Posted by kentaja (M) on August 16, 2024 at 10:49:20

In Reply to: RE: Why no love for Martin Logan? posted by jimbill on August 15, 2024 at 12:43:40

I am an authorized QUAD dealer and service center. There is a lot to unpack here!

It's always unfortunate when someone has an issue with any piece of gear. But it happens.

1. QUADs are not a particularly difficult load to drive. I've used any number of solid state, tube amps over the decades. Ultra high end to cheap junk. I have yet to encounter an amp that could not drive the QUAD with ease. If an amp has a problem driving them then it is not a very good amp and it's probably best to set the thing at the curb. They do not require the 'right' amp to drive them.

The ESL-63 has protection circuitry to prevent any overload or damage and it works. The ESL-57 had very specific voltage limits that were clearly outlined in the Owner's Manual. If one can't be bothered to read the manual and uses an inappropriate amp then yes they will arc. That is on the owner. The ESL-57 is a robust design I routinely see units that are 40, 50, 60 years old that still work nicely. Probably half of what I see in my shop.

The history of QUAD in the 80s, 90s and IAG's acquisition is incorrect. But that has nothing to do with the discussion at hand.

4. Nope they are not delicate. Read the second paragraph in note 1.

5. Nope they are quite reliable if not over driven. Again read the second paragraph in note 1. QUAD has never used fuses as protection scheme for the panels just for the AC line voltage.

6. QUAD started producing dynamic speakers in the 1980s well before the company was sold to IAG. For that matter Martin Logan produces dynamic speakers what is wrong with the that? IAG quality is top notch.

7. Yes I have seen some power transformer fail in the 98 series. Perhaps six. I have never seen a power transformer fail in 05 or 12 series. I have never seen an audio transformer fail in any QUAD speaker unless it has been molested by some tinkerer.

8. $22K for a pair of 2912? When introduced in 2012 they were $15K for a pair later increasing to $18K right about when Covid hit. The importer told me they never delivered a pair at the 18K price point.

$10K for repair? If I had to replace all the panels in a pair of 2912 that would set back the customer $3.6K. Transformers are $250.

I have seen the internals of several Martin Logan speakers. Very nicely done but certainly not any better than the QUAD.

As for which speaker sounds better? Horse for courses I suppose. While there are many things I like about the Martin Logan they have a few issues that don't make them work for me. Bass integration to the panel they are not coherent top-to-bottom. Limited horizontal dispersion a little head-in-vise for my taste. But my main complaint is a rather thin tonal balance no meat-to-the bone. HP described it as skeletal sounding.

Lastly I get calls and emails all the time from Martin Logan owners that need service on their speakers. Stuff happens.

Edits: 08/16/24