2024 has seen a rather interesting mix of new product introductions and that has included a substantial number of ultra high-end loudspeakers. Magico and Sonus faber have introduced models over $300,000 (the Italian manufacturer’s new statement level loudspeaker is $750,000 USD) and we must confess to being rather perplexed by the trend. Marten is known for its rather expensive floorstanding models, so we’re not entirely surprised by the new Coltrane Quintet which start at $190,000 USD.
Imagine spending $190,000 on a single pair of loudspeakers.
Core Features
The Coltrane Quintet is the successor to the Coltrane 3 (released in 2016) and continues the Coltrane tradition of delivering high-resolution, crystal-clear sound with a wide and accurate soundstage that is designed to be life-like and natural. The Coltrane Quintet incorporates improvements in bass response, dynamics, and resonance reduction.
The Coltrane Quintet incorporates a first-order crossover and four custom drivers:
- Pure diamond tweeter.
- Beryllium high-midrange.
- Carbon fiber mid-bass (new for 2024).
- Aluminum sandwich bass drivers.
Tech Note: To extend bass response further, the Quintent has a bass reflex design.
The Coltrane Quintet cabinet is 25% larger than the Coltrane 3, providing more interior volume that supports a lower bass frequency response. A carbon fiber cabinet provides superior resonance control while retaining the sleek and robust profile of a Coltrane.
Structural enhancements to the interior and front plate enhance rigidity and stability. For the first time, the cabinet is offered in polished carbon fiber laminate with an option for a lacquered Piano Black finish.
The stand has been enlarged to enhance stability, working in tandem with Marten Isolators to separate the speaker from the listening environment.
Comparison
| Coltrane Quintet | Coltrane 3 | |
| Price | Starts at $190,000 (pr) | $100,000 (pr) |
| Speaker Type | 4-way bass reflex | 3-way bass reflex |
| Frequency Range (+/- 2dB) | 20-40,000 Hz | 20-60,000 Hz |
| Power Rating | 350 W | 350 W |
| Sensitivity (1 m / 2.83V) | 89 dB | 88 dB |
| Impedance | 4 ohm (3.0 Ohm min) | 6 ohm (3.7 Ohm min) |
| Tweeter | 1 x 1-inch pure diamond | 1 x 1-inch diamond |
| Mid-range | 1 x 3-inch pure beryllium | 1 x 7-inch ceramic |
| Mid-Bass | 1 x 7-inch carbon fiber | – |
| Woofer | 2 x 10-inch aluminum sandwich | 2 x 10-inch aluminum sandwich |
| Crossover Frequency | First order: 170, 1000, 6000 Hz | First order: 320 & 3800 Hz |
| Connection Terminals | WBT Nextgen Bi-wiring | WBT Nextgen bi-wiring |
| Internal Wiring | Jorma (optional Statement) | Jorma Design |
| Cabinet | 20-30 mm carbon fiber laminate Piano lacquer with the front baffle in a sandwich with aluminum, fiberboard, and solid wood. | 25 mm carbon fiber laminate cabinet, 68 mm laminated wood/aluminum front. |
| Finishes | Matte Walnut / Oak or Piano Black / Grey / Plum / Red / Gold | Matte Walnut/ Oak or Piano Black / Grey / Gold/Silver |
| Stands | Mirror-polished stainless steel with Marten Isolators (in partnership with IsoAcoustics) | 68 mm laminated wood / Aluminium front brushed stainless steel with Marten Isolators |
| Dimensions (WHD) | 41.2 x 120.5 x 74 cm (16.2 x 47.4 x 29.1 inches) | 39.5 x 122 x 64 cm (15.5 x 48.0 x 25.2 inches) |
| Net Weight | 115 kg (255 lbs) | 95 Kg (209 lbs) |
Initial Thoughts
We have no doubt that the Coltrane Quintet sounds great based on a brief observation in our High-End Munich 2024 Show Report. However, the market is getting very crowded in the ultra-high-end speaker category and we wonder how this trend is sustainable over the long run given a lot of competition in this seemingly narrow market. Yet Marten is not shying away as the Coltrane Quintet joins even more expensive step-up models, Momento 2 and Supreme 2, in the flagship Coltrane series.
Pricing & Availability
The Marten Coltrane Quintet starts from $190,000 (USD) per pair.
The Coltrane Quintet Statement Edition is $209,000 (USD) per pair. The Statement Edition, adds Jorma Statement internal cables and higher-quality crossover components.
Marten Speakers can be purchased through Authorized Representatives. For more information, visit martin.se.
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