Martin Logan Montage and Mosaic

Joey_V · 12-04-2004, 05:34 AM

I am looking for a good 2 channel set and was thinking about these two speakers since they're actually priced for normal human beings. The Montage is retail at $1499 while the Mosaic is at $1999.

Now, for those who have heard these, can you please comment on your thoughts regarding these speakers?

I am also waiting to see how the Onix Strata Mini pans out after its debut later Q1/2005.

Any opinions or thoughts?

EdNichols · 12-04-2004, 10:44 AM

I have had the Mosaics for about a year now and really like them. I have listened to other speakers for the fun of it since then and haven't found anything I like better near the price. The only speakers I have heard I like better was $8000 B&W's. I also compared the Mosaics to the next higher-in-line electrostatics of ML and I liked the Mosaics better. I will say it also depends on the type of music. The Mosaics ATF design excels at vocals and instrumentals, but hard rock that is not recorded well will sound harsh. But that may be the case with all speakers. I would describe their sound as being forward like you were in the front row at a concert. Some people prefer a more layed back sound , like being in the middle row. On a good recording they have a sound stage so large that you would swear you were listening to a set of surround sound speakers. You have to judge for yourself by listening to them and compare.

Daniel.Han · 12-04-2004, 11:07 AM

During my last upgrade, about 1 month ago, the Mosaics were on my short list of options. I listened to several steps above them in the ML line and much preferred their sound. Their sound stage is enormous and very enveloping. Ultimately I was won over by a pair of Thiel CS2.4s, but they are about 2x the price and have quite a different sound.

Rambling aside I guess I'm trying to say that I really enjoyed the Mosaics, but in the end I found a better fit for me.

Joey_V · 12-05-2004, 05:36 AM

It's interesting to find that several of you guys have found to prefer the sound of the montage or the mosaics over the larger MLs. Hmm...

Evan M. · 12-05-2004, 10:29 AM

I have never heard the Montages but I am in love with the Mosaics. I know they are 2000$ but I consider them one of the biggest bargains right now when it comes to speakers. Like others have said the soundstage is incredible. My buddy and I had to turn around to see if there were surrounds playing and I walked up to all of the center channels to make sure they were not playing!! They are picky when it comes to placement and the sweetspot seems to be a little smaller than other speakers but once they are set up properly and you are in the sweetspot I am sure you will be amazed. I compared them to more expensive Sonus Fabers and Polk Lsi 25's and it really was not even close IMO.
Mosaics are 5 Ohm but were designed to have a higher end receiver power them....such as a Denon 3805 or Yamaha 2400. They also do not need to plugged in like the other ML's that have the electrostat technology. IMO the ATF technology in the Mosaics are fantastic but I would not go as far as to say they are better than the higher end ML's. When ML 'stats are set up correctly and with the right amount of power driving them it really is a special thing. If you are considering ML's I would make sure the place you buy has a good return policy. Like I said, they can be tricky to set up and sometimes they just won't "work well" in certain peoples homes. Good luck

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Joey_V · 12-05-2004, 03:54 PM

I will try them out this coming winter break. I hope my local tweeter carries both the mosaic and the montage for comparison. $500 is a lot of dough.

Joey_V · 12-05-2004, 06:35 PM

Looking at those two speakers makes me want them even more. I've never had a Martin Logan and I have been wanting one since I got started going up the audio chain. It's definitely nice to know that Martin Logan is catering to budget-conscious folks, too.

Just wanted to share a quick piece of my thoughts.

I have heard Martin Logans before, not sure which though. And I was definitely taken aback by the "wall of sound". I wonder, do these smaller MLs put forth a similar "wall of sound"?

Jake S · 12-05-2004, 08:16 PM

I spent a few days in Kansas courtesy of Gayle and his troop in the latter half of last year , listening to ML'S PLAYED WITH ALL SORTS OF RIGS, in all sorts of rooms, with all kinds of music. It was spectacular, especcially the Statements in Gayle's Home! They had just come out with the Mosaics and were playing differant Montages as well (don't think they had been released yet)...the guys are trying to respond to people who like the ML sound but have size, placement, decor, or wife issues, hence the on-walls as well....I watched the guys assembling the panels and cabinets and realized that Ml has the coolest mix of art and science (in both design and construction) that I could imagine. I now ask myself how they can sell them so cheap...I know, sounds strange doesn't it?
I have recently begun my new search for my new main speaker set-up ....I am interested in the 703's from B&W but I have been listening to the Mosaics and Claritys a bit more recently and the Studio 100 Paradigms are also getting attention.....sooo many speakers, soooo much money....

Joey_V · 12-06-2004, 03:54 AM

I really want to audition these now. I wonder how I will like them compared to my Polk LSi9 speakers. I would guess that the ML should sound better.

Now, the question is:
Would the ML Mosaic or Montage be up to the task of near-field listening? Say, for a computer setup as computer speakers?

Hmm....