I've just taken delivery of a pair of Martin Logan Clarity electrostatic hybrids. These were intended to replace a set of JMLab Electra 905's (excellent speakers!).

The reputation of the legendary midrange open-ness and imaging attracted me to the ML's. First plays last night though have left me very disappointed. I know they need very careful room placement, but after lots of experimenting I can't find any room position that creates a good sound. They are very bloated and boomy in the bass and thin/nasally in the midrange - the last thing I expected to hear really.

They're being driven by a Sugden A21a, which although only 25w, is a good amp and doesn't seem to be struggling to drive them (plenty of volume). The room is relatively small - about 12*18', speakers firing across the 12'. I've managed to get the speakers well away from wall boundaries but still no improvement.

I've only read good things about the ML's - has anybody else struggled to get a balanced sound out of them. The biggest surprise is the really poorly controlled bass.

Thanks,
tom.