Summit X to CLX - is it worth it?

[Gordon Gray]

Dan,

Here are five that come to mind. Have heard all of these at RMAF at two different shows (2009 and 2011) and, in the case of the YG Anat, also at GTT Audio last December.

Given the enormous price difference between these models and the CLX, it further underscores the incredible value of the CLX from a performance / cost perspective. Please note that all of these are "full range" and don't need a sub(s) to augment the low end. But even with a couple of subs, the price difference is still extreme.

1) YG Acoustics Anat Pro.

2) YG Acoustics Kipod Sinature II.

3) MBL 101E.

4) Focal Grand Utopia EM.

5) Focal Stella Utopia EM.

To optimize performance, the usual caveats apply to these and the CLX's. Proper set up and proper equipment.

Gordon

PS: To repeat a previous post, I interpret the word transparency to mean that the speaker gets totally out of the way and allows one to become emotionally connected with the music on all levels.

[Dan Osib]

Dan,

Here are five that come to mind. Have heard all of these at RMAF at two different shows (2009 and 2011) and, in the case of the YG Anat, also at GTT Audio last December.

Given the enormous price difference between these models and the CLX, it further underscores the incredible value of the CLX from a performance / cost perspective. Please note that all of these are "full range" and don't need a sub(s) to augment the low end. But even with a couple of subs, the price difference is still extreme.

1) YG Acoustics Anat Pro.

2) YG Acoustics Kipod Sinature II.

3) MBL 101E.

4) Focal Grand Utopia EM.

5) Focal Stella Utopia EM.

To optimize performance, the usual caveats apply to these and the CLX's. Proper set up and proper equipment.

Gordon

PS: To repeat a previous post, I interpret the word transparency to mean that the speaker gets totally out of the way and allows one to become emotionally connected with the music on all levels.

Gordon,
I've heard 3 of the speakers in your above list and I'll be honest with you when I say that I could sometimes hear that slight boxiness (box coloration) I was previously referring to when I listened to each of them. This drawback is not at all evident with CLX. Fair enough they do everything else well especially bass, I admit that the CLX bass isn't exceptional but that's where a good subwoofer comes into the equation and that's more than good enough for me. It's a fair drawback to trade for 'Zero Box Coloration'

[beek]

Dan,

I don't like the sound of box speakers either.

The ideal transducer disappears leaving only the music.



GG

Full range stats bi-amped with a pair of subs is the Only way to go.
I am so biased I dont even bother to listen to boxes any more esp. if it uses over the top woods & construction still its a driver in a box
too much labor & work for too little payback.


Just ma opinion

Be interesting if ML considered using a open baffle woofer with their hybreds for intergration.............

[marck]

Too me the advantage of the CLX over other ML models is that electrostatic panels cover range from 56hz and up in CLX compared to 270 hz and up in other models...

If your room is large enough to work with CLX, I feel it is better than the Summit X. Sadly for me, my room not big enough for CLX and I do not have budget for the CLX ((((( The CLX is my dream speaker if room was large enough )))))

I have owned many electrostatics over the years ( Acoustats, Martin Logan and Quad ) and to me electrostatics are very special ))))))

Dan

I am lucky re room size. My room is around 25ft by 18ft.

[marck]

I assume there are no planned updates to the CLX in the bear future?

M.

[Gordon Gray]

Dan and Bill,

Appreciate your input. As you both know, once one gets to a certain level, it becomes extremely subjective.

Having owned various ML's for some 20 years plus, I'm well aware of the outstanding value and virtues that stats bring to the table.

I typically react negatively to generalizations (in all things in life) because there is always something that doesn't fit the prescribed mold.

What matters most to me is that the individual is happy with his or her choice. That's the challenge and magic of our hobby.

Best,

Gordon

[Dan Osib]

Dan and Bill,

Appreciate your input. As you both know, once one gets to a certain level, it becomes extremely subjective.

Having owned various ML's for some 20 years plus, I'm well aware of the outstanding value and virtues that stats bring to the table.

I typically react negatively to generalizations (in all things in life) because there is always something that doesn't fit the prescribed mold.

What matters most to me is that the individual is happy with his or her choice. That's the challenge and magic of our hobby.

Best,

Gordon

Your absolutely right, at the end of the day everybody has their own personal preference when it comes to loudspeakers. When it comes down to it You're either a ''Box Man'' or a ''Stat Man''. I'm definitely the latter for life - Once You Have Stat You Don't Go Back! Realistically I reckon that if you ARE a Stat Man then the only other option to Martin Logan would have to be Soundlab Electrostats, and that's it.

[beek]

Gordon
You have a great outlook on things clearly makes sense.
I was just speaking in general not to change any opinions

[tsv_1]

I assume there are no planned updates to the CLX in the bear future?

M.

None that I've heard of... and I think we would at least have heard whispers or rumors as ML is rolling out a number of next-gen models. That said, lightning (in the form of a new model) can strike any time

[Gordon Gray]

Dan,

I think hybrid designs, like MBL and others, are a clear alternative to those that may seek a different path to sonic bliss.

The tweeter, mid-range pods in the MBL's cover everything above 3K hertz in the 111, 116, and 121 models.

I agree Soundlabs is a great stat but they are so flippin big.

Gordon

[GaryG]

I assume there are no planned updates to the CLX in the bear future?

M.

There are a couple of new/improved subs coming that could work well with the CLX's.

Also, about a year ago there was at least a modicum of interest within certain circles at ML in making a new version of the "Statement". Hmmm, would be interesting but probably did not move ahead.

[marck]

There are a couple of new/improved subs coming that could work well with the CLX's.

Also, about a year ago there was at least a modicum of interest within certain circles at ML in making a new version of the "Statement". Hmmm, would be interesting but probably did not move ahead.

Interesting, are they likely to replace the Descent I?

M.

[GaryG]

Interesting, are they likely to replace the Descent I?

M.

The Descent i may be getting more power and there may be a 15 inch ML sub coming soon.

[edwinr]

I really liked my old Summits. I really like my new Theos. I also own or have owned and enjoyed a lot of outstanding speakers including the mighty Klipshorn, Belle Klipsch, Dali Helicon 800, ATC SCM 50asl and I have extensively auditioned Maggies (3.6 & 20.1) and many other stunning speaker designs. But none of these speakers can hold a candle to the CLX - although the Klipschorns and the MG20.1 are excellent speakers in their own right. The CLXs are one of the best loudspeakers in the world because they don't sound like loudspeakers. Sure, you can buy speakers that go louder, or deeper, but I just cannot imagine any box speaker coming close to what the CLX can do...

P.S. marck, you don't really need a sub. The CLX will deliver 99% of the music to your ears without the coloration (sorry Summit owners!) in the bass that the Summit delivers. If you feel the need to 'feel' the bass, you could consider adding a REL or ML at a later stage.

[marck]

So I have put a call into my dealer to audition the CLX's - it looks I will have a couple of weeks to wait though.

With regard to subwoofer I will try without first. I do have a Descent (used in my home cinema system) that I could use to evaluate if I need the extra bass response. Also if a new sub is due out I would rather wait for that if I decided I needed one! I assume there are no release dates as of yet?

I am intrigued to hear how the panels work in my room and how they compare with my Summit X's.

I will keep you all informed.

Thanks for all your input
M.