eminent Technology LFT8b) vs. Martin Logan Odyssey, posted on November 3, 2015 at 17:08:58
mraudio
Audiophile

Posts: 459
Location: Northern Colorado
Joined: November 4, 2006
 You do not send the whole speaker in for repair. The panels are easy enough to replace at home.

Unfortunately, the prices for replacement panels have skyrocketed over the past few years. My CLSIIA panels were $890 back in 2009 when I replaced them. They are now $2700. SL3 panels in 2009 were $630, they are now over $1200. There are a few people who can refurbish old panels at about $400-$600 per pair depending on the size.

The panels should last 12-15 years will proper care.

 

RE: Planar (Eminent Technology LFT8b) vs. Martin Logan Odyssey, posted on November 3, 2015 at 19:09:24
j beede
Audiophile

Posts: 239
Location: NorCal
Joined: March 28, 2011
 Precisely why I sold my CLS, i.e. cost to replace my panels which were wrinkling and losing sensitivity. FYI: I was surprised to find out that M-L would not rebuild my CLS panels. It would have been my preference to have my stators reused and "reloaded" a la Magnepan.

These days I prefer QUAD ESLs. I find it easier to rebuild the bass panels myself, or have tweeters rebuilt as required. QUAD panels are small and very light making them convenient to ship. Not only that, they sound pretty good too (even "punchy" with fresh bass panels).

 

RE: Planar (Eminent Technology LFT8b) vs. Martin Logan Odyssey, posted on November 5, 2015 at 02:46:52
jazzbeat
Audiophile

Posts: 293
Location: Kansas city,MO
Joined: February 18, 2004
 I have owned 3 sets of the ET's and presently do with no regrets. I have heard and had in my home many ML systems and while they are great in their presentation I felt as with most ESL's I was listening to a large diaphragm dome tweeter. All the detail was there however as remarked before by others a plastic type of sound ( for lack of better words)
was heard from time to time. The ET's while not having as much detail
in a forward in your face sound convey the same detail in what I consider a conventional speaker ( IE dynamic) can convey. That being the detail if evident when it is part of the music...

Just my 2 cents...

 

RE: Planar (Eminent Technology LFT8b) vs. Martin Logan Odyssey, posted on November 5, 2015 at 09:15:01
Mr_bill2
Audiophile

Posts: 2178
Joined: September 17, 2002
 Hi jazzbeat,
Very much agree with your comments of ET vs ML. Curious as to where you have your tweeter settings, as this seems to be an important adjustment point which might lead some to stay or go with other electrostatics like the MLs?

 

RE: Planar (Eminent Technology LFT8b) vs. Martin Logan Odyssey, posted on November 5, 2015 at 16:04:01
jazzbeat
Audiophile

Posts: 293
Location: Kansas city,MO
Joined: February 18, 2004
 I am using the high setting for my ET 8. It seems to be good for my settings. I am running a pair of the 8a's and have not done the upgrade
for the B tweeter.

 

RE: Planar (Eminent Technology LFT8b) vs. Martin Logan Odyssey, posted on November 5, 2015 at 18:31:37
Mr_bill2
Audiophile

Posts: 2178
Joined: September 17, 2002
 Thank you. Same here on setting, also with minimal toe in. Speakers produce sound stage and images far exceeding its price point. Ive had mine for years and frankly cannot see parting with them. They replaced Dunlavy 4As( great dynamic speakers in their own right) and I've never looked back.

 

RE: Planar (Eminent Technology LFT8b) vs. Martin Logan Odyssey, posted on November 6, 2015 at 02:10:51
jazzbeat
Audiophile

Posts: 293
Location: Kansas city,MO
Joined: February 18, 2004
 I have the face of each speaker on the same plane as the other. No toe in. I tend to find many on this website like beating up their Maggies an or other planars with excessive drive where as with these they do not require this. I admit wattage up to a certain point will help these bloom in the mid panel , however it is not required to get the true qualities these present. I had at one time had these on a long wall and want to again ( living arrangements), as they really seem to open up a very large sound stage that I have as of yet have found any where else. ( it seems much of the sound of many planars remains on the panels , IE localization ). I think the big thing most miss , and it is sad is how realistic these can sound. In the room realism is what I look for not excessive volume or theatrics . Some Jazz or small groups pieces work well with these as many others styles of music. Not excessive in the treble or calling attention to themselves , just presenting what went on in the studio....

 

RE: Planar (Eminent Technology LFT8b) vs. Martin Logan Odyssey, posted on November 6, 2015 at 06:57:04
Davey
 What do you fellas think of the bass performance of the ET-LFT8 speakers??

Dave.

 

RE: Planar (Eminent Technology LFT8b) vs. Martin Logan Odyssey, posted on November 6, 2015 at 08:50:44
Mr_bill2
Audiophile

Posts: 2178
Joined: September 17, 2002
 8 inch woofer in a sealed box. Tuneful & tight, and never in the way, is the best way I can describe it. ET claims down to 25 Hz in room response. Don't think I've ever measured that but it's close.

ET says...The low frequency woofer was carefully designed to blend seamlessly with the mid-range and high-frequency drivers. The design uses a very low crossover frequency (180Hz) between the woofer and midrange. The woofer has a very high complince and operates with a near critically damped system Q of .58. This tuning insures excellent transient response.

 

RE: Planar (Eminent Technology LFT8b) vs. Martin Logan Odyssey, posted on November 7, 2015 at 06:01:22
sbrook@cfl.rr.com
Audiophile

Posts: 232
Location: Florida
Joined: November 3, 2004
 Invest in the B tweeter upgrade, you will not be sorry. Unless Bruce comes up with a further refinement (I cannot imagine what) this is the adjustment that really brings the LFT8 to fulfillment. The little almost undefinable things I found lacking before changing the tweeters are all resolved. As a system it is much more seamlessly coherent across the spectrum - even in the mid to lf crossover. If you read Doug Schroeder's write up from 2007 everything he observes about the upgrade is spot on.

 

RE: Planar (Eminent Technology LFT8b) vs. Martin Logan Odyssey, posted on November 7, 2015 at 10:13:51
Swamis Cat
Audiophile

Posts: 272
Location: Illinois
Joined: September 7, 2013
 I have a chance to audition seven thousand dollars worth of cable for free this month. I am reluctant to do so as I never found cables made any difference whatsoever. Should I give it a try just for the fun of it?

 

RE: Planar (Eminent Technology LFT8b) vs. Martin Logan Odyssey, posted on November 7, 2015 at 10:16:39
Swamis Cat
Audiophile

Posts: 272
Location: Illinois
Joined: September 7, 2013
 Sorry, I posted the above in the wrong place. My apology. I have Maggies, not ET's, and there was no discussion on cables. Please disregard.

 

RE: Planar (Eminent Technology LFT8b) vs. Martin Logan Odyssey, posted on November 8, 2015 at 13:17:10
Satie
Audiophile

Posts: 5426
Joined: July 6, 2002
 No harm in trying a loaner

It may reinforce your past observations or it might not. An interesting exercise if you have not experimented with wiring much.

 

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