This is a high-resolution system with emphasis on analog playback and high-quality digital upsampled playback. It is possible to approach superb analog qualities with a DSD system; there is a 2:1 price to performance ratio needed, assuming that the analog equipment is near the top of the ladder.
Room acoustically treated with EchoBusters.
Listener position determined by near-field optimal acoustics. The goal for holographic sound presentation has been achieved.
I have recently upgraded my phono stage, tonearms and cartridges, preamp, and primary speakers. Now I have the option of surround sound for film, concert video, and sports while maintaining outstanding 2-channel playback at any time. The Lexicon works through the Pass XP-20 unity gain pass through input. Made the wise decision to mount plasma on the wall which greatly increased imaging space.
System edited: I have made significant upgrades in this system since it was first posted which included digital front end, preamp and phono stage, tonearms/cartridges, interconnects/speaker cable and power cords (Valhalla to Odin), and front speakers (Martin Logan Summits to CLXs).
Joey v. Thanks for the note. I am not aware that there are Summit upgrades available. I have also added a Sony Blu-Ray BDP 500 once the HD wars ended. Planning on updating my Preamp when the new Pass units hit the street.
System edited: I have added an Esoteric P-03/D-03/Os-Rb combination and a DV-60 for my dvd sources. The sound of this combination is phenomenal. I am considering adding a blu-ray player and am waiting for the new Sony and Denon units to become available.
I am using SoundGuard isolation platforms for my Summits and Descent subwoofers. They bring the speakers off the carpets and make the lower end better defined. They were bought from The Cable Company (www.fatwyre.com)
System edited: I recently added two Martin Logan Descent i subwoofers to the system which are active in either 2.1 or 5.1 surround. The four subwoofer approach has been recently touted in both Sound & Vision and Home Theater as improving overall bass response. The improvement in system imaging and overall detail is not subtle.
Joey v. It is not possible to have too many woofers. Having 10 woofers allows me to keep levels low enough not to interfere with rest of frequency information. Good luck with your residency. Been there, done that.
Thanks Joey. It took a long time to make this move. I had to wait until M-L got a center channel that I could live with and matched the Summits (the Stage does) and a second amp with similar characteristics to the X350.5 (The X-3 does). I will take some more and better pictures showing the surrounds (Script-i's)and my two turntables which are next to the two Descent subwoofers. Now I actually listen to movies and sports rather than just have the picture on but a high-quality music source instead.
Joey V, there is no question that an upgrade from your Rotel will do wonders for the Summits. Depending on your budget, here are some recommendations: 1- Reasonable price: Innersound ESL 300 MkII amp. I had one of these and it is a killer with ESL speakers. They go for about $1500.00 on ebay or audiogon. 2- More expensive: Parasound Halo 2-channel amp. About $3K but again can be gotten cheaper on audiogon. 3- More expense: Pass Labs X.5 series. They start at the 150.5 for about $4K and work their way. the 350.5 is the best bang for the buck in their new line.
You did not mention cables because they will also make a difference. I have used Nordost and XLO because they are so neutral and quiet.
These speakers simply get better and better. The integration between panels and woofers is perfect. I have played around with setting and have decreased the 50 Hz slightly and kept the 25 Hz flat. I also have 2 Descent subwoofers in the system so that bass has never been a problem. I listen to a lot of vocal and piano. These sources sound magnificent. Did I mention imaging? These speakers image like bandits. On an excellent recording, the speakers really disappear. Mono recordings also sound spacious and clear. I understand that M-L is coming out with a more expensive speaker (about twice the price). Fine. I am going to keep these
I just got the Summits in this weekend. You are absolutely right, they are spectacular and a definite cut above the Ascents. Even without woofer break-in, I am hearing things that were "muffled" in the Ascents which I thought were a pretty revealing speaker. The imaging is fantastic. They also look pretty great.
babydoc on Opinions Please