MartinLogan Theos ESL Speakers Review
MartinLogan Theos Review
Summary
- Product Name: Theos
- Manufacturer: MartinLogan
- Performance Rating:
- Value Rating:
- Review Date: December 14, 2012 07:05
- MSRP: $ 4995
- Specifications
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- Frequency Response: (+/- 3dB) 43Hz to 23,000Hz
- Horizontal Dispersion: 30°
- Vertical Dispersion: 44" (112cm) line source
- High Frequency Transducer: XStat™ CLS™ electrostatic transducer
- » Panel Dimensions: 44" × 9.2" (111.8 × 23.4cm)
- » Radiating Area: 405 in2 (2,616 cm2) (front and back)
- Low Frequency Transducer: 8" (20.3cm) cast basket, high excursion, aluminum cone with extended throw drive assembly, non-resonance asymmetrical chamber format, down-firing bass reflex port.
- Sensitivity: 90 dB/2.83 volts/meter
- Impedance: 4 Ohms, 0.8 at 20kHz.
- Recommended Amp Power: 20‒400 watts per channel
- Crossover Frequency: 425Hz
- Components: Custom-wound E-I core transformer, air core coils, polypropylene capacitors.
- Inputs: Custom bi-wire tool-less binding posts, bi-amp compatible
- Power Draw: Idle: < 1W/channel
: Max: 2W/channel
- Weight: 43 lbs. (19.5 kg)
- Dimensions: 59.3" × 10.7" × 18.8"
Pros
- Great looks
- Amazing detail and natural sound
- Controlled dispersion limits room interaction
Cons
- Need to be pulled out into the room farther than most speakers
- Have to register for full warranty
- Exposed panel means it is more easy damaged by stray children
Introduction
The MartinLogan Theos sit at the top of their ESL line at $4,995/pr, but just below their Reference line. Over the past 30 years MartinLogan has managed to take a niche loudspeaker technology, overcome its flaws, and create some amazing loudspeakers. Don't think that these are anything like ESLs of the past. They throw a wide soundstage, provide a nice sized (if not huge) sweetspot, play plenty loud, and have smooth integration between panel and 8" bass driver. The only lacking feature is deep bass for movie watching, but that's okay because a subwoofer can handle everything below 40Hz. Overall, we don't have much to complain about and quite a bit to rave about. Although the Theos are not even in MartinLogan's Reference line, they would sit as the crown jewel of many companies' lineup.
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jeffreynoah posts on December 25, 2012 06:55
My musical taste is classical, primarily Renaissance, Baroque and Impressionist. On my ML Vistas, choirs sound like many individual singers and seem to float in space, across and deep within the sound stage. Previously shrill recordings now sound delightful. Drums, which previously sounded like thunder, now offer individual definition, from synthetic or skin impacts. Triangles sparkle and xylophones shimmer. Applause sounds not like rain, but hands clapping. Singers and soloists seem to perform in the room.
According to a reviewer, “finesse and transparency ... unbelievable dynamics, speed, transient attack and force ... simply glorious front-to-back depth ... clear and uncluttered, never losing their 'space', while blending seamlessly. Probably the most outstanding characteristic is the way the speakers simply disappear – a familiar MartinLogan trait – allied to simply glorious front-to-back depth. With live recordings of a 'known' stage or hall signature, the effect is nothing short of transcendent.”
My standard for sound reproduction is accuracy, from years of listening to electrostatic headphones. My entire CD collection now sounds new, and filled with discoveries.
I am also impressed with the protective cardboard shipping cabinet, including two layers of gowns and foam buttresses, which protect M-L speakers in transit.
Bravo, Martin – Logan for an exciting performance, every time.
According to a reviewer, “finesse and transparency ... unbelievable dynamics, speed, transient attack and force ... simply glorious front-to-back depth ... clear and uncluttered, never losing their 'space', while blending seamlessly. Probably the most outstanding characteristic is the way the speakers simply disappear – a familiar MartinLogan trait – allied to simply glorious front-to-back depth. With live recordings of a 'known' stage or hall signature, the effect is nothing short of transcendent.”
My standard for sound reproduction is accuracy, from years of listening to electrostatic headphones. My entire CD collection now sounds new, and filled with discoveries.
I am also impressed with the protective cardboard shipping cabinet, including two layers of gowns and foam buttresses, which protect M-L speakers in transit.
Bravo, Martin – Logan for an exciting performance, every time.
alenmics posts on December 16, 2012 08:47
nice infroatmon and ai like it
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