MartinLogan speakers formally come to Amazon
It's always welcome news to us when we see an audio stalwart make the transition from audio-only to home theater; even better when they embrace the internet along the way. Word comes to us via press release that MartinLogan is now making the heart of its speaker lineup, the Design series, available on Amazon. That means that if you don't have a local dealer (including Magnolia) in your area or you just can't be bothered to leave your AV den, MartinLogan speakers are now just a mouse click away -- with Super Saver/Prime shipping, no less. We've got to admit, the logos look pretty good together in a doodle kind of way. Included in Amazon's sampling are: Purity and Source uprights; Matinee and Vignette center channels; Ticket, Presage, Voyage and Helos 100 in-walls; and Abyss and Dynamo subs. Certainly enough to fill out your speaker needs; just be sure you remember to report the (cough) sales tax (cough)! Full press release after the break.Amazon.com's Electronics Store Delivers High-Performance Sound Quality With MartinLogan Loudspeakers
Lawrence, Kansas, June 3, 2008
MartinLogan, the Loudspeaker Technology Company, is proud to announce that its high-performance Design Series loudspeakers are now available to tens of millions of Amazon customers, with the click of a mouse, by visiting Amazon's MartinLogan boutique at www.amazon.com/martinlogan.
Whether customers are looking for a stereo or multi-channel system solution, every model of the MartinLogan Design Series will be available for shipping from Amazon. In addition, customers can click on sponsored links to find installation services – assuring customers total satisfaction with their new audio experience. Many of the Design Series loudspeakers also qualify for Amazon.com's free Super Saver Shipping or free two-day shipping for Amazon Prime members.
"Amazon.com represents a new and exciting distribution opportunity. Amazon is truly unique in their ability to offer consumers critical product information and assist each customer through the selection process," says Mike Lyons, MartinLogan president and CEO.
"MartinLogan speakers allow people to experience music and movies with amazing detail. As Amazon's home theater business continues to dramatically grow, MartinLogan is a natural match for our customers who appreciate high performance," says Noah Herschman, Amazon.com's director of Audio Video. "Many people still think speakers look like those ugly boxes that were made back in the 1970's. MartinLogan has used the latest speaker technology to create stylish in-wall, on-wall and floor-standing speakers that sound incredible. We look forward to exposing the benefits of MartinLogan speakers to people who normally would not go into a consumer electronics store."
The Design Series available on Amazon.com includes models up to $2,995 a pair (MSRP). The subwoofers in the Design Series are up to $999 each (MSRP). In addition, Amazon will stock all in-wall speakers, up to $1,995 each (MSRP).
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Charles M @ Jun 4th 2008 9:42AM
Interesting. I'm a little surprised because usually such dealers like to sell through high end shops.Also, the price per speaker that Amazon is quoting
seems odd for a high end speaker (high end is priced per pair - price per speaker is normally the domain of lessor speakers).
But hey, it's still great news, and available in Amazon Prime as well.
CMM
SteveA @ Jun 4th 2008 10:21AM
Martin Logan isn't really part of the high end any more. As much as any of the companies that still sell through Magnolia are not.
Ken @ Jun 4th 2008 1:59PM
Do realize there is the 'Design' series which is what Magnolia and Amazon have, then there is the 'ESL' series which is where the high-end lives, along with being distributed through a fairly exclusive dealer network.
I sell their products, and the quality, performance, and support of the company is lightyears beyond virtually anything else out there. The people from MartinLogan I deal with are the nicest, smartest, and most-dedicated I have come across. These are people who actually love speakers, music, and movies, not people out to make a quick buck. Think SVS levels of obsession.
Remember, their cheapest 5.1 system is still over $3,000 (for 5 in-ceilings and a sub) - they are not making HTiB systems or that sort of stuff.
Also, what you call a 'no longer high-end' company just re released the CLX, not exactly a little toy of a speaker.
Pat @ Jun 4th 2008 5:24PM
I think what Charles was referring to when he said "no longer high end" was that they aren't really sold by many custom dealers anymore. Martin Logan whored themselves out at Costco a couple of years ago. Most custom dealers won't even try to compete with that.
As for the priced per each thing... alot of high end speakers are sold like that for home theater use. Obviously the two-channel guys aren't gonna price them that way, but the people who realize that surround sound is a good thing price them per each.
I'm glad to see that they've kept the ESL line exclusive though... It sucks for the custom dealers when a company starts selling online...
Ken @ Jun 4th 2008 9:45PM
The stuff Costco had was grey market, how does that quality as 'whoring themselves out'? MartinLogan sh!t a brick over that.
I can buy a $250,000 Patek Philippe online from a grey market dealer - does that make Patek Philippe low end?
Its funny that as a bunch of computer literate people, we generally love to buy things online - yet now that something nice is being sold online with the blessing of the manufacturer and from a good retailer (Amazon), its now considered bad. Huh?
Charles M @ Jun 5th 2008 8:53AM
I didn't say that. SteveA did.
CMM
pat @ Jun 5th 2008 1:06PM
the problem with selling stuff online and through big box stores like best buy is that the margins erode to the point that small companies can't even sell the products. I think what SteveA meant about not being high end anymore is that high end dealers will stop selling it.