Head To Head: Martin Logan ESL-X vs XTF-100

If you'd like to purchase any of these products please email [e-mail]
Head To Head: Martin Logan ESL-X vs XTF-100
We compare the identically priced Martin Logan XT F100 and the ESL X. Very different designs! Which one wins?
Music we mentioned,
Ceci: "Cats in the Cradle" - Harry Chapin
"Sandy" - Harry Chapin
"The Swan " - Yoon Kyung Cho
Lewis: "Desafinado" - String Space
"If I Only Had a Brain" - Tierney Sutton Band
"My Just Cares For Me" - Nina Simone
"Love is Fire" - Gladys Knight & the Pips
Adrian: "Sixteen Tons"- Geoff Castellucci
Gear We Used To Review With:
- PS Audio Stella Strata www.audioexcel...
- Innuos Pulse Mini www.audioexcel...
- Audiobyte Hydra Vox Please email [e-mail]
If you are interested in our playlists, here is how to get them:
Donate to your charity of choice and email the receipt to [e-mail], Adrian's playlist is $10 . Lewis's is still in the works!
Pre-owned Section:
www.audioexcel...
Social Media:
linktr.ee/audi...
We match and donate all the funds we receive from KZbin for the videos, so please support us by watching, subscribing and liking them. Thank you very much for your support. Here is the link to our fundraising efforts to date:
• • How much we've raised ...
As always, we would love to hear from you, so please if you have any questions about hifi/audiophile or anything audio related, leave your comments and feedback below. If you have suggestions for future topics, please let us know.
Audio Excellence Inc. is a high end audio/video store in Markham, Ontario, Canada, a suburb of Toronto. We've been in business since 1991.
Check out our interviews with designers and audio luminaries like Daryl Wilson of Wilson Audio, Paul McGowan of PS Audio, Paolo Tezzon of Sonus faber, Wendell Diller of Magnepan, John Atkinson of Stereophile, Dan D'Agostino of D'Agostino Master Audio Systems, Nelson Pass of Pass Labs and others.
Contacts:
[e-mail]
[e-mail]
[e-mail]
[e-mail]
[e-mail]

[@jimloftis1617]

You three and your production team have found the magic formula for producing great review videos. Really fund to watch and informative as well. Please don't change anything for upcoming reviews.

[@adrianlow2114]

Thanks Jim

[@kennethmccullough1342]

Listening to Ceci’s impressions are so refreshing. Listening to her blossoming love for music and LISTENING is wonderful. You have something special and unique with her. You’re lucky to have her. Keep it coming.

[@samlee2562]

...plus OMG IT'S A GIIIIRL...!!!!

[@kennethmccullough1342]

@@samlee2562 what? 🙄

[@brianforcelle7954]

I totally agree! Ceci offers fresh, intelligent analysis. I thoroughly enjoyed her observations!

[@WeeWeeJumbo]

I love that you are guiding protégés through their journey, and also conveying their insights. Wholesomeness levels very high

[@jmos96]

Just discovered and subscribed to this amazing channel. The combination of opinions just captivated me from the very beginning. Ceci’s impressions were particularly fascinating. However each reviewer’s opinion kept me interested and engaged. Keep doing what you’re doing…it’s perfect. Next step for me is to explore your website. 😊

[@18000rpm]

I have 4 pairs of MLs ranging from Prodigy to Summits so I clearly love them. But the biggest problem with the ESLs is that the panels last 6-10 years and then need replacing for $2-3K a pair. A good pair of dynamic speakers properly taken care of will pretty much last forever.

[@davidzwicker9988]

Going on 26yrs on my panels.

[@douglasbarnhart3102]

Once again, Cece is a breath of fresh air, such pure insights. My favorite part (24:49), when she learns there are better ESL's, "I wonder how good could the other ones could be". I would love to hear her (and your) thoughts on the ESL 13's (which I believe is what is behind you guys. I proudly on a pair of Montis, which fall right between the 9's and the 13's. I have long been a fan of the clarity of electrostats, it makes me happy to hear you guys are back in the game with Martin Logan.

[@adrianlow2114]

Thanks Douglas, the model behind is actually the ESL11. Review coming soon

[@msmmagnum]

Hi Adrian great little video and very informative, particularly the advice about tilting the ESL speakers to a more flat angle, I have had these for a few years now and never experimented with that position and what a great tip. Because I’m seated quite low this has really changed the sound and made the sweet spot well more sweeter 😊 thanks again. I really enjoy listening to Canadians you guys are very similar us in New Zealand that same relaxed delivery in the way we explain things

[@MDchaz]

This was a very smart and sophisticated comparison. Each of you brings an interesting perspective. Thank you for making these videos. 👍

[@adrianlow2114]

Thank you

[@psyphonyxaudio]

Agree with Adrian on this one.. The panels have an articulation that works SO great with micro details .. The traditional cabinet have an added body or weight to the tonalities, however coloured or cabinet-like resonances are added. .. Both have great quality.. but characteristics can reveal different things for types of music. ( Room placement might also be tricky for either designs - I may like a traditional cabinet more.. but the panels have a strong appeal for details and immediacy in the music content )

[@adrianlow2114]

Thanks!

[@billfife6569]

Your new website is a lot nicer to navigate. Good job

[@adrianlow2114]

Thanks to Ceci and the team

[@garysmith8455]

Glad to see you are back in the Martin Logan experience! I have been enjoying my Classic 9's (from the Masterpiece series) for quite some time. Also a new pair of Klipsch Forte' 4 right next to them on tubes. It is fun to be in the mood for dynamic/horn speakers, then crossover to the electrostats. True dipole speakers such as the ESLs TO NOT project sound around their edges. There is a NULL. It is one of the reasons why you don't need acoustic treatments along the side walls for 1st and 2nd reflections, there are none (O:

[@adrianlow2114]

Thanks Gary

[@alexyoung5798]

Any recommendations for the classic 9’s setup? Would you recommend any acoustic treatment on the walls behind? Or anything else? I went all out and got the C18 with them as well as the EFX rears

[@garysmith8455]

@@alexyoung5798 Hello Alex. I would not add anything to absorb the refections BEHIND the 9's. The manual doesn't seem to promote that scheme. The only thing they mention is to keep the back of the bass cabinet at least the distance of the measured woofer within. So, in that case, a minimum of 8" for the Classics. This gives some nice breathing space for the panel. I am about 10" away from the wall and there is NOTHING on my walls. Give that a try, see what you think. Sounds like you have a nice ML system going. Movies anyone ? Let me know what you think.

[@monzarace]

Very well executed review. Well spoken comments and that they also comment on the emotions that the music they have been listening to, creates in them. Surely way above the mainstream reviews. You have set a new very good standard. And also, I like that when you talk, you keep your voice lowered, not shouting and screaming. A serious way of reviewing two speakers. Thanks for sharing. Kind regards.

[@dennishaley4443]

Love COMPARISONS over just a review on a single product.....doing a short audio comparison would also be nice...most of us have pretty decent headphones so we could get a basic idea on the different speakers characteristics. Thanks for your Honest reviews.

[@robertzisner9170]

I think a comparison of the Martin Logan electrostatic speaker an a comparable Magnepan speaker would make for an interesting video. They are two very different designs, but someone looking for a speaker of that type would probably be looking at those two brands.

[@adrianlow2114]

Good idea, hopefully soon

[@net_news]

Ceci is so lovely ❤

[@IAWAF]

Gorgeous, and I love her cute voice!

[@JanPatrickLucas]

33:07 onwards, Adrian articulates the differnces perfectly. You three are an absolute delight as both of these speakers are. I have the ESL's and the former 60Xti's so while not quite at the same level, I'm sure would be comparable to the pairs reviewed here. I am considering the XT F200. Gotta go big! Cheers!

[@adrianlow2114]

Thanks Jan

[@dajikbatarang1]

I think your next comparison has to Martin Logans vs Maggies. Now that would be a very interesting comparison.

[@klepp19]

I own Esl-x and Maggie 1.7i I prefer Martin Logan.

[@JohnnyBroker76]

I have an all ML set up with Motions 35Xti's as my mains. Saving up to get the XTF-100, I really think it will be my end speaker. One thing that was not mentioned and I think is a big deal is that the port is on the bottom of the speaker making it even more room friendly than all back ported dynamic speakers. I too fell in love with audio when I was 16 and heard a ML Electrostatic speaker at a audio store and that sound has been engrained in my brain ever since. I have dreamed of owning the ESL-X but after listening many times in different set ups I think the XTF-100 would be a better fin for my room. Plus I've always wanted to own a pair of speakers where I don't need a Subwoofer and the XTF-100 gets me way closer to that goal than the ESL-X. One last thing is that the XTF-100 is more versatile with all genre of music. If I mainly listened to classical, Jazz, Eclectic music I think the ESL is a better choice. BTW great review

[@nyrep1]

I was waiting for this ... thank you . Sidenote, while i did enjoy villips overly analytical comments. I definitely appreciate cici talking more about the experience and the emotion of things

[@gitmobob6266]

The ML CLS with the Kinergetics tower subs still haunt my memory for some of the best sound I have ever heard.

[@charlesf2804]

I would choose the XTF because my system doubles as a home theater and the bass response would be important. Also my limited placement options favor the XTF. Thanks for the information and the video.

[@KeithSkronek]

That was a fun comparison

[@MichelLinschoten]

I owned the rs1b for a while, and i restored them . The Magnepan Tympani I i had (low end aside) easily bested them. The rs1b opposed challenges , the need for 4 amplifiers, the need for the controller (NOT a servo controller) but more of a motional feedback system (Philips coined it i believe) based on impedance what not. They are also NOT line source, the 7 emim (not to be confused with RIBBONS,they are planar push pull drivers) were paired in sections. With each their own crossover point. The middle emim did most of the mid range. Depending how much you send to the woofer towers. Also the emims were fragile I replaced least 3 sets as they were sagging. Very overcomplicated crossover, bass towers were really just particle boarded with minimal bracing. Thilese boxes resonated like crazy. Not a true line source , build quality wise "meh" definitely nothing like the IRS series. I wasn't impressed by them, sold them at a healthy profit. And moved on back to my magnepans really fast. I've had tons of nudells and still have a few kappas in the house. So not bashing , just my own ownership and experience with them wasnt that mind-blowing.

[@dan-qe1tb]

Local Best Buy Magnolia has the ML ESL-11As, and they are the most spacious speakers I've ever heard. The proverbial "wall of sound". No conventional box speakers can match that. Just because of physics. Bass had felt dynamic, and with good articulation. Even Metallica had sounded good on those. Try that with any Magnepan!

[@emanon321]

Thanks for another great presentation. Love "the new team." Great comments which convey so much!

[@adrianlow2114]

Thanks!

[@datka3]

I have ESL15s in the basement 7ft ceiling, addictive sound from electostats

[@danilobadua7775]

My brother in law bought the ESL powered by a Marantz receiver. He also had a ML subwoofer. The sound coming from the ESL is so clear and gave the sensation its hitting you like from a live performance. I was impressed. It's good for vocals, classical, and jazz. But after a few hours of listening to different genres of music that included disco, alternative, and rock, I find it lacking in the lower mids. I also found the bass as provided by the subwoofer is disconnected to the whole music. Sometimes the bass are so pronounced and at other times the mid and highs are more prominent. There is no consistency. I am not sure if the receiver or the audessey is properly setup or not. I came to the conclusion that the ESL is not something I will be tempted to spend money buying.

[@Alephkilo]

The xtra-100’s are incredible transparent speakers and they are musical. Perhaps you should mention the sensitivity ratings for the speakers. A pair of speakers I can easily live with .. 😊

[@gabemartinez1012]

I have my bowers and wilkins 705 s2 and thinking going with the ESL.

[@LimePieMusic]

Where can we listen to recording examples of this acoustics?

[@RichardDurishin]

Great video. What about combining the electrostatics with a great sub-woofer to get the clarity of violin and piano and the depth and body of cello and bassoon?

[@Skye_the_toller]

I would like to compare them with Paradigm F100 (Founder) … same category, but very different technology (same company!)

[@lonniefarmer7067]

Thanks!

[@adrianlow2114]

Pleasure!

[@stevenbauer1730]

Any thoughts on the Sonus Faber Lumina V vs. the XTF-100?

[@adrianlow2114]

Soon

[@jamienaquin3918]

I'm considering both as my next upgrade. I'll be interested to hear their response to what I've heard.

[@RaymondDumas66]

I would love to hear more speakers playing than people talking!

[@FrankZappa1959]

Wow, I absolutely love you 3 wonderful people! I am currently considering which of the two ML models I should get. Each of you 3 expresses your perception so comprehensibly, intensively, emotionally, as if I was there myself during the comparison. The diamond of you three is the gorgeous young woman! Man, how she describes her perception gives me goosebumps, what a highly sensitive, likeable young woman! I love you, thank you!!!❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@jonathanmcdaniel8008]

Just when I thought I was about to go active with some LS 60’s and get rid of my avr and wires y’all are know making me think about these ML 100’s. Which pair do you think will give us the best Phantom center spaced around 9’ apart sitting about 14’ back for TV and Movies?

[@pswitzeny]

Adrian: "I won't bore you with my music choices." Me: "That's the best part!!!" 🤣😝 Really well done AE team!

[@steveee2511]

im sure comparing these to speakers is like comparing supermarked prossecco to hi end champagne like dom perignon

[@jmbaug1229]

Ceci 💙💙💙

[@klepp19]

Is the ESL -X close to the Master series ESL 9?

[@gheorgheconroy5102]

Would you choose the xtf100 or the sonus Faber sonetto 5 , please I have heard the Faber but not the martin Logan about to spend 4800 same price , which to buy NEED HELP!

[@adrianlow2114]

Have not had a chance to compare yet

[@Diamonddestroyer124-em8ow]

I can't be the only one who's thinking this...Just not as good without Vilip.

[@alfonzooliviera1121]

Cici only talks about the song. I came here for the EQUIPMENT

[@steverogers7611]

Nobody wants grumpy back, it’s literally just you

[@adrianlow2114]

@@alfonzooliviera1121 Isn't that ULTIMATELY what this is all about?

[@nirodha35]

Not really my speakers but…. You are my fave reviewers club😊

[@adrianlow2114]

Thank you

[@johnmarchington3146]

I have a pair of Acoustat SPECTRA 6600 electrostatics and wouldn't part with them.

[@gheorgheconroy5102]

Xtf100 or Sonus Faber sonetto 5

[@motorcopT2]

I have a set of Apogee speakers. Could you tell me what keel amps you paired with them. 😊

[@adrianlow2114]

I've owned many different amps with Apogees back then, from Adcom GFA555 when I didn't have any other funds, to the contemporary Krells and Rowland 7.

[@motorcopT2]

I think I will try the Krells. Thanks!

[@sebastianmerker]

I used a classe audio DR3 .Nice combination

[@motorcopT2]

@@sebastianmerker thanks! Wires?

[@sebastianmerker]

@@motorcopT2 Just thick copper back then . Today Nordost superflats

[@JulioCSolar]

I've been looking into these two and you don't make my life any easier. 🙂 I might buy both and get ready for a divorce.

[@jamesschneider3828]

As I can tell, it looks like your viewership has declined due to the amount of comments on your reviews. We miss the old days with Villip and Jay. The reviews seem to be more about the music instead of the product you are trying to review. I still enjoy your in boxing video's but not the review's. I actually prefer the sound of the previous generation of the motion series speakers. And I am not sold on the panel speakers as they seem to have very low dynamics. Air motion tweeters are hard to place in a room due to their brightness. I have resolved their bright issues by using zero tow in.

[@adrianlow2114]

As I replied to someone else, ultimately it is about the music and how the reproduction makes us feel. As far as this channel is concerned, that's what matters in the end. I used to have systems that chased the ultimate resolution and the most astounding illusion, but in the end, I could only play "audiophile" recordings. As a hobby, that may be absolutely fine, but as a music system that's supposed to let me enjoy the brilliance of the artists, that type of system just wasn't fulfilling. YMMV Hybrid Martin Logans are VERY dynamic, certainly not lacking in that department.

[@prothor]

So sweet girl 💣

[@JEG6919]

Zzzzzzzzzzz……..

[@digggerrjones7345]

C'mon Adrian, you *know* Magneplanars *are not* electrostatic!! Any panel speaker performs better when vertically oriented. Whether listening for pleasure or critically, sit down for God's sake. Both Ceci's and Lewis' grasp of the English language seem to be diminishing.

[@adrianlow2114]

I don't think I said Maggies are electrostatic speakers. I was simply pointing out that as a planar speaker, visitors are often astonished by their openness. Why the personal attacks on Ceci's and Lewis' English? Having a bad day? English isn't Ceci's first language. I wonder if your Mandarin or Cantonese is as good as her English is. And based on your past comments, I must say I am disappointed at the tone of your posts. Be nice or be gone

[@stephencosta6814]

@@adrianlow2114 you go, bro🎉😂 I totally understand what they are saying

[@adrianlow2114]

@@stephencosta6814 Thanks Stephen