While we're still in speculation mode, allow me to attempt to peer into the near future...
Size and form factor
Several factors – the higher efficiency of the new panels, the importance of the international market (smaller homes and rooms), the increasing popularity of HT (big speakers are more difficult to integrate) – make it likely that the CLX will be smaller than the CLS. It could likely be lower and slightly narrower, while still surpassing the CLS in total radiating surface. Because it’s lower, the CLX will be angled upward, like the Summits.
Traditionalists will not like the way it looks. Progressive types will immediately embrace the new look. Many in the middle will initially air their disappointment. Initial reports from the field from those who see the CLX will contain the familiar phrase, “it looks better in person.” Over time, the CLX will look more normal to most.
Trim
Wood in the CLS served both as frame and trim. With its AirFrame, the CLX will not need as much wood; any wood at all might be used only for cosmetic add-ons. Chrome will be quite popular, and the all-black CLX will find its way into HTs, especially those with front-projection systems, which are happily coming down in price and will surely proliferate.
Will the AirFrame be rigid enough for the CLX not to need a brace, like the new Quads? One would hope so, as the Quad brace is ugly! Will third-party manufacturers design stands for the CLX, like they did for the CLS? Perhaps not as needed, so less likely.
Amplifier matching
Though higher in sensitivity than the CLS, the CLX will be just as picky with amps. Solid state devotees will like how the CLX matches their favorite SS amps. Tube aficionados will proclaim tubes to be the best match. More modern folks will find much to like with digital amp-CLX combinations.
It’s easy to predict that “What’s the best amp to match with the CLX” will be the liveliest topic in the ML Club.
Sound
This could prove to be the most provocative aspect of the CLX.
Regarding bass, the CLX seems to be designed with a matching ML sub, so integration would be less of an issue than it was with CLSes, though ML Club members who have successfully mated CLSes with Depths may have provided ML with an idea or two in this aspect.
Regarding tonal quality, traditionalists will initially reject the sound of the CLX, finding it brighter perhaps, or leaner perhaps, or less fuller perhaps, than older MLs. Some will find issue with the midrange of the CLX, like they have with the Summits. The original CLS will then truly achieve cult-vintage status, leaving both camps happy with their choices but wary of each other’s preferences.
About better treble, dynamics, and soundstaging there will be little argument, the CLX clearly showing progress in these aspects.
MSRP
The CLS IIz was 25% more expensive than the biggest of its contemporary hybrids, the ReQuest. Going by that alone, should we expect the CLX to be at the 12.5k level? However the Summits do come with amps, so the CLX might not be that pricey? Will there be a special package price with the Depth i?
Regardless, there will be much discussion of ramen diets in the ML Club.
Forum
Over at other forums, Quad and Maggie lovers will find new fuel for ML bashing. Here, in the spiritual home of ML, members will be most passionate about discussing the CLX – and of course buying and listening to it. Roberto, a long-time CLS advocate, will switch over to the new speaker, proclaiming it to be the best ML yet, while sagely and helpfully reminding us to trust our own ears. Joey’s good karma will visit him in the form of a CLX-Depth i combo, though he will be among the first to upgrade to the CLXi when it inevitably arrives. Robin will be among the first to bring home the CLX, eventually mating it with McIntosh electronics. Trolls will appear/reappear in full force, perhaps as early as this thread, ensuring that TomDac will remain as busy as ever.
