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General discussion

Using existing speakers

Aug 23, 2005 11:41PM PDT

I have a pair of Martin Logan stereo speakers which I like very much (but of course wife thinks they are too large). Can these be supplemented with other speakers to make up a part of a TV audio system or do I have to have separate TV and music listening systems?
Would I just add more speakers & plug them into the surround sound box? I am doing some research in advance of moving where I will have a new TV/system installed.
Thanks
Ken

Discussion is locked

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Using existing speakers
Aug 24, 2005 12:43AM PDT

I used my existing JBL speakers , got a new reciver and added JBL surrounds and center speaker.
Now you may have to shop around for speakers that have a similar sound to your Martin speakers. John

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That will work ...
Aug 24, 2005 4:43AM PDT

Many people use the same system for both music and HT. The key is making sure that the "supplemental" speakers voice match well with the Martin Logans (wish I had a pair of those!)

I would recomend that you pay special attention to the center channel as that carries a majority of the sound for HT. You may want to consider a Martin Logan center. Subs, rears and sides are less of an issue and you'll find that differences in these speakers are less noticeable to you.

Good luck.

P.S. - you may want to check out some internet only retailers for speakers if you are on a budget and trying to get Martin Logon sound on a budget. Sites I suggest are:
www.av123.com
www.ascendacoutics.com
www.aperionaudio.com
www.axiomaudio.com

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Thanks
Aug 24, 2005 11:05PM PDT

Thanks for the responses--it seemed to make sense they would work but since things are becoming fairly specialized in their function and compatibility I wasn't sure.

Ken

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Martin Logan the best in the world
Aug 28, 2005 5:38AM PDT

My Dolby digital 6.1 system is hooked up to Klipsh 5.5. main Klipsh acadmy center Atlantic technology souround and Cerwin Vega sat 6 in the rear + Infinity 15" 500 wat sub and its awsome. Salespeople will tell you that all speakers should be matched BULL , Also a good 6.1 reciever will give you the option of having great stereo and 6.1. sound good luck and dont let wifie make you get rid of your awsome speakers please reply stewart norrie cadillacstew@aol.com

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Diaphragm response will kill you if you're not careful
Sep 30, 2005 2:46PM PDT

I have a mixed system of Martin Logans and M&Ks which works fine but I've been careful to keep the sources un-mixed. The Martin Logans have a floating diaphragm and are much faster firing than a traditional cone which has to recoil before it can fire out again. I've got a Martin Logan center and subwoofer to keep up with the mains but used my M&Ks for the surround speakers. This kept the price down without sacrificing quality. Having the surrounds slightly out of time with the main sources isn't detectable and I've got good ears. Before I matched up the mains, you could hear the out of sync/out of phase sound of the split system. Best of all, when I go to straight music listening, the system runs on just the Martin Logans and as you know you just can't beat that pure clear soundstage they give you.

Good luck with your set-up.