All Planar and Electrostatic Speakers

Product Strengths

• Creates a very open and transparent soundstage, which crosses the threshold of believability in a small to medium-sized room
• Low distortion, especially in the midrange and upper bass, making listeners realize how imperfectly transparent many speakers are
• Highly resolving, with impressive performance on acoustical instruments and vocal reproduction
• Offers a unique and remarkable experience due to the story and love behind the speaker's creation
• Presents a challenge, helping users understand speaker positions as the sound changes completely with movement
• Considered 'eminently affordable' and provides incredible sound for the price

Product Considerations

• Requires significant time to install, tweak, and dial in due to its dipole design, making positioning critical
• Bass is not powerful—it doesn't do pounding bass, and listeners won't feel the bass pounding on their chest, so a subwoofer might be needed, especially for rock, pop, dance, and electronic music
• Needs good power and high current to sound clean and not cause fatigue, it is not a powerful-sounding speaker
• The stand included is considered subpar and not very versatile

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

• Vs the original LRS, the LRS+ has ameliorated treble, has smoother upper mids, and has a reduced nosedive in the power range and midbass

Takeaway: The Magnepan LRS+ is a special speaker with an open soundstage, great details, and makes music sound real and enjoyable. Though not perfect, it is well worth buying because it offers an excellent way to experience a panel speaker without spending too much.

Product Strengths

• Transparent, immediate, open, and relaxed sound, which is a signature of Magnepan speakers
• Capable of a more natural and full-range sound, and present the music with ease
• Produce a spacious and natural soundstage, with good imaging even off-axis, giving the impression of being in a concert hall
• Smooth and refined treble without harshness, and mids with laser-beam focus and razor-sharp details
• Small size and weight (12kg–27lbs) for easy placement and integration into a room, and are more mobile and flexible than larger models

Product Considerations

• Require serious power (high current) from the amplifier to perform well, as underpowering can result in flabby bass, a congealed sound, and a shrunken soundstage
• Need room to breathe (placement at least 3 feet from the front wall) to avoid bass issues
• Bass is not earth-shattering, and the speaker may need a subwoofer to get the full experience of top-to-bottom extension
• Accurate sound may reveal tonal imbalances in source material or amplification
• Some reviewers did not like the optional plexiglass stands

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

• The .7 gives a little bit more than the Magnepan LRS
• The .7 is designed for smaller rooms than the Magnepan MG1.7

Takeaway: The Magnepan .7 speakers offer a smooth, accurate, and spacious sound experience, especially with acoustic music, and can give the feeling of being at a live performance. These speakers are a good value.

Product Strengths

• Very obvious increase in bass compared to the .7 or the LRS
• Incredible soundstage
• Unparalleled holographic soundstage
• The placement and spacing of performers in the venue were truly remarkable
• Clear, detailed, and enjoyably realistic

Product Considerations

• The amplifier is critical—driving them correctly is essential for true fidelity
• Some sonic damping material on the walls behind the speakers can reduce the ratio of reflected-to-direct sound
• More room is needed than the LRS or the 0.7
• Significant break-in time is required before certain sonic constraints gradually melt away, leaving a far better transducer

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

• Compared to the Dahlquist DQ-10—the bottom end of the Maggies was the best, quick, clean, and had exemplary pitch definition
• Compared to the Harbeth M40.1—Harbeths can definitely make poorer and brighter recordings easier on the ear, whereas, Maggies have a lot less mercy

Takeaway: The Magnepan 1.7i is a highly detailed speaker that realistically reproduces the soundstage and spacing of instruments, especially for live music. It is an exceptional choice for those who appreciate the beauty of live music.

Product Strengths

• Extended, airy highs with a big soundstage result from the true ribbon tweeter
• Sounds more natural and exquisite than smaller Maggies, combining all the best attributes of the 1.7, .7 and LRS models
• Offers low bass, unlike the smaller Maggies which only hint at it
• Provides an immersive soundstage with highly detailed sound and improves spatial separation
• One of the greatest performers in its price class because it does so many things right and so few things wrong

Product Considerations

• Amplifier sensitive, requiring very good amplification to work properly
• Watch very high levels, because the tweeter is fragile
• Aesthetic considerations due to its tall and wide size may not be acceptable in all homes
• Bass may not satisfy bass heads who want chest-pounding bass, and a subwoofer may be desired
• High-quality SACDs are where the improvements from the 3.7i upgrade really shine, and it needs plenty of resolution from quality source material, revealing any weak links in the system

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

• Compared to the Magnepan 3.7, the 3.7i keeps all the strengths of the 3.7 while improving spatial separation and widening the soundstage
• Compared to the Martin Logan CLX, the 3.7i has equivalent or better bass, even with a subwoofer
• Compared to smaller Maggies (.7, 1.7, LRS), the 3.7i sounds more natural, exquisite, and supersizes everything that the smaller ones are

Takeaway: The Magnepan 3.7i is a high-performing speaker at a great value that provides realistic soundstage scale and excellent resolution for an immersive listening experience. With the right amplification, this speaker can bring a sense of live music into your home.

Product Strengths

• Seamless and exceptional expanse of sound from top to bottom, offering a smooth, neutral, and grainless presentation
• High-resolution transducer capable of bringing out nuances, with clarity and realism in instrumental and performance-related detail
• Dipole bass sounds very smooth, flat, nimble, tight, and detailed in the bottom octaves, with zero overhang on transients
• Capable of peopling the vast landscape of a recording with naturally sized replicas of performers, giving a wonderful sense of being transported to the venue
• Presents timbres and dynamics differently than direct-radiating loudspeakers, projecting them forward and back with lifelike three-dimensional bloom

Product Considerations

• Requires substantial break-in time—particularly for the bass panel—to achieve optimal sound quality
• Needs a muscular amplifier to achieve high SPLs due to its exceptionally low sensitivity
• The speakers are physically quite large, which won't suit every room
• May tend to flatten dynamic contrasts on the fortississimo side, particularly at low to moderate levels
• Can sound a bit bright in the upper midrange and top treble on certain material at very high volumes

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

• Vs Raidho C1.1: 20.7 may not quite match in focus and low-level detail but is focused and detailed enough to compete in realism

Takeaway: The Magnepan 20.7 is a high-performing loudspeaker that delivers a realistic and immersive listening experience, transporting you to the recording venue. With its full-range capabilities and detailed sound, it offers exceptional value for those seeking the 'absolute sound'.

Product Strengths

• Lifelike and realistic sound, especially with acoustic music
• High resolution and detail, presenting recordings with great clarity and honesty
• A vast and immersive soundstage fills the room
• Fast, transparent, and resolving midrange
• Adjustability to match mid-bass output to different listening rooms

Product Considerations

• Requires careful and patient setup to achieve optimal sonic results
• Powerful and high-quality amplification is required to perform at its best
• Size may be daunting
• Image focus may fall off when not in the center listening position
• Does not deliver 'slam' like box speakers

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

• The 30.7s bear a striking sonic resemblance to Magico M Pros
• The 30.7 provides fully 22% more driver surface area than Tympani IVa

Takeaway: The Magnepan 30.7 is a remarkable speaker that offers exceptional realism and detail, making listening feel more like a live performance. With careful setup, it can provide an immersive and captivating listening experience.

Product Strengths

• Sounds very similar to the Magnepan 3.7 floorstander in detail, resolution, purity, freedom from grain, soundstage width and depth, and coherence
• Realistic and convincing spatial properties, producing huge, spacious, and precisely defined soundstages
• Lifelike reproduction of musical textures, timbres, and low-level details, conveying a terrific sense of focus
• Expressive dynamics with terrific speed, energy, and nuance, making the presentation sound believable and alive
• Smooth and evenly balanced sound from mid-bass frequencies up, with terrific levels of transparency, openness, and transient speed

Product Considerations

• Requires careful setup due to significant interaction with the room acoustics
• Needs an amp that can drive 4-ohm loads in a muscular way
• Less deeply extended bass and a less expansive dynamic envelope compared to larger Magnepan speakers
• Limited image scale, especially image height, in whole-room applications
• May require a second DWM mid/bass module for adequate bass performance and optimal tonal balance in whole-room applications

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

• Compared to Magnepan 3.7, the Mini Maggie package offers less deeply extended bass, a less expansive dynamic envelope, and shows somewhat less ability to convey image height, but is otherwise very similar
• Compared to Magnepan 1.7, the Mini Maggie rig is capable of higher levels of resolution and freedom from grain

Takeaway: The Mini Maggie system is a high-end desktop speaker system that delivers a big, life-like sound with exceptional detail, resolution, and spatial coherence, and works best in desktop configuration, but can also be used as a sat/woofer system. With proper setup, these speakers bring a new dimension to recorded music, making it sound very realistic.

Product Strengths

• Combines electrostatic panel for mids/highs with a woofer for bass for a rounded sound
• Offers detailed sound with great imaging, and creates an unusually live atmosphere
• Curved electrostatic panel broadens the sweet spot and allows for easier placement near walls
• Styling is beautiful and an instant conversation piece
• Possesses a level of resolution its predecessor couldn't touch

Product Considerations

• Sound quality is dependent on source material and positioning
• Requires some space away from the front wall to sound best
• Impedance can drop below 4 ohms, putting demands on the amplifier
• Bass is more wiry/slim than fulsome
• Can be a little bit bright sometimes

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

• Vs KEF LS50 Meta, the Martin Logan Electromotion ESL is able to compete on the same level as dynamic speakers
• Vs Neat Momentum 4i, the ElectroMotion ESL has the edge because it has a more dynamic midband

Takeaway: The ElectroMotion ESL is a speaker that offers a detailed and engaging listening experience with a unique electrostatic design. It's a good choice for those wanting high-resolution sound without the need for an additional subwoofer.

Product Strengths

• Exceptional detail and clarity in the midrange and treble frequencies
• Wide soundstage with precise stereo imaging and instrument placement
• Seamless integration between the electrostatic panel and bass drivers, contributing to an articulate sound from top to bottom
• Good high-frequency dispersion, thanks to the CLS™ (Curvilinear Line Source) technology, widening the listening sweet spot
• Fast transient response from the lightweight electrostatic diaphragm

Product Considerations

• Placement can be fussy due to the dipole nature, requiring space from the back wall for optimal performance
• Bass may lack the sheer authority and tonal richness compared to some rivals
• The bass end might be slightly overpowering or detached for some listeners and could benefit from a volume control
• Speakers need to be plugged into the mains to energize the electrostatic panels, requiring extra power cords
• There may be some timbral shift between the center channel speaker (ESL C) and the tower speakers

Takeaway: The ElectroMotion ESL X speakers provide a detailed and immersive listening experience with their electrostatic technology. They are a great alternative to conventional speakers.

Product Strengths

• The MartinLogan Impression ESL 11A speakers produce a 'glorious stereo image' and sonic spaciousness due to their electrostatic technology
• The powered, twin 8-inch woofers significantly increase the lower bass compared to previous models
• The speakers exhibit exceptional clarity, detail, and transparency, making them stand out from conventional speakers
• The adjustable bass section, including mid-bass control, allows for easy balance restoration
• The optional Anthem Room Correction (ARC) technology is highly effective in optimizing bass response to the room

Product Considerations

• The ARC software is primarily Windows-based, posing an inconvenience for Apple users
• Some reviewers found the presentation crisper and sharper than earlier MartinLogan models, which might be perceived as aggressive depending on the recording
• Precise imaging may be subtly vague due to the curved panels
• Placement is crucial, and the speakers need space to breathe to perform optimally

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

• Compared to the Martin Logan Montis, the Impression ESL 11A adds more room presence and significantly increases lower bass via twin 8-inch, powered woofers
• Compared to the Apogee Diva, the MartinLogans are considerably more coherent, faster, more propulsive, and much more dynamic
• Compared to the Martin Logan Ethos, the imaging of the 11A's is not radically different, but the 11A's really felt more at ease in a big listening room, and the timbre is also richer and fuller
• Compared to the Apogee Centaur, the MartinLogans have nowhere near the bass authority and depth, nor the enormous power reserves, but they are simply sublimely transparent

Takeaway: The MartinLogan Impression ESL 11A offers a detailed and transparent sound with powerful bass, creating an immersive listening experience. The ARC technology helps tailor the sound to the room, making it a good choice for audiophiles seeking high-fidelity performance.

Product Strengths

• The electrostatic panel is translucent, allowing the speakers to 'virtually disappear' in a room despite their size
• The electrostatic panel provides excellent midrange coherence and evenness with no coloration, creating a non-fatiguing sound that is open and pure
• The speakers reproduce a large and detailed soundscape
• Bass performance is improved in comparison to previous generations due to advancements in the bass section
• The speakers do not excessively color the sound, conveying it in its purity and effortlessness

Product Considerations

• Placement can be tricky, with the bass cabinets inseparably tied to the electrostatic panels
• The speakers' impedance drops to .7 ohms at 20 kHz, requiring a powerful and stable amplifier
• Room placement is more critical compared to traditional speakers due to dipole radiation patterns
• The bottom end can be perceived as 'pushy rather than inviting'
• The speakers automatically go into standby mode when not in use, which can cause a slight delay when music initially starts playing

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

• The MartinLogan ESL 13As are more relaxing than the Raidho D-3.1, which is designed for 'audiophile maniacs'
• The Expression reproduces a larger soundscape than the Bowers & Wilkins 800 D2 towers

Takeaway: The MartinLogan Expression ESL 13A is a high-performing speaker that provides transparent and detailed sound. With careful setup, the speaker's improved bass technology and electrostatic panel will bring many hours of listening enjoyment.

Product Strengths

• Transparent and detailed sound reproduction allows listeners to hear new aspects of familiar music
• Excellent bass performance, with powerful, textured, and accurate bass response down to low frequencies (22Hz)
• Good synergy with various amplifiers due to the hybrid design and built-in amplification for the woofers
• Anthem Room Correction (ARC) system helps adapt the speakers to different room acoustics and listening positions
• Sleek design and aesthetic appeal with transparent electrostatic panels and customizable finish options

Product Considerations

• The 'sweet spot' for optimal imaging is narrow, and the soundstage collapses when the listener is outside this area
• Large size (almost 6 feet tall) presents logistical challenges related to moving and setting up the speakers
• Highly transparent nature can reveal flaws in the rest of the audio system
• Signal-sensing power supply can cause a slight delay when music starts playing
• Some reviewers found the treble to be not as airy or spacious as some other speakers

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

• Vs Martin Logan ESL 11A—ESL 15A improves on bass integration with the electrostatic panel and has a more realistic sound

Takeaway: The Renaissance ESL 15A is a high-performing speaker with incredible bass that integrates seamlessly with the electrostatic panel, and the ARC room correction ensures an optimized listening experience. The speaker reveals the beauty in music and encourages more attentive listening.

Product Strengths

• Transparent listening experience with a truly expansive soundstage
• Ultraclear midrange reveals details in recordings, and the highs are equally clean
• Smooth and coherent transition from the low frequencies to the midrange
• Displays the ability to play extremely loud with little noticeable distortion or compression
• The electrostatic panel's curved design allows for an expanded sweet spot

Product Considerations

• Bass response is quite sensitive to positioning
• Does not produce the punchiest of dynamics
• The smaller woofers cannot reproduce the very lowest registers of bass, with the frequency response rolling off at around 34 Hz
• Requires a good amplifier to sound its best
• Positioning the Classic ESL 9s to sound their best proved a bit fussy

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

• The ESL 9 has a smoother, more coherent transition from the low frequencies to the midrange, compared to the MartinLogan Spire
• The ESL 9 disappears into the room far better than the MartinLogan Sequel
• The MartinLogans offer more precise imaging, while the KEF R900s present a deeper soundstage
• The ESL 9 is slightly more reserved in energy and dynamics, compared to the Paradigm Persona 5F
• The Classic ESL 9 has better dynamics and transparency than the Magnepan 3.7i
• The GoldenEar Triton One.R has better deep bass output due to its powered woofers, compared to the Classic ESL 9

Takeaway: The MartinLogan Classic ESL 9 offers an amazing and realistic sound that is really clear. Electrostatic speaker enthusiasts may find these a great fit.

Product Strengths

• The Neolith features the largest electrostatic panel Martin Logan has ever produced, resulting in a detailed and three-dimensional soundstage
• It has a very clean and controlled bass response due to its hybrid design with a 12-inch front-firing woofer and 15-inch rear-firing woofer
• Adjustments for bass output and listening distance allow users to fine-tune the speaker's sound to their room
• The speakers 'disappear' in the room, and create holographic imaging, turning a listening room into a holodeck
• The Neolith offers a very neutral sound, able to reveal nuances in the music, and resolves details without being overbearing

Product Considerations

• The Neoliths are expensive, requiring a significant financial investment
• Due to their size (almost 75' tall and nearly 400 lbs) and design, these speakers need a medium to large room to perform at their best
• They require a powerful amplifier that is stable into low impedance loads
• The soundstage may suffer if the listener is seated far off-axis
• They are extremely heavy and difficult to move

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

• Compared to Martin Logan ESL XLs and 13As, Neolith shares the same characteristics—but on a grander scale
• Compared to Focal Grande Utopia EM, GamuT Zodiac, or Sonus Faber Aida, none can match the Neolith in projecting sound stage

Takeaway: The MartinLogan Neolith is a high-end speaker that delivers exceptional sound quality and a wide soundstage. It is ideal for audiophiles who want a speaker that can reveal the finest details in their music.

Product Strengths

• Physically the best version of the Quad ESL63 design to date in physical integrity
• Clarity, purity, and coherence, creating an image that floats in the air between the speakers
• Very low distortion levels
• Vocals delivered with plenty of subtlety and focus, and a mass of detail without sounding overtly analytical—just unforced and natural
• A classic of audio design

Product Considerations

• Fussy about positioning and partnering kit
• Requires mains power to work despite being passive speakers, as the power is needed for the stators
• Midrange oriented, with a definite hole that tends to exist between 150 and 500Hz or so
• Damping behind the speakers is really needed for satisfactory results—a lot of damping
• Does not have the broad range of dynamic expression that some conventional speakers do, and simply cannot compete when it comes to sheer air-moving power and strength

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

• Vs Focal Diablo Utopias: Has a smooth presentation, without perhaps the openness of the Focal
• Vs. Magnepan 3.7i: The sound of the spherically radiating electrostatic technology was the most holographic among speakers experienced, and the degree of spatiality surpassed even that of the Magnepan 3.7i

Takeaway: The Quad ESL-2812 is a speaker that offers a unique listening experience with unparalleled coherence, clarity, and low distortion. If one values insight and unexaggerated smoothness, this speaker could be worth the effort of careful setup and system matching.

Product Strengths

• Voices and instruments are presented precisely in space with an almost three-dimensional quality
• Precise images are produced over a wider sweet spot due to their circular stators and delay lines
• More full-range sound and more capable of producing real bass compared to the ESL-63
• The greatest strength of the Quad ESL series, including the ESL-2912, has been and continues to be its midrange—smooth, revealing without being over-etched, and presenting a virtual open window on the music
• Excels at microdynamics, communicating the subtle ebb and flow of the music, orchestral and vocal

Product Considerations

• There was an attenuation of the extreme highs, most clearly evident with percussion instruments
• With some music, mostly orchestral, the reviewer was at times aware of a kind of drumming sound that wasn't part of the music, possibly due to the stretched polyolefin dustcovers
• Users have noted that the reliability of the made-in-China ESLs is not improved, and that whatever faults or serviceability issues applied to the UK-made units, the products coming from China are not as well made and result in many more issues

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

• Vs ESL-63: The ESL-2912 sounded more full-range, and was more capable of producing real bass
• Vs Monitor Audio Platinum PL300 II: The Platinum PL300 II had a more neutral midbass and more extended treble, and less 'speaker sound', but if you listen very closely, you can hear that it has not been entirely eliminated—something the ESL-2912 has an inherent advantage in having no box at all

Takeaway: The ESL-2912 gives a smooth, detailed sound with amazing imaging and a wide sweet spot, making the music sound very real. It is a speaker that carries on a legacy and makes listening to your favorite tunes even more of a joy.

Product Strengths

• Fine speaker for revealing system changes
• Robust build, with a metal exoskeleton frame, and use of more dense wood
• By segmenting the ribbon perfectly and matching it with a world class crossover, the speakers can be driven by any amplifier, even tube amps
• The speakers ship in specially designed flight cases lined with enough materials to suffer even the largest bumps on the road
• Shortcomings of their competition are addressed, delivering dynamics, low bass, and magical mids and highs

Product Considerations

• The flight cases require storage space
• The Minuet speakers are not cheap
• Sensitivity of 86dB and a nominal impedance of 3.5 ohms might require decent amplification
• The speakers tip the scales at around 80kg per side
• Do not place the Minuets closer than 1' from side walls

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

• Vs Apogee: Clarisys is dedicated to the spirit of the Apogee design, but with marked improvements
• Vs Magnepan: Magneapan speakers are very light in comparison and don't use such exotic materials or magnets—Clarisys speakers are like comparing a Prius to a Ferrari

Takeaway: The Clarisys Minuet offers ribbon magic, deep accurate bass, and easy to drive sound. It is a lifetime speaker and built to last.