When I first put this system together in 1991-2, I was driving the Martin Logan CLS electrostats with a pair of 140W Audio Research M300 MkII triode monoblocks. The "subs" were a pair of Wilson Puppies driven by a Mark Levinson 23.5 through a Bryston 10B x-over. Later on, I sold the Puppies and the x-over and bought Kinergetics SW 800 subwoofers that were designed to match the CLS's (the "Mini Statement" system.) I never really liked them ;--( I recently moved into an apartment and sold all the Kinergetics stuff and my beloved ARC amps due to space limitations. Began driving the CLS's with the ML 23.5 (very nice) and was resigned to listening to the CLS's with whatever bass they could muster.
When Martin Logan introduced their own subs, I could tell from the physical layout of the three opposing woofers that they had potential, plus I just couldn't imagine Martin Logan putting more sluggish subwoofers on the market;--) I'd been an advocate of "two subwoofers" mostly for easier placement rather than for "stereo bass". But first I thought I'd buy just one ML Depth and see how it sounded. I put it in the middle, crossed over at a mere 35Hz. Incredible! Fast and seamless, just like the Puppies. The omnidirectional woofer arrangement really makes two units unnecessary for good imaging, unless you need more poop.
Four years ago, I bought a new McIntosh MC-275 MkIV in order to drive the stats with tubes again, and it's fantastic! (See my post below.) The Purist cabling and the Depth sub really completed my system to where I'm not making any changes. I have been trying different headphone gear lately -- just for fun!
So now it's summer of 2102, and due to the untimely death of an audiophile friend last year, I had the opportunity to try out some of his very fine equipment, before liquidating it for his family. Only one piece of equipment really 'stuck', and that was an Atma-Sphere MP-3 tube preamp. It is a fully balanced differential Class A design with an all-tube phonostage; 'all-tube' meaning no FET's and no step-up transformers! I'd always wanted to try a tube phonoamp, and I'd always wanted to hear what an MC cartridge (a 'balanced output' device) would sound like when amplified by a phonoamp with balanced inputs. So I got to hear both things at the same time! And now it's time for my incredible Levinson 25s phonoamp and 26s preamp to go to a new audiophile ;~) As a famous Guru said, "Once you get the message, you hang up the phone!"
So for the first time in eight years (2004, when I replaced my ARC SP-14 preamp with the Levinson 25s/26s) my system sounds brand new again! Unfortunately my own body just keeps getting older, so this might be the last time the audio system changes ;~)
Finally, a tube phonostage with balanced inputs; MC cartridge heaven! Replaced Levinson 25s/26s. I never thought that would happen ;~)
Mcintosh MC275 Mk IV -- Shuguang Treasure KT88Z power tubes
Same as the Mk V (the latest 'un-leaded' version) with XLR inputs, detachable PC, and bigger power transformer. Current power tubes are even (slightly) better than my NOS Gold Lions; and only cost $400! The amp itself is a bargain, and its 95w/ch sound is delicious ;-)
HeadRoom Home Balanced Headphone Amp
Drives headphones balanced! 'Crossfeed' feature eliminates 'hole-in-the-middle' effect common with headphone listening. Solid state.
Melos SHA-1
The classic tube headphone amp/preamp from Melos. Better sonics than my HeadRoom unit ;~)
Goldmund Studietto Mk II turntable
It's on a Target wall shelf. Has the JVC quartz-lock motor, Goldmund cones, van den Hul zirconium spindle oil. Replaced the springs with Pandafeet sorbothane isolators -- no resonance, no noise, great bass, direct drive rules!!
SME Series V tonearm
Bought in 1990. Factory serviced in 2004 and installed new van den Hul MC-150S internal silver wiring.
Transfiguration Temper W MC cartridge
0.5mV output, new double ring magnet (yokeless) design. Stunning fit 'n finish. Now broken after 150 hours. It produces an amazing black background against a sparkling top to bottom neutrality, with great transient response and holographic imaging.
Purist Audio Venustas Phono interconnect
It's totally to die for! -- Increases the sonic value of your cartridge by $5000.
Wadia WT-2000 PS-2 CD transport
Wadia's Esoteric Transport w/ the upgraded VRDS heavy-duty Teac platter.
Aural Symphonics Optimism V.2 ST glass optical cable
If you don't have AT&T inputs/outputs on your digital gear necessary for using this glass digital datalink, then you're missing an unsurpassed musical experience from your CDs!
Wadia 27 DAC
Sounds great w/ the AS Optimism 2 glass cable. May consider GNSC mods later on.
Nakamichi CR-7A audiophile cassette
Basically, a Dragon that doesn't reverse (Thank God!) Bought it new with mics and mixer yet!! Analog rules!!
McIntosh MR65B stereo FM tube tuner
Bought it (very) used in 2007 and had it refurbished. Total $700, more than 2X 1962 retail! Amazing sound.
Martin Logan CLS IIz full range electrostat
Owned these starting in 1991 (as CLS II's) Installed new panels 3/11 and they sound better than ever! The Sound Anchor stands improve both the bass (cleaner) and the mid/highs (transient response.) What a difference!
Sound Anchor CLS speaker stand
They get the CLS's off the floor for better staging and keep the panels from rocking, improving the transients (even when I thought they couldn't get any better!)
Martin Logan Depth subwoofer
Better transient response (faster) than the (larger) Descent due to it's smaller, lighter woofers. See my remarks below.
Purist Audio Venustas RCA and XLR interconnects
RCA (1.5m) connects phono preamp to preamp. XLR (8m - 25 feet) connects preamp to amp.
Straightwire Maestro RCA
An 8m pair preamp to subwoofer.
Purist Audio Venustas 2.5m speaker cables
My last speaker cables!
PAD Venustas/Dominus, Aural Thrills and Audio Metallurgy power cords
Purist for the amp and CDT, other stuff elsewhere.
ExactPower EP-15A / SP-15A power units
The EP is a power regenerator. It supplies the amp, sub, speakers, and the SP balanced power unit. The SP supplies the source devices.
Studiotech Performance Series shelf systems
One of audio's best bangs. Price includes shipping. Easy to assemble, great looking and solid!
My previos amp was the CJ Premier 11a. I have not heard the Atlas yet. If I could use one word to describe the moscode it would be articulate. Notes attack and decay from black background I wouldn't call it the ideal amp for CLS. However it allows the CLS qualities to shine.
I am writing from a hand held device. I will be succinct. ML panels give me detail that is ruthless. It is not a question of will your panels last. But are the new panels better? IMO they are significantly better. "Better is the enemy of good." They are pretty much broken in. The Atlas is a hybrid and balanced. @$8k vs $6.5k for the moscode. The moscode does some things almost real. All I can say is I reccomend both very highly. I will say more when I get back to my computer.
Neil- I am very intereted in your xformer uprgrade to the CLS. Maybe you could start a thread on the matinloganowners website to document your efforts. That Could be fun. greg
Rouvin-"I do miss these speakers and wonder about trying again."
Of course I highly reccomend M/L CLS! IMO there is nothing like a full range electrostatic. None of the other 'stats are as emotional involving as the CLS. Unless you can afford an all out assault it is difficult to do better than this speaker.
"was the spitting and arcing addressed at all by the added rigidity and mass of the Soundanchor stands and/or Depth subwoofer?" When I had the problem I assumed it was humidity related because my basement was like a tropical rain forest during the summer. It was no problem when I had the speakers upstairs. The problem was solved when M/L replaced the panels. If you buy the CLS, you are probably going to have to replace the panels. IME most sell because the panels are worn out and they do not want to pay for new ones. The new panels are user replaceble. Just pop out the old ones and put the new ones in($1K). I also sugest you have the transfomrers refurbished($90) . Replace the power cord. Consider installing Edison Price music post($60.00 User installed w/o soldering.) I had mine done when while my transformers were at the factory.)If you are so inclined M/L use to tell people how to convert thier CLS xformers from a two back to a one. It's your call. You should decide all this before have them refurbished. I think it is a no brainer. If you don't have the latest(last couple of years) panels get them right away. I simply have had no arcing, spitting or slapping. If you play 'em loud enough you can probably make them slap(or what I call bottom out). It is not a problem at normal listening levels.
I took Neils' advice on the stands. While I have some mixed emotions, I dont think I'll ever go back. The speakers are not as pretty and the are much more imposing. Now if I could muster the courage to drill holes in them and install the back braces.
"(apprpox. 80 Hz arced dependably; hell on well mic'd acoustic bass). " I never had this problem. I crossover @ 100hz to my janis sub. I frequenlty listen w/o the subs and still do not experience that problem.
Neil, I'm not an expert any more. I am a historian.
I would not call my transformers "original". The originals were silver with a flap over the rear. That is the version I demo'ed in the store when I made my original purchase of CLS one's circa 1985. M/L had already begun what I term the emasculation of the CLS to make them less finicky. IMO there is a series of "II" transformers you want to stay away from. Unfortunately I have no idea what serial numbers they are. IIZ owners are safe. Even worse it appears that M/L no longers sells or upgrades the transformers. Repairs are available. I beleive the panels have steadily improved. Most important is a superior coating for the panel. My orignals spit and arced as the humidity varied. It seemed almost impossible to get a pair that played at the same volume. M/L legndary product support was evidenced by the fact that they replaced parts at no cost at the slightest complaint.
Cwlondon-If I may comment? Sounds as though you need a compassionate dealer. My expereince is that although they are technically correct and well built machines the Sonys tend to exhibit the characteristics you describe. ARC SP11 is lean but not harsh.I have never heard anyone describe the magnepans as you describe. I suggest you try to borrow components. See if you could borrow a tubed bassed cd player. Substitute components until you find the culprit. If that does not work you may have to substitute two components at once. Tubes may the way to go. Try the moscode 401hr.
I took your recommendation for the ML depth seriously. However when the Janis system became available I could not resist. It may take me a while to adjust it, but it is a beast. PICTURES WILL BE POSTED THIS FALL!
This is just beautiful. With respect to speed Mark Levinson was picked as one of the best. Transients must be lightening fast with lots of reserve. I've not posted any comments but I come here often. Is that a rosewood finish on the CLS?
