Posted on

Marten Isolator A/B demo

Marten Isolators were originally introduced with the Parker series in 2020. Our trust in this technology has always been strong and was validated at High End Munich 2024. In the IsoAcoustics room, a live A/B demonstration—featuring Parker Trio—showcased the significant impact of Marten Isolators on sound quality.

The Setup

The inception model, Parker Trio Diamond Edition was featured in Piano White and Piano Black finishes. The white speakers were equipped with Marten Isolators, while the black speakers used traditional spikes. This setup allowed attendees to directly compare the acoustic performance of the two.

A Clear Winner

During the A/B demonstration, attendees switched between the white pair with Marten Isolators and the black pair with spikes. The difference was immediately apparent. The music played through the speakers with Marten Isolators exhibited a remarkable difference in clarity and detail. Listeners noted the following enhancements:

  1. Improved Bass Definition: The bass was tighter and more controlled, eliminating the muddiness often associated with vibrations and resonance.
  2. Enhanced Midrange Clarity: Vocals and instruments in the midrange were clearer, with a more natural and lifelike presence.
  3. Superior High-Frequency Detail: The high frequencies were crisper and more precise, allowing for a more immersive listening experience.
  4. Broader Soundstage: The overall soundstage was wider and deeper, giving the impression of a more expansive and three-dimensional audio landscape.

“The feedback from the Munich High End Show has been incredibly gratifying. We take pride in our partnership with Marten, striving together to achieve the highest standards of audio clarity and precision for our customers.” 

Dave Morrison, President and Founder of IsoAcoustics
Precision Engineering

The core of Marten Isolators lies in IsoAcoustics’ advanced isolation technology, which incorporates several key elements. First, the isolators are engineered with high-precision machining and materials, ensuring optimal stability and performance. This precision allows the speaker to decouple from the supporting surface, effectively reducing unwanted vibrations. Additionally, the isolators utilise proprietary isolation elements designed to absorb and dissipate vibrational energy, which reduces internal reflections within the speakers that can colour the sound and introduce distortion.

This advanced technology also allows for controlled, multi-directional movement, managing the energy of the speaker in alignment with the natural movement of sound waves and maintaining the integrity of the audio signal. Furthermore, Marten Isolators are tailored to the specific weight and size of each Marten model, ensuring optimised weight distribution. This precise tailoring guarantees consistent performance, providing maximum isolation effectiveness and significantly enhancing the overall audio experience.

The Verdict

Feedback from High End Munich 2024 attendees was overwhelmingly positive. Listeners praised Marten Isolators for their ability to significantly enhance the listening experience. Many attendees expressed amazement at how the isolators could make such a substantial difference in musical presentation.

The Best, As Standard

Marten Isolators come as standard on Marten speaker models*, ensuring that every listener will experience the highest level of audio fidelity right out of the box. This integration underscores our commitment to delivering superior sound quality and innovation.

Conclusion

The demonstration of Marten Isolators by IsoAcoustics in Munich was a resounding success. By integrating Marten Isolators into all our speaker models, we ensure that listeners hear only the sound in the recording, and nothing more.

*  Marten Isolators available as an upgrade for Oscar Trio and Oscar Duo

Posted on

Collaboration at the high end

Last month, at High End Munich 2024, we debuted Coltrane Quintet to much acclaim. Our latest model was also featured in the Jorma and Engström room. This room was an exceptional collaboration between Coltrane Quintet, Jorma cabling and Engström electronics.

Contributions from elite producers KECES, Antipodes, MSB, TechDAS, Reed, Supatrack, and Solid-Tech, added further gravitas to the system. This room exemplified the balance needed when composing a system of premium audio components. Coltrane Quintet worked seamlessly with the high-performance system, delivering a sound that was dynamic and precise. 

“No matter the music, the Engstrom/Marten system played music with balanced tone, transparency to the recorded source, and forceful energy, yet it also sounded intimate and personal.”

Ken Micallef, Stereophile
The new Coltrane Quintet
Jorma
Engström

Teamwork

Engström installed their formidable ARNE, ERIC, LARS, MONICA, and M-phono models. These amplifiers are celebrated for their ability to convey rich, emotive soundscapes with exceptional clarity and depth.

Jorma introduced their new Paragon Power cable alongside acclaimed Statement loudspeaker and interconnects. These cables ensured pristine signal transmission, preserving the intricate nuances and dynamic range of the music with utmost fidelity.

And Marten brought the new Coltrane Quintet to the setup, offering a sonic experience characterised by articulate highs, rich, deep lows, and a soundstage that transported listeners to the heart of each performance.

Attendees immersed themselves in music that transcended mere sound reproduction. The system effortlessly conveyed the delicate textures of acoustic instruments, the emotive timbres of vocal performances, and the thunderous impact of orchestral crescendos, evoking an emotional response that resonated deeply with enthusiasts that descended on Munich.

Feedback from attendees resounded with acclaim for the cohesive synergy and impeccable integration of components, underscoring the collaborative spirit of the collected audio artisans.

As the echoes of High End Munich 2024 linger, this extraordinary collaboration continues to inspire anticipation for future work together. We eagerly anticipate the next chapter, and hope that it affords new opportunities to work with visionary brands.

Posted on

High End Munich 2024 room report

At High End Munich 2024, we found ourselves once again in the electrifying atmosphere of the world’s premier audio event. Working behind the scenes, alongside our dedicated team – Annie, Bernt, Jonas, Kristian, Martin, Mikael, Nicklas, Puck, and Timo – we had the privilege of premiering the much-anticipated Coltrane Quintet, a testament to our team’s dedication and hard work.

From the moment the doors opened, attendees were greeted with the sight of Coltrane Quintet, demo’ed live in Piano Red. The anticipation in the air was palpable, and we couldn’t help but feel a sense of pride knowing that our creation was about to be showcased to the world.

The new Coltrane Quintet

We always try to have an aesthetically pleasing room, but there was an aspect of our work that probably went unnoticed – the meticulous effort we put into creating the perfect listening environment. Our team worked tirelessly to set up a room within a room, designing every detail to ensure an acoustically neutral space for visitors to experience Coltrane Quintet.

Despite the challenges of setting up such an installation, our team’s dedication, planning and hard graft paid off. From fine-tuning the speaker placement to adjusting the room’s acoustic properties, every decision was made with the goal of creating an immersive and unforgettable listening experience.

"These must be the most beautiful speakers in existence."

Christiaan Punter • Owner, hifi-advice.com

As the music began to play, we watched as visitors listened attentively, their expressions shifting from curiosity to appreciation. It was humbling to see their reactions, and we were grateful for the opportunity to share our passion for music with them.

One of the most gratifying aspects of the show was the constant stream of visitors that filled our room over the four days. Despite the busy schedule and competing attractions, our space remained packed with enthusiasts eager to experience Coltrane Quintet firsthand.

"These are very, very good loudspeakers paired with an equally good set of electronics that really delivered at High End... Excellent and I could have stopped a lot longer. A favourite room!"

Hifi Pig

Throughout the event, we were heartened by the positive feedback from visitors who experienced Coltrane Quintet. While we believed in the product, it was truly validating to see others appreciate its sound quality and craftsmanship.

"They played Rage Against The Machine’s “Bull on Parade” in the room. It was heaven. Unbelievable. Rock power and in-your-face sound with crystal-clear definition across the entire range..."

Ecoustics magazine
Halcro Eclipse monoblock
Jorma Power Filter and Jorma Paragon Power
TechDas Air Force III
Halcro Equinox
Artesania Audio racks and DS Audio
MSB DAC

As the show came to a close, we couldn’t help but reflect on the journey that led us here. It was a reminder of the importance of humility and gratitude, and we were thankful for the support of our team, partners, distributors and dealers who helped make Coltrane Quintet a reality.

In the end, Munich High End 2024 was a memorable experience that reinforced our commitment to sound reproduction, but most of all the music. We left the exhibition hall with a renewed sense of purpose, eager to continue pushing the boundaries of what is possible in the world of audio.

"This was a rocking system. Drums were snappy and punchy, whether snare, tom or kick. Separation of complex music was excellent, while finer detail and transient attack was exemplary. Low frequencies across the spectrum were played with terrific agility and power."

SoundStage Australia
Posted on

High End Munich 2024

High End Munich 2024 marks our eagerly awaited return to the show-of-shows. And this year—with the unveiling of our new model Coltrane Quintet—it might be one of our best yet.

Premiering in Munich, Coltrane Quintet is the crown jewel of Marten’s showcase, representing a gear shift in audio engineering. Our masterwork stands poised to redefine benchmarks for natural sound reproduction, soundstage presentation, dynamic range and resonance reduction.

Marten room • Atrium 4.1, room F119

At the heart of our show lies the creation of a room-within-a-room, setting the stage for the presentation of our new model. We promise attendees an oasis of sonic purity amidst the cacophony of the show floor.

Coltrane Quintet represents the culmination of Marten’s rigourous pursuit of perfection. As successor to the legendary Coltrane 3 and the first addition to the Coltrane line in six years, it embodies our commitment to sound reproduction. Showcasing the most advanced technology and craftsmanship, Coltrane Quintet promises to deliver the music. After presenting Mingus Septet last year, we have pretty big boots to fill, but we think we’re up to the challenge.

Complemented by Jorma cables and cutting-edge electronics from esteemed partners such as Antipodes, DS Audio, Halcro, MSB, and TechDas, this comprehensive demonstration promises the perfect platform from which to launch Coltrane Quintet.

The system

  • Halcro Eclipse monoblock amplifiers
  • MSB DAC
  • TechDas Air Force III turntable
  • DS Audio Grand Master Extreme optical cartridge
  • Jorma Paragon Power cable
  • Jorma Statement loudspeaker and interconnects
  • Jorma Power Filter Reference
  • Antipodes OLADRA Server
  • Artesania Audio racks

Jorma and Engström room • Atrium 4.2, room F219

Beyond the confines of the Marten room, Coltrane Quintet will also be in full demonstration capacity in the Jorma and Engström room. Here, the debut of the new Jorma Paragon series alongside Engström’s sophisticated electronics will amplify the qualities of our new model.

The system

  • Engström ARNE, ERIC, LARS, MONICA and M-phono
  • Jorma Paragon Power cable
  • Jorma Statement loudspeaker and interconnects
  • Electronics and furniture
    • KECES
    • Antipodes
    • MSB
    • TechDAS
    • Reed
    • Supatrack
    • Solid-Tech

IsoAcoustics room • Atrium 4.2, room F210

Marten invites enthusiasts to partake in a special A/B test environment with IsoAcoustics, where Parker Trio Diamond Edition awaits. This unique opportunity will give attendees the chance to discern the differences that Marten Isolators offer.

WBT room • Atrium 4.1 room E126

In the WBT room, an active demonstration of Oscar Duo further underscores Marten’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of audio excellence, inviting attendees to immerse themselves in the sound that defines the Marten experience across the spectrum.

As High End Munich 2024 unfolds, Marten is poised to contribute meaningfully to the world of high-fidelity audio. With Coltrane Quintet leading the way, Marten invites attendees to explore with us: an auditory experience that promises an enriching journey into music as it should be.

Posted on

The new Coltrane Quintet

We’re excited to announce the debut of our newest creation: Coltrane Quintet. The latest model in our renowned Coltrane series represents a significant milestone in our ongoing pursuit of audio excellence.

Crafted with meticulous attention to detail and a passion for sonic purity, Coltrane Quintet is a testament to our dedication to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in high-fidelity audio. Featuring a 4-way bass reflex system, this speaker delivers a captivating listening experience.

Central to Coltrane Quintet’s exceptional performance are its custom-designed drivers, meticulously engineered to faithfully reproduce natural, detailed sound. From the delicate shimmer of the diamond tweeter to the nuanced detail of the beryllium high-midrange, every component works in harmony to create a rich, dynamic soundstage.

One of the standout features of the Coltrane Quintet is the new custom convex carbon fibre mid-bass driver, which delivers controlled sound with remarkable precision. Combined with the aluminium sandwich bass drivers, the three custom drivers form the foundation of the Coltrane Quintet’s immersive sound.

To ensure seamless integration and coherence between the drivers, Coltrane Quintet features Marten’s signature first-order crossover—a cornerstone of our commitment to sonic purity and precision.

Beyond its performance, Coltrane Quintet upholds the aesthetic principles that make a Marten speaker stand out. Housed in a newly developed cabinet, the polished carbon fibre is now visible, highlighting the strength of this essential Coltrane material. The fronts are available in a range of matte and piano gloss finishes.

Equipped with Jorma internal wiring and Marten Isolators, Coltrane Quintet ensures that every note is reproduced with clarity and realism, inviting listeners to immerse themselves in music that feels immediate, live and real.

At a glance

  • 4-way bass reflex
  • Custom pure diamond tweeter
  • Custom pure beryllium high-midrange
  • Custom convex carbon fibre mid-bass
  • Aluminium sandwich bass
  • Signature first order crossover
  • Newly developed carbon fibre cabinet
  • Jorma internal wiring
  • Marten Isolators
  • Finishes: Matte Walnut, Matte Oak,
    Piano Black, Piano Grey, Piano Plum, Piano Red and Piano Gold

Coltrane Quintet shows the craftsmanship and dedication that define Marten’s commitment to excellence in sound. We will be presenting our new model to the world at High End Munich 2024.

See Coltrane Quintet

Posted on

Mingus Septet review in U-Audio

In the hushed confines of the Shangrui listening room in Taiwan, a symphony unfolds as discerning audiophile Dai Tiankai, gets to know our latest model Mingus Septet. Distributed by Soundray, this speaker has already caused ripples in the audio world with its boundary-pushing design and immersive sound experience.

Tiankai’s exploration of Mingus Septet is revealing, often defying conventional wisdom. “Marten speakers often use high-hardness diaphragm materials,” he notes, “but the sound is not hard, but gives a very high sense of reality.” It’s a testament to Marten’s commitment to delivering a truly authentic listening experience.

With comparisons to it’s older brother Mingus Orchestra, Tiankai is quick to point out that Mingus Septet transcends its size.

“Although Mingus Septet is not too big in size and can be classified as a medium-sized floor-standing speaker at most, the scale of the sound is beyond imagination.”

The review delves into the Mingus Septet’s ability to capture the essence of music with clarity. Tiankai’s experience of a solo performance on Mingus Septet leaves him in awe. “The bright piano tone, the solid and light notes, are all beautiful,” he exclaims, “and all of them make people admire how powerful the midrange and high notes are.” It’s a testament to the speaker’s ability to faithfully reproduce every nuance of the music with accuracy.

Perhaps one of the most impressive aspects of Mingus Septet is its portrayal of the human voice. Tiankai notes: “When expressing the human voice, Mingus Septet can reproduce the characteristics of the voice in great detail. The body is clearly depicted and every detail is detectable.”

Tiankai concludes his review with high praise indeed, stating that:

“Mingus Septet's sound performance is really comprehensive, whether it is timbre, sound quality, density, dynamics, layering, and spatial performance, it has a very high level.”

Many thanks to Dai Tiankai for his review (and photos), Shangrui and Soundray for their support.

All quotes translated by Google Translate.

Read the full review

Posted on

Swedish Top Class • Parker Trio Diamond Edition review

Parker Trio Diamond Edition has been reviewed In the February edition of Hifi & Musik in Sweden. The headline reads: Svensk Toppklass—no marks for guessing this means Swedish Top Class.

However, a word that you might not recognise is Blygsam: a Swedish phrase that translates to modest. Although we have a lot going for us—raw beautiful nature, rich food heritage and good design—it’s not in our cultural language to boast. So, it’s especially nice to receive domestic recognition.

“The Marten Parker Trio Diamond Edition plays incredibly nicely, detailed and big- hitting, but also completely unproblematic.”

Hifi & Musik magazine

Editor-in-Chief, Jonas Bryngelsson covers the usual technical aspects and track analysis you would expect from this magazine, and has a some wonderful things to say about Parker Trio DE.

“The musical coherence is magnificent, while the sound image conveyed is large and spacious”

Jonas takes time to compare Parker Trio Diamond Edition to our ‘standard’ Parker Trio, which was also tested by the magazine in 2021. He makes some good points, which may be useful for those deciding between the two models, or existing Parker Trio owners considering an upgrade.

“It opens up the music being played which also spreads to a greater extent. It simply sounds bigger, airier, more detailed and in every way better.”

But he is quick to assure us of the quality of Parker Trio.

“Could I have settled for a Parker Trio if I hadn't done this comparison? Undoubtedly yes, and for those who want, it is also possible to do the upgrade at a later time”

For more excellent reviews of Parker Trio click here

Many thanks to Hifi & Musik and Jonas Bryngelsson for a great review and support from our homeland.

“I can state that these are a pair of extremely high-performance and versatile speakers, which make the most of whatever music they are going to play.”

Hifi & Musik is a well-respected, well-established magazine that has been reporting in the world of high end audio since 1970.

Get the magazine

Posted on

Musical heights in Taipei

At the end of last year Mingus Septet was shown to exceptional crowds at the Taipei International Audio Show.

Mid-December brought many overseas and domestic visitors to the capital of Taiwan—a place that embodies a diverse musical spirit. From traditional echoes in ancient temples to the beats of contemporary scenes, the city’s music reflects a fusion of influences. With venues ranging from the National Concert Hall to underground spaces in Ximending, Taipei’s dynamic sound mirrors its gritty, authentic energy—a testament to the island’s evolving musical legacy.

The annual event—in its 44th iteration—was held at The Grand Hotel.

The Grand Hotel ©Andrea De Santis

Mingus Septet was shown in a system that featured electronics by MSB Technology, cables by Jorma, and the DG-1S Dynamic Groove turntable by Vertere.

📷 ©Photos courtesy of MY-HiEND

Posted on

Parker Trio review in Stereo+ Norway

We have received a Special Recommendation and a 9.1 rating in Stereo+ Norway. 

Wherever you are in the world, there is always a competitive spirit with neighbouring countries. Perhaps this is less about differences and more about how you are alike. In any case, it’s nice to receive a favourable review from our cousins in Norway. 

“...it's almost funny to think that Marten has so many speakers over the Parker Trio in the range. Because do you really need anything particularly better than this?”

Many thanks to Stereo+ and Mala Audio for their continued support across the border.

Posted on

Full-marks for Mingus Septet

We’re all familiar with that moment in competition when judges award full-marks across the board. We’ve seen it play-out at international sporting events, but most often in movies for dramatic effect.

Our prodigy, Mingus Septet has been reviewed in Audio Art Magazine and has wow-ed the judges, who have awarded it a full sweep of top marks. Ok, so this isn’t the Olympics, but the magazine is renowned for its critical assessment of high quality audio products.

“Mingus Septet can fully present the huge contrast between silence and explosive passages in the music, and it is very 'ferocious'.”

Audio Art judge speakers using a category system they call Twenty Essentials of Illustrated Audio. These range from Detail Reproduction to Instruments and Vocals to Soundstage Wide and Deep to High Frequency Band, or just simply, Sound Quality.

“...the transient response is very fast, which It is the unchanging sound quality of Mingus Septet.”

In this month’s copy of the Chinese magazine, the review of Mingus Septet covers technical specifications, discusses the Mingus sound signature and takes us through extensive listening analysis of several pieces of music. The reviewers had some great things to say, and though the quotes may not have been translated with perfect cultural nuance, we get the impression they liked it.

“Solid and powerful, the vocals are refreshing with thickness and magnetism. nature, while other instruments are in an extremely transparent sound field Presenting an unambiguous sense of positioning, all of which make People feel that the music sung by Mingus Septet is not blunted or slowed down, it is as if it is real like a performance”

Many thanks to the reviewers at Audio Art Magazine for this excellent review.

Download review