Customer Reviews

MartinLogan Encore TF Center Channel (Black)

5 star:		(19)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

First off, these are touted to be useable as front L & R speakers. Unless you have a really good amp, I wouldn't advise it for that particular use unless you have a need to hang the speaker on the wall. Its intended use is as a center channel to match other ML speakers, even the electrostats. And it performs VERY well in this capacity.

I will keep this short and sweet and to the point; MartinLogan is top shelf quality. No argument there. The Encore TF is an outstanding speaker that is well built and has exceptional sound quality. This speaker has one flaw which is also its greatest strength; if a movie soundtrack is poorly recorded, it is painfully evident (as is with ANY HO speaker of this caliber) and sounds boxy, poor and just undesireable. On the other hand, if the source is a quality audio track, be it music or movies, this speaker just shines with absolute clarity and definition.

Many have been buying the Motion 8 center which is EXACTLY THE SAME as the Encore TF with the exception of the tweeter being different (but still designed to match all other ML speakers) and costs more than twice as much while made of plastic and the Encore is wood. Otherwise identical audio and actually I prefer the ATF tweeters over the Folded tweeters in the Motion 8. The ATF, to me, is non-fatiguing in comparison.

I have this speaker paired with the ML Preface (out of stock) tower speakers and the front soundstage is as fluid and seamless as it can possibly be. Looking to buy 2 more for my surround when money affords me that luxery.

As a side note, the Encore TF does indeed require time to 'break-in' and settle down requiring 3 or 4 Audyssey MultEQ calibrations along the way. Well worth the effort.

Purchased at Audio Advisors thru Amazon.com and the shipping could not have been faster.

I have this speaker as my center and my surrounds. Awesome quality, appearance and sound. The detail and clarity is one of the best I have ever heard. Dialouge is much easier to understand, even if it is quiet. MartinLogan makes great speakers and this one is no exception.

I recently took advantage of this huge sale and upgraded my center speaker with this one. I was kind of skeptic, did not know how much the sound was going to change, but What a difference!!!I have to say that I was surprised. With my old cheap speaker, I had to adjust the volume of the center channel about 8dB above the rest of the other channels, it just could not reach the rest of the speakers and sounded opaque. When I installed this Martin Logan, the sound was so clear that I had to re-adjust the channel, otherwise it would dominate the other speakers. This was a great buy, it is musical, clear and delivers good bass too. I recommend it very much.

I purchased these speakers from Audio Advisor(top notch company)on a great sale they were having . Trust me when I tell you , you will find nothing better for the money. I purchased one for my center speaker. After watching just one movie I new I had to get two more for my rear speakers. I run these Babies through a Marantz SR5006 receiver. These speakers are rated as 4ohm speakers and the Marantz drives them perfectly. This speaker sounds best to me as a center or surounds. I do not recomend them for your main listening speaker. As far as using them for your home theater needs I personaly feel there is nothing better on the market at this price range. At every level you here everything there is recorded . When watching a movie for a second time through these speakers it was as if we watched it for the first time because of the sound defference. At every level these speakers sound great. The bass they put out is just perfect, voices are crystal clear, and music sound wonderful. Above all they look really nice as well. Very high end looking. Mounting these speakers is very easy as well. Martin logan provides every thing you need to mount these speakers . There is only one draw back to these speakers. If you are watching a movie or tv show with poor sound quality these speakers will expose that flaw. Above and beyond that I would highly recomend this product to anybody looking to upgrade there home theater. I paid $199.99 w/free shiping through Audio Adviser.
You can crank these babies up all you want, they are endless with perfect sound. If this review was helpful please indicate .

Stumbled upon Martin/Logan in the process of attempting to buy American. M/L website proudly proclaims that it is the American Speaker Company. Shipment arrives, box says "Manufactured in China". Considered sending it back, ultimately didn't. Great speaker, good price, just wish it would have been made in America.

Purchased this speaker to replace an anemic center channel in a Polk system I got my family. Was VERY pleased with it's preformance. The dialogue is now crisp and audible. It really is a steal at this price.

I had two of these at one point, music was quite enjoyable. The brackets and stands included are well made and are pretty much all you need.

I purchased this speaker about 2 months ago, and have given it alot of listening time. I have this center paired with Martin Logan Preface front speakers, and the soundstage is completely seamless.

1) Versatile--this speaker is extremely versatile. It can sit horizontally or vertically, and the included stand accomodates both configurations. This can also be mounted on the wall, horizonally or vertically as well, and all necessary hardware is included. The Encore TF can also serve as any speaker in your system, L/R/C or as surrounds. If using as surrounds, it may be difficult to find a stand that will accomodate, but like I said, it can be mounted on a wall.

2) Power--this speaker is rated at 4ohms, with a maximum power handling of 100 watts. Most good receivers now will push this just fine. I contacted martin logan regarding the power requirements to run this speaker, and they stated that because it is an extremely efficient speaker, that it can handle much more power. I'm running an Emotiva 5 channel amp, which is rated at 125watts continuous @ 8ohms, and have had no problems. I'm not an electrical engineer, but if power is a concern, do your research. (some other martin logan products are 6ohm, like my Preface fronts).

3) Sound Quality-The SQ is very good with this speaker. Dialogue is clear, and sound effects are sharp, brisk and accurate. The 4" drivers on this speaker limits their ability to go really low, but with today's receivers, room calibration (Audyssey) will set it up so that it sounds really good.

4) Value--This is a steal at $199, shipping included. Audio Advisor shipped the speaker to me in less than 3 days, and of course fedex delivered it without a scratch. For the price, I haven't seen any other center channels that can compete with this one at a $199 price point, especially if you have/consdering any other martin logans in your system.

Overall, I'm extremely pleased with my ML purchases on Amazon.

Recently decided to upgrade my audio/home entertainment system by replacing my old Yamaha center channel with the Martin Logan TF. I researched my different center channels and even considered a sound bar however in the end I could not resist the current price of $199 for this high quality center channel speaker. I have this paired with my Paradigm 9SEMK3 speakers and Polk PSW505 sub and the sound is amazing. I am driving this with a Yamaha RXV1065 and everything sounds great. Home theater voices are really clear and central and sound very good at low volumes. I had the house to myself and cranked out Sgt Pepper and could not believe the clarity of the Martin Logan. If you are looking for a very well made center channel look no further.

Finally, a Martin Logan center channel that I can afford. For years I lusted after their $2000 models. This little $200 marvel is a good timbre match to my ML mains, even though it's not an electrostatic. I'm thinking of getting another for the rear surround channel.

I had Motion 12 speakers that I absolutely loved and wanted a center channel that was wall mountable to go with this speaker. I actually purchased this speaker initially, but returned it because I was not completely pleased with the sound quality. I have since purchased the Motion 8 and feel this is a superior speaker in terms of sound blending across all frequencies and better detail for vocals from the folded motion tweeter. Everyone has different tastes and preferences, but I would strongly recommend the Motion series if you are trying to decide if there is much of a difference since they are both Martin Logan - there is quite a bit of difference.