Blast from the past

At Marten HQ our weeks are well-structured, but occasionally things pop-up that we haven’t planned for; that’s the nature of the business and we welcome it. 

A few weeks ago, we received a delivery that we didn’t expect — the first speaker we ever produced was sent in by a customer for repair.

To say it is the first speaker is not exactly the truth, because this special model is actually a prototype for the first production speaker, Mingus, the earliest ancestor in our line of speakers.

Mingus (right) is pictured with Parker Quintet (left)

We were only too happy to see the this model return and perform the necessary refurbishments for such a long-standing customer. It was a joy to be reminded of this part of Marten history.

“It was a nice surprise to see Mingus (prototype) after more than 25 years, they're one of a kind.”

The prototype Mingus featured an angled front, designed to compensate for the differences in acoustic centre between the treble and bass-midrange drivers. However, limitations in production meant that we could not produce it at high volumes. So Leif came up with a simple solution — tilt the whole cabinet.

Mingus (prototype)
The Original Mingus

It was a pleasure to repair this ‘antique’ and return it to our loyal customer. Sometimes it’s good to be reminded where you came from, but also, how far you’ve traveled.

Parker Trio DE review in Enjoythemusic.com

The Parker series  is one of our most successful to date. In the latest review for the series, Parker Trio Diamond Edition really shines. The reviewer speaks honestly about the moving experience of listening to music from Parker’s ‘middle brother’.

An emotive response to live music is central to our philosophy for creating speakers, so we’re glad to hear when it touches people and takes them directly to the music. It’s such a delight that others can hear what we hear.

“There were many times during my listening sessions when I was convinced the soundstage and imaging prowess of the Parker Trio Diamond Edition was unmatched by any speaker anywhere near its price.”

Huge thanks to Tom Lyle, Senior Editor of enjoythemusic.com for his positive review. Thanks to Vana Ltd for their support.

Read the full review

Mingus Quintet 2 wins Stereo Sound Grand Prix 2022

Parallels are often drawn between Swedish and Japanese design. Maybe it’s the pared back aesthetic, with materials fit for purpose. Maybe it’s the pride in craftsmanship that is present in both cultures. Whatever it might be, there is commonality in the design language between Scandinavia and Japan that people often talk about.

Perhaps it is not surprising that we have been recognised for our products once again in Japan. Mingus Quintet 2 has won the coveted Stereo Sound Grand Prix 2022. Thank you to Stereo Sound Magazine for the honour.

We are great fans of Japanese design and style, so we accept this award with gratitude for the recognition.

And special thanks to Zephyrn Inc and Stella Inc for their continued support. 

Parker Duo review in Hifi.nl

We are proud to have an international following and a global network of partners. Being in Europe means we can hop on a plane and visit many of our distributors and dealers, often in only a few hours.

Our CEO, Jörgen Olofsson had the pleasure of catching-up with Werner Ero recently in The Netherlands. Werner took the time to do a short interview with Jörgen, which is featured in the review.  You can read what our CEO had to say there, but in the meantime, we’ll leave you with some quotes about Parker Duo from the review.

“...there appears to be such a desirable density of information, paired so beautifully with very good timing, natural timbres and maturity, that you would expect it much more from good floorstanding speakers than “bookshelf” speakers.”

"...coupled with a very high speed, accuracy and freedom of coloring, breathtakingly beautiful moments are regularly created."

"A truly grand monitor speaker that not only goes remarkably far in creating the "invisibility illusion" and properties of mature reproduction, but also couples it with beautiful design, choice of materials and finish."

We would like to thank Werner for these photos and his spirited review of Parker Duo for hifi.nl

Find out more

Coltrane Momento 2 in Warsaw · Photo round-up

We’d like to say a big thank you to SoundClub Poland for hosting us at the Audio Video Show. The second biggest show of its type in Europe, was held at the mighty PGE Stadium in Warsaw, Poland.

Thank you, Maciej and team.

The system
Coltrane Momento 2 with:
Tenor Audio 350M 20-Anniversary Limited Edition mono blocks
Tenor Audio Power1/Line1 20-Anniversary Limited Edition linestage
Tenor Audio Phono1 20-Anniversary Limited Edition phono stage
Brinkmann Audio Taurus turntable
Brinkmann Audio 12.1 tonearm
Air Tight Opus-1 MC cartridge

All cabling by Jorma.
Power filters by Jorma.

Rack and platforms by Franc Audio Accessories.

PGE Stadium

Coltrane Momento 2 in Poland · 28-30 Oct

Coltrane Momento 2 is being demo’d next week in Warsaw by our good friends at SoundClub Poland.

The show runs the weekend of 28-30th October at the PGE Stadium, Studio TV5.

Friday 12-20
Saturday 10-20
Sunday 10-18

The system

Coltrane Momento 2 with:
Tenor Audio 350M 20-Anniversary Limited Edition mono blocks
Tenor Audio Power1/Line1 20-Anniversary Limited Edition linestage
Tenor Audio Phono1 20-Anniversary Limited Edition phono stage
Brinkmann Audio Taurus turntable 
Brinkmann Audio 12.1 tonearm
Air Tight Opus-1 MC cartridge
 
(We’ve been told that the digital frontend is a closely guarded secret).
 
All cabling by Jorma.
Power filters by Jorma.
 
Rack and platforms by Franc Audio Accessories.
 

Find out more

Tokyo International Audio Show · 28-30 Oct

This month sees the return of the Tokyo International Audio Show, beginning on 28th until the 30th October (Friday — Sunday).

This event is well-established and a fixture in the international calendar. It will be held, once again, at the Tokyo International Forum.

“This three-day event celebrates the 39th edition of the show and features 33 (scheduled) Japanese and international exhibitors. Come experience every detail of the more than 200 brands of state-of-the-art audio equipment in the international forum’s relaxing setting.”

Our wonderful partners Zephyrn Inc. and Stella Inc. will exhibiting in Room G409, with presentations of  Mingus Orchestra, Mingus Quintet 2, Parker Duo and Oscar Trio. Electronics by the fantastic CH Precision.

Find out more

Photo round-up · Mingus Orchestra in Serbia

At the beginning of October we had the pleasure of attending a show in Belgrade. Our hosts BM and WAY Cables put on a well-attended show with a great system.

Mingus Orchestra was amongst great company. Here are the system details and some great photos from the weekend, courtesy of Slobodan of BM.

Analogue music source
NAGRA Reference 70th Anniversary turntable/tonearm system (limited Edition of 70 units)
NAGRA Reference Phono MC Cartridge (just launched)
KOETSU Blue Lace Phono MC cartridge (flagship model)

Amplification
NAGRA HD preamp + Classic Phono preamp
NAGRA HD AMP monoblock power amps

Digital music source
FIDATA HFAS1 network audio server/streamer
NAGRA HD DAC X digital to analogue converter

Speakers
Mingus Orchestra

Cables
WAY Cables flagship lineup:
Poetry+ and Harmony+ analogue RCA & XLR interconnects
Mind Ethernet audio cable Cat. 8+
Libertas USB audio cable
Endless X speaker cables and jumpers (first public presentation in Europe)
Core power audio cables
Union power audio strip

Rack
Finite Elemente Pagode Master Reference 750

Parker Duo at Take 5 in Stockholm · 16 Oct

Klarsund are working with Perfect Sense to bring Parker Duo to their annual event Take 5, in Stockholm. Once again the event will take place in the wonderful surrounding of Ulfsunda Castle.

The system will feature Antipodes streamer/server and  MSB DAC/amplifier​. Here is the event information from Perfect Sense’s website:

Autumn’s big EVENT in Stockholm!

After previous years’ successes, we are now taking over Ulfsunda Castle again for a full day of hi-fi and music together with you.

During the event, you will have the chance to listen to a wide selection of systems and products with the opportunity to meet several of our Swedish and foreign manufacturers and suppliers on site.
 
As usual, it is FREE ENTRANCE where we invite everyone to bring a friend, acquaintance or family member for a relaxed day in the name of music.
 
Where: Ulfsunda Castle in Stockholm ( map )
When: Sunday, October 16 at 10:00 – 17:00
How:  Parking – at the castle or in the surrounding area. Subway – Alvik. Cross-country course – Johanneshov. Airplane – Bromma.
 
FREE ADMISSION – no pre-registration required.
 

Find out more

Antipodes Oladra (streamer/server)
MSB Premiere (DAC)