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In Reply to: RE: Planar (Eminent Technology LFT8b) vs. Martin Logan Odyssey posted by tomtom58 on November 02, 2015 at 18:51:40
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).
Edits: 11/03/15Follow Ups:
==(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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
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