Having several pairs and systems setup in our retail store here in Spokane, WA, I have had the oppertunity to sit, listen and critique these speakers throughout their break-in process and have witnessed some amazing results. If you really look through the Martin Logan line, you will notice that in their two designations (ESL Series and Design Series) you actually find that there are four styles of speaker (based on the size of the stator panel) that are made to fit different sized rooms for their dispersion. Both of the Design Series speakers, the Source and Purity, are made for smaller rooms. The entry ESL Series speakers, the Vista and Vantage are made for medium sized rooms. The higher end ESL Series speakers, the Spire, Summit X and CLX, are made for large rooms.

In the store, we display almost all of the speakers up to the Vantage models, which have a retail price of $5695 for the pair of Left and Right speakers. I have to tell you, these are some of the best sounding speakers I have ever heard. The full range speakers are all a two way design that crossover around 400hz with the woofer(s) taking over the midbass and low end. The key to MartinLogan electrostatic speakers and their amazing sound is in the stator panel itself. Very few moving, very lightweight parts that produce the sound.

Now, I have to say, that MartinLogan speakers are a little picky about the electronics and cables that you pair with them. Some people may tell you otherwise, but I have heard the difference in electronics first hand. For instance, when we paired the Vantage speakers with a Vantage speakers. Recently we have substituted the Marantz for the Musical Fidelity A5.5 (which is also a new piece to us here) and it sings on the Vantage due to its laid back high end reproduction. Another great example for a good amp would be some of the higher end Denon receivers. We have the Vista speakers in a private theater in a surround sound setup along with Motifs for center and sides all powered by the AVR4308CI. It sounds phenominal. In the surround sound array with the MartinLogan speakers, it is EXTREMELY difficult to tell which speaker the sound is coming from. I should say that the Vista speakers work best on the AVR4308CI when the EQ is turned off. After the Audyssey calibration is run, simply switch the EQ mode to off and that is truely a wonderful pair.

If you’re local, semi-local or going to visit us in Spokane, be sure to drop by and audition a pair of these or a whole system. You won’t be disappointed.

Chris R

Where were you born and raised? Dallas, Texas How long have you been working with OneCall? 5 Years What do you do for Huppins? Assistant Sales Manager If you were a OneCall product, what would you be? Why? I would be the Miles Davis Tribute Headphones. I like the idea of being envied by all other headphones and cherished by those who own me for my sound quality, build quality and pieces of collectible memorabilia. What’s one thing that most people don’t know about you? I have a pretty awesome comic book collection. What’s your favorite movie quote? “I never liked a girl well enough to give her twelve sharp knives.” Bill Murray as Frank Cross in Scrooged.

The best part is the secret though . You can enter a code so this player will play all regions DVD’s .

I am going to get one even though my current unit works fine just because it is such a great deal. Check it out here.

Patrick G

Patrick is our most experienced sales person, and has worked at OneCall longer than any other sales associate. He is a wealth of knowledge in all aspects of the electronics business and is a great go to guy for those tough questions that come up on a daily basis. Patrick was born and raised in Washington State, growing up in the Bellingham area before relocating to Spokane where he has lived for well over 12 years….he is a true Washington State native. When he’s not selling Electronics and helping our customers at OneCall, Patrick enjoys working in his garden, cooking and playing video games on his Sharp TV. If he could have any electronics product available, at the moment, he would go with the 65” Panasonic 3D Plasma TV and if he could go anywhere in the world on an ultimate vacation he would go to Australia.

Though I have been to Washington DC and the Capitol many times, even now, the event was so surreal, I have a whirlwind of images and recollections floating through my mind.

Among the standout memories for me was the walk through the tunnel from the Longworth office building to the House chamber with my representative, Washington State 5th District Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers.  We took the “Members Only” elevator (talk about a once-in-a-lifetime experience) to go up – she and the other members getting off on the 2nd floor, me on the third floor gallery level.  I thought I was going to ride alone up the one extra floor, but fortunately, a member of the Capitol Police force escorted me and made sure I did not get lost (as if that was possible!).

Later Congresswoman McMorris Rodgers and Senator Patty Murray (also of Washington State!), by virtue of their leadership positions within their respective parties, ushered President Obama into the chamber.  Go Washington State!

In my section (in the back corner of the gallery on the “Joe Biden” side) sitting just to my right, were two servicemen whose injuries left them wheelchair bound.  It was a privilege for me to thank them for  their service and honor their sacrifice in a moment where I was bursting with my own patriotism.  Sitting just behind at my right shoulder was a kind gentleman who helped straighten out my suit – only after we chatted for a few moments did I learn that he was Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s husband.

The speech itself was a complete blur.  Between the people watching, clapping, standing and heat of the lights it was total sensory overload.

Once the address was over, the guests on the gallery level waited about thirty minutes for the House floor to be cleared before we were allowed to exit.  Heading down the stairs, I found myself in the Rotunda which had been transformed into what can only be described as a press conference room on steroids.  Every major network and news agency had an interview booth and the place was teaming with officials talking to the media.  I rubbed shoulders with Captain Chesley Sullenberger and House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, nearly bumped into Secretary Hillary Clinton and saw dozens of leaders from both sides of the aisle.

This past fall, my wife and I watched the “John Adams” documentary.  At the time, I imagined out loud how incredible to have been a spectator in the room with the great founders of our country assembled altogether.  I can’t help but wonder if some day others will imagine what it must have been like to have been in the room for an event that I was lucky enough to personally witness.

With prayers for our country and all of its leaders, thank you for listening.

Murray Huppin

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Myk C

Nearly 2,000 people brought their outdated electronics to a recycling event Saturday at Huppin’s Warehouse.

The free drop-off was so popular that traffic snarled on the Broadway freeway exit. Lines of pickups formed, with old TVs and computer terminals stacked in the truck beds like cords of firewood.

The event started at 7 a.m. Seven hours later, 10 semitrucks were full of e-waste, and Huppin’s reluctantly began turning away donations.

“We’re out of capacity,” said an apologetic Murray Huppin, president of Huppin’s Hi-Fi Photo & Video, who promised to put on another event. “Unfortunately, we didn’t anticipate this level of turnout.”

About 175,000 pounds of electronics were collected. They’ll be shipped to Seattle, where about 90 percent of the materials, including plastics, will be recycled and reused, Huppin said.

Other sponsors of the event included Sony Corp., Waste Management Inc. and The Spokesman-Review.

Kendal Kazanis waited in line for 2 1/2 hours. She was cleaning out clutter and got rid of a trunk load of old videocassette recorders and computer gear.

“I’d rather see it recycled than go into the dump,” said Kazanis, who deemed the wait worthwhile. In return for dropping off the goods, she received a coupon good for $25 to $150 off the purchase of a television.

Dean Weiss’ North Side neighbors filled up his pickup with antiquated electronic equipment.

“We’re taking one for the team,” said Bill Kalivas, who came with Weiss and was entertaining a bored 3-year-old in the back seat.

By the end of the day, Huppin’s parking lot took on a museum-like feel, with generations of electronic equipment on display.

“I saw a lot of stuff from the 1970s,” said Huppin, who was helping unload equipment.

Bulky, old-style computer monitors were common. So were old televisions, which appeared far down the evolutionary ladder from today’s sleek, flat-screen TVs.

“That might be pre-TV. It’s almost an antique,” said Huppin’s employee Guy Marshall, pointing to a console with AM/FM radio and a variable-speed turntable. Household ownership of electronics is exploding. Washington state averaged one TV per household in 1970, and personal computers hadn’t hit the market. By 2009, the Department of Ecology estimates that there will be one TV for every resident and more computers than people.

More electronics per household also means more discards, said Miles Kuntz, manager for Ecology’s electronic products recycling program. Proper recycling is critical, he added.

A computer contains a host of chemicals, including lead, mercury, cadmium and flame retardants. Many are toxic in small doses, which is why government agencies don’t want old electronics in landfills.

To encourage recycling, a law takes effect Jan. 1 that will allow Washington households, schools, charities and small businesses to recycle TVs and computers for free. Kuntz said electronics manufacturers will pay for the program, which is expected to cost about $8 million annually.

To find a free drop-off location after the New Year, call 1-800-RECYCLE.

That may be an option for Charlie Greenwood, who was turned away from the Huppin’s event. His van was stuffed with 30 years’ worth of electronics, contributed by four families. But he arrived at 3 p.m., after donation collection had stopped.

Greenwood couldn’t contemplate unloading the van on Saturday evening and stuffing the old gear back into attics and basements.

“Snow tire season is coming up,” he said. “I figured that I would leave it in there for ballast.”

Myk C

And we’re thrilled that TWICE named Huppin’s/OneCall the Best Consumer Direct Dealer! It comes at a very special time, as well, with Huppin’s celebrating its 100th Anniversary next month.

What a great way to ring in the beginning of our second century serving Spokane!

Scot Drew

Copywriter. Gamer. TV/Movie Freak.

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SPOKANE, WA – October 13, 2008 – To encourage consumers to recycle electronic devices in an environmentally sound manner, Sony Electronics Inc. and Waste Management Recycle America are asking Spokane-area residents to take action and recycle any brand of old electronics for free on Nov. 1 from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Waste Management and Sony Electronics are sponsoring the event in association with Huppin’s, which will be hosting the event at their warehouse location at 229 N. Ella Road in the Spokane Valley.

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 82 percent of the 2.25 million tons of old TVs, cell phones and computer products generated in the last two years ended up in landfills. By recycling old electronics products, useful materials – such as glass, plastic and metals – can be collected and re-used in the manufacture of other products. Since their partnership began, Sony Electronics and Waste Management have collected more than 9.2 million pounds of electronics waste, and the companies anticipate that number will grow exponentially as they continue to host events throughout the country.

Typically, residents would need to pay for their electronics to be properly collected and recycled, but as part of their ongoing efforts to help consumers recycle electronic devices safely, Sony Electronics and Waste Management are picking up the tab for this weekend’s event, where any brand of electronics will be collected for free. In addition, the companies have committed to collecting and processing these items in an environmentally sound manner.

The event is part of Sony Electronics’ ongoing Take Back Recycling program, which provides free recycling for Sony products. This national effort is also bringing attention to recycling e-waste and educating the public that there are alternatives to trashing electronics, and that, through recycling, natural resources can be used again and greenhouse emissions are reduced in the process. Since their partnership began, Sony Electronics and Waste Management have collected a total of 9.2 million pounds of electronic waste, and the companies anticipate that number will grow exponentially.

“Sony Electronics intends to lead the industry in environmental stewardship by providing consumers with end-of-life solutions through our Take Back Recycling Program,” said Mark Small, vice president of environment, safety and health for Sony Electronics. “These special recycling events help us inform consumers that with Waste Management, Sony Electronics has established a local permanent drop-off location which they can use all year long to recycle their electronics when unplugged for the last time.”

This coming February, all television stations will transition from broadcasting on analog airwaves to digital. Some older televisions will not be able to pick up the digital transmission, so Sony Electronics and Waste Management are taking a proactive approach to this issue by offering residents a permanent network of drop-off points that gives consumers a convenient way to recycle their old televisions through the Take Back Recycling Program, through which this weekend’s event is possible.

“People are seeking services to help them recycle electronic waste responsibly and economically,” said Joe Aho, senior manager of eCycling, Waste Management Recycle America. “We hope to collect as much recyclable material as possible through this free event. It is our way of demonstrating a shared commitment with the community, by providing outstanding customer service and environmental stewardship.”

“Huppin’s is excited to be partnering with Sony and Waste Management for this important event,” said Murray Huppin, President of Huppin’s Hi-Fi Photo & Video. “The upcoming switchover to digital TV has the potential to generate an unprecedented amount of e-waste as consumers upgrade their analog sets. With both the environment and the customer in mind, Huppin’s is offering a store credit of up to $150 to consumers who take part in this free eCycling event.”

A complete list of eCycling drop-off centers can be found at sony.com/recycle.

About Waste Management and WM Recycle America, L.L.C.
Waste Management, based in Houston, Texas, is the leading provider of comprehensive waste management services in North America. Our subsidiaries provide collection, transfer, recycling and resource recovery, and disposal services. We are also a leading developer, operator and owner of waste-to-energy facilities in the United States. Our customers include residential, commercial, industrial, and municipal customers throughout North America. More information and how Waste Management achieves Think Green® can be found at thinkgreen.com.

WM Recycle America is a wholly owned subsidiary of Waste Management and is the largest recycler in North America. WM Recycle America’s business lines include processing many types of consumer-generated recyclables and finding the best markets for the recyclable commodities produced. In its capacity of providing processing and marketing services, WM Recycle America offers a wide variety of recycling options for municipal, manufacturing, commercial and residential customers. WM Recycle America eCycling Services operates a national network of e-waste processing centers, including Minnesota’s only ISO9001 and 14001 Certified electronics processing facility. More information can be found at recycleamerica.com.

About Sony Electronics
Headquartered in San Diego, Sony Electronics is a leading provider of audio/video electronics and information technology products for the consumer and professional markets. Operations include research and development, design, engineering, manufacturing, sales, marketing, distribution and customer service.

Sony has played a key role in the development of Blu-ray, Disc™, CD, DVD and Super Audio CD technologies, among many others. The company is noted for a wide range of consumer audio-visual products, such as the BRAVIA® LCD high-definition television, Cyber-shot® digital camera, Handycam® camcorder and Walkman® personal stereo. Sony is also an innovator in the IT arena with its VAIO® personal computers; and in high-definition professional broadcast and video equipment, highlighted by the XDCAM® HD and CineAlta™ lines of cameras and camcorders, and the SXRD™ 4K digital projector. The latest news and information is available at the company’s Web site at sony.com/news.

About Huppin’s Hi-Fi Photo & Video
Founded in Spokane, Washington, in 1908, Huppin’s is the Inland Northwest’s premier home electronics store. Huppin’s currently maintains the area’s largest selection of in-stock name brand products. In 1994, Huppin’s expanded into call center and internet sales with the introduction of OneCall. More information is available at huppins.com and onecall.com.

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Murray Huppin, President OneCall, and Eliott Peck, VP and General Manager,
Canon Consumer Imaging Group Sales, at the Gala Farewell Dinner

I recently attended the Canon Consumer Imaging Group 2008 Dealer Meeting at the Fairmont Orchid Hotel in Kona, Hawaii (it beats the O’Hare Hilton – believe me).

Canon shared a lot of information about their plans for the future, and what a great year it is going to be. They announced the new EOS 50D Digital SLR with 15.1 megapixels and new Digic 4 image processing as well as the new entry-level Rebel XS DSLR – these will available this fall along with four new point and shoot cameras.

A prime driver for Canon is their commitment to research and development – an industry leading 8% of sales revenue is invested in R&D to ensure that cutting edge, innovative products are brought to the market on an ongoing basis.

And, when it comes to corporate citizenship and green initiatives, Canon is second to none. Over 700 Canon facilities worldwide enjoy a green compliance rating under the ISO14001 environmental standard.

Oh yeah, there was golf, snorkeling, sightseeing and great parties each evening…but don’t tell anyone in my company. I want them to think I was working.

Thanks for listening.

Murray Huppin