ML Theater vs. ESL-C

[jmanny]

I'm looking to upgrade my center channel to either a ML Theater or ESL-C but I'm unsure which to buy/which would sound better in 2025. I currently use EM ESL (front L/R), EM-C2 (center), FX (L/R rears), and a pair of ML Vanquish (heights), 2 18" Ultimaxs' in GSG martycubes, on a Denon avr-940h, the LCR are powered by 3 Fosi v3 monoblocks. The AVR is only powering the rear and height speakers. I'm looking to upgrade the center channel to either a ML Theater (I know I'm late) or an ML ESL-C but I'm unsure which would sound better, I've never heard either in person. If money is taken out of the equation, which would you pick?

 

[Robert D]

I had a theater i that I sold, it was just ok. I think the panel was worn out on it. I sold it and then bought the ML Focus, C18. Its very good, much better than the old Theater. If I were you, id not buy that old speaker because the panel is probably worn out on it. ML does not make those like they do the other panels. When using the theater i, the dialogue in movies was hard to understand.

 

[wink]

If it was only between those two, I would put my money on the Theater. I still have one (with a new ML panel). I did however replace the dome tweeters with a ribbon tweeter a couple of years back. Still sounds incredible!

 

[Robert D]

If it was only between those two, I would put my money on the Theater. I still have one (with a new ML panel). I did however replace the dome tweeters with a ribbon tweeter a couple of years back. Still sounds incredible!

How did you get a new panel?

 

[wink]

How did you get a new panel?

Ordered through ML.

 

[wink]

T

How did you get a new panel?

In 2022 I believe. The only center channel ML wasn’t making new panels for was the Logos.
I switch out the tweeters for a ribbon at the same time.

 

[Robert D]

Ordered through ML.

Oh. When I called they told me they didn't do that. Maybe your's was done prior to mine? At the time I called, I was told they don't make new panels for center channel speakers.

 

[Robert D]

T

In 2022 I believe. The only center channel ML wasn’t making new panels for was the Logos.
I switch out the tweeters for a ribbon at the same time.

Ok. I.tried after that I think, but it was close to the same time. Maybe I remember wrong.