Anyone switch from Martin Logan?

[sugarmedia]

Hey Gang,

Would like to hear some personal opinions from anyone out there that has owned a pair of ML speakers, specifically the Aeon.

I am in a toss up on whether to get the "ML Aeon i" or the B&W 703 Series. It seems that if you like more rock or pop music, the B&W is more dynamic and will have more detail. If you like classical or jazz, the air and space that the Martin Logan gives is addictive.

Although this is a B&W forum, I'm hoping I can get some objective advice...if that exists.

Thanks

[Fraise]

Hey Gang,

Would like to hear some personal opinions from anyone out there that has owned a pair of ML speakers, specifically the Aeon.

I am in a toss up on whether to get the "ML Aeon i" or the B&W 703 Series. It seems that if you like more rock or pop music, the B&W is more dynamic and will have more detail. If you like classical or jazz, the air and space that the Martin Logan gives is addictive.

Although this is a B&W forum, I'm hoping I can get some objective advice...if that exists.

Thanks

i switched from nautilus 803's to ascents and havent looked back. are ascents out of the question because prefer them over the B&W's for all styles of music, rock included.

[Jason R]

Just had same dilema, our b&w dealer has once again failed to get back to me after 2 weeks for an upgrade from 704 to 703, it really annoys me when i have to beg people to take my money. But anyway i digress, i love Jazz and was thinking of the ML's which are fantastic however there are few reasons i ended up going with 804's i picked up second hand yesterday:

1. Would have to change centre and surrounds
2. I have always heard ML's through valve gear and was worried that i would not enjoy them through solid state for a wide variety of music and TV.
3. Have a long narrow listening room and i didn't think they would have had enough space to breathe.

They are beautiful though and had the 804's not come available at 50% of their price i would have bought them and lived with their slight inabilties with rock etc, as their ability for smooth stuff makes up for it.

It is a personal choice, listen to both and find the best match for your gear so that you don't end up spending ton's extra to get thems ounding quite right.

[Jason R]

Forgot to add that it was also the aeon i that i would have gone for. beautiful and next time i hear them i will regret it again i suppose, but anyway.

[sugarmedia]

.

Jason,

thanks alot for the reply...it's helping me make my decision, because my ear actually likes them both. So for me any information I get is more or less going to make mean lean in that direction.

By the way, why were the 804's discounted so heavily? I really want the 804's but since I'm now married and living out of the US they 804's are 7,000 more in my new currency. In Europe we get hit big time with (VAT-Tax) Valued added tax by 22%.


-SM

[Jason R]

They were second hand from private seller, for about 1600 pounds roughly. so i could not let them pass as the price was so good.

[DanR]

Your own summary is very accurate, so depending on what you listen too you should choose accordingly.

[Fraise]

what does the rest of your system consist of btw. i think the Aeons would be more difficult to drive than the 804's/705's

[sugarmedia]

amp/ pre amp

Fraise-

My dealer recommeneded the following: (Martin Logan Aeon-i, or B&W 703)

"For speakers of this caliber, I would be inclined to recommend the RC1090 preamp and the RB1080 power amp. Their combination of clarity, dynamics and heft would sound great on both speakers."

Any comments on his recommendation?



-SM

[Jason R]

Just one thought on that combo, the 1080 is a little lacking in the bass department as are the Martin Logans, so perhaps a power amp that does reach a little lower down would be nice, but i foresee no problems power wise and the Rotel is nice and dynamic so should sound great. Depends again on the rest of your system, if it's only for 2 channel i would rather get a more "relaxed" amp that would not have nay harshness at the top when cranked up.

Just my 2 cents worth, the rotel would be great for the B&W's though.

[kevin l.]

I owned martin logans, (accents, odessseys, theater, scripts with B&k and sunfire) and some things do sound more addictive but overall I'm happier with my B&Ws. To some up my overall experience I thought after having the logans that the sound was a little to bright for me while the B&Ws have a very smooth sound that I can listen to louder and longer. Just my 2cents