Summits sound at Magnolia

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audioraptured

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On the way back from a Denali Nat. Pk. Alaskan vacation I stopped in Seattle, (as I live on the east coast), and had a chance to see a great town again. While there, I had never been to a "Magnolia" store and wanted to hear the Summits. The set up was with MAC's mono's at 500 watts per side and there room was similar to mine with the screen in the center and each speaker equa-distant off to the sides. It was an all MaC system with Audioquest interconnects; (but I'm not getting technical in this story at all.)
The salesman seemed taken back that I didn't want to hear what he planned to demo; but reluctantly played the compilation I had prepared. I had to explain that I was not always familiar with each type or song that different stores use for different purposes; but was very familiar with the type and selections I had made as they were all either Moble Fidelity or Telarc 20 bit or Direct discs so the quality would match what he might have used. I only have a dozen or so SACD's but 1500 cds.
I was told the speakers only had about 100 hours on them. I mentioned I have the Ascents and had the Quest Z' a few years ago so I was a little familiar with the sound. His attitude brightened a little. The music then began to play. Each of my songs got better and better. The room flowed with an open and detailed presentation. The bass was (without the Descent) fast, deep and powerful. The entire soundstage from the farthest left to right field gave new meaning to the word breathtaking. They were really creating a beautiful canvas for all the players to move and weave and explore the warmth and glow of the instruments magic. (Someone should instruct salesmen not to turn down the music at exactly the point in the song that you are waiting for and listening intently to, ( like for comparison to another speaker or song); and begin their sales pitch){BUT I UNDERSTAND}. Anyway, as I came out of my sonic heaven I expressed how floored I was by the execution of the Summits musical precision. What a wonderful accomplishment from Martin Logan. As I thanked him and started to look around at other products in the store, he had another appointment, (lunch, meeting, etc). As I was nearing the door another customer was talking about interconnects and remarking about if he would like the Audioquest on the wall. As I had the same I told him I was happy with the brand and he should give them a try. So he seemed to be purchasing them as I left. Kind of my idea of a fair trade; audition for a customer. The store is very nice, large, clean, and well lite. It makes for a good impression. The speakers would be my next pair if I could afford them, (read: vacation trip, double the price of stuff in Alaska, went way over budget, VISA explosion). I can't think of anything I have heard that comes close to their sound at anywhere close to the price. They really are a great sounding speaker. Thanks for reading my story.
 
audioraptured said:
(Someone should instruct salesmen not to turn down the music at exactly the point in the song that you are waiting for and listening intently to, ( like for comparison to another speaker or song); and begin their sales pitch)

WTF!

At worst, I expect the salesman to hang out in the room while I audition; ideally, they get the hell out until I have a question or am done auditioning. They certainly don't have their hands on the controls: volume or selection. This may be an isolated incident, but sounds like Magnolia still has a bit too much Best Buy in them.
 
Great Review of the Summits Sound...

audioraptured,

Thanks for that wonderful review of the Summit's powered by the McIntosh 500 watt mono's. :) It gives me new hope for Summits paired with McIntosh. I don't know if you've been following this other post:


http://www.martinloganowners.com/forum/showthread.php?p=20943#post20943



edwinr - will be auditioning Summits and tubed McIntosh MC275. I just hope everything goes well and he has a positive experience with his audition... :eek:

Thanks for sharing your audition of the Summits, I enjoyed your story very much. :D
 
Love the Magnolia in Seattle. I assume you went to the one on Roosevelt wich is the flagship store. Lots of ML to choose from. 3 other hi-fi shops within walking distance. Definately the best place in Seattle.

The Bellevue store is also quite good. Had a very pleasant experience when I purchased Aeon i's. Salesman was Monir. Spent 2-3 hours listening to my own CD's. Never rushed or pressured. Just made sure I had plenty of time if someone else needed the room. Have not felt that way about about other salesmen at the same store but most of them have gone out of their way to help. Upgraded from Clarity's within the aloted 30 days without any hassle or attitude.

Sometimes I hear bad things about Magnolia in other parts and wonder why. Sure they carry some lower end stuff too but if that help keep the doors open then more power to them.
 
Summits sound at Madnolia

Robin: Good morning. I will try to check back and find out what the equipment was and what the model numbers are and see if that is close to what you may be waiting for or have listened to. I did not know about the other thread and when I get this info, will add what else there is to the story. Thanks for the direction........hope your journey pays off.
 
I had a not so great experience at that magnolias in bellevue -- after a two week mission, i went there with two other pilot friends of mine. we were dressed just chilled out (since we were 24,25, and 26 yrs old) so hooded sweatshirts and jeans for a typical seattle day. well, it was tough to get a salesman to pay attention to us. my buddy wanted to look at projectors and knew everything about them...even after asking tough questions to the salesman, they just didnt treat us right. (i mean, you are talking to dudes with engineering degrees from the academy)
if those dudes knew how much money we all actually had -- they prob would have treated us like we were in suits and drove up in a benz.
the summits did sound fine though

im glad things worked out that way because i skipped the vantages and got my piano ascent i's that i couldnt be happier with
 
Very cool review! Glad you loved the Summits... I can concur with everything you said. Boy, I wish I could hear my pair on Macs... that would definitely be a treat.

Robin,

You need to get your ears wrapped around a demo asap!

Joey
 
TheBobGoat said:
if those dudes knew how much money we all actually had -- they prob would have treated us like we were in suits and drove up in a benz. The summits did sound fine though
I have noticed this type of treatment too many times to count from some audio places. They seem to size you up when you walk in the door. This is not to say all stores treat you this way.

When I am going out to audition items, I make sure to dress up a little more - casual dressed - but not in jeans, t-shirts, sweatshirt, etc. Makes a world of difference in how you are treated more times than not.

Dan
 
DTB300 said:
I have noticed this type of treatment too many times to count from some audio places. They seem to size you up when you walk in the door. This is not to say all stores treat you this way.

When I am going out to audition items, I make sure to dress up a little more - casual dressed - but not in jeans, t-shirts, sweatshirt, etc. Makes a world of difference in how you are treated more times than not.

Dan
I get that treatment all the time.

I don’t mind it at all, if I want service I will dress up real nice and go in ****ing an attitude like I am worth a million dollars (because if he looks and smells like a million dollars he must have a million dollars). If I don’t want any help I will go in with jeans and a T-shirt (I am lucky to get a greeting at the door dressed like this).

Of coarse it also depends if it’s a store I have dropped a S*** load of money at, then I can wear whatever I want, they will kiss my A** as soon as I walk in the door.

Its unfortunate its like this but I found no matter the store, if you got the money it doesn’t matter what your wearing, the store will take it just the same.
 
Patience grasshopper. I would gladly go gack twenty years in time if the trade off was a little less respect, be it deserved or not and yes how you dress will make a difference as long as the don't see the 11 year old truck one pulls up in.
 
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I get the same crappy treatment all the time... worse for me since I look younger than my age (24). But once they know I have Summits, their ears seem to perk into place.

Though I dont mind the lack of attention... too much attention and I cant demo their stuff as much because the salesperson is following me around. Also, too much attention gives me away, meaning they'll know who I am and I wont be able to demo new stuff that comes in as easily and as "low key" as I would like.

So in that sense, I like being given less attention when I dont have the desire/finances to buy anything new.
 
Joey_V said:
I get the same crappy treatment all the time... worse for me since I look younger than my age (24). But once they know I have Summits, their ears seem to perk into place.

HA!

I still get carded for buying unrated DVD's and mature rated video games. I just got carded last tuseday for buying the new Xbox 360 game "Prey" and I am 26. The girl at Best Buy said I looked 17, I said thank you. :D
 
Zip3kx07 said:
HA!

I still get carded for buying unrated DVD's and mature rated video games. I just got carded last tuseday for buying the new Xbox 360 game "Prey" and I am 26. The girl at Best Buy said I looked 17, I said thank you. :D

LOL!

I get carded for buying lottery tickets and I get double carded at the casino! People at the hospital think I'm still 18. :D

I dont mind... you can never be too young.
 
Joey_V said:
LOL!

I get carded for buying lottery tickets and I get double carded at the casino! People at the hospital think I'm still 18. :D

I dont mind... you can never be too young.


Joey -

Been there - done that. It used to really **** me off when I was a kid. Now that I'm 60 and people think I'm 50 - pay back time!
 

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