James Holland

At Audio Advice Live in Raleigh, James Holland heard Martin Logan’s ElectroMotion ESL X speakers reproduce Bon Iver’s “Holocene” with unusually high detail, clarity, openness and controlled low-end performance. The speakers use a 40-inch electrostatic transducer for frequencies from 400 to 22,000Hz, paired with dual eight-inch passive drivers for bass down to 41Hz. Despite challenging room acoustics, the ESL X revealed subtle vocal, guitar, cymbal and bass details, impressing both Holland and his cousin. At $4,499.98 per pair, the speakers are expensive but presented as a potentially justifiable alternative to far costlier high-end models.

Audio Advice Live in Raleigh showcased high-end stereo speakers from leading audiophile brands. The standout was the $65,000-per-pair Bowers & Wilkins 801 D5, praised for its detailed yet warm sound, while Focal’s $210,000 Diva Alta Utopia impressed with energetic, room-filling performance and integrated amplification. Klipsch’s limited-edition Klipschorn offered a softer, vinyl-like presentation at a comparatively lower $24,998, and JBL’s $99,990 Summit Series K-2 delivered exceptionally clean, powerful sound with substantial headroom. Sonus Faber, Wharfedale and Cabasse also received favorable mentions.