There is a contradiction in the optimum placement for getting the best bass and getting the best "imaging" especially from bipolar panel type speakers. Because of reinforcements and cancellations, "pedistal speakers" in the the middle of a room yield the weakest bass. On the floor in the middle of a room yields more yet. On a wall yields still more. On the floor next to a wall increases it still further, and on the floor in the corner yields the most. The more room wall/floor/ceiling intersections your speakers are near, the more relative bass output, or to be more precise, the more acoustic reinforcement of bass you will get.

This is often exactly the opposite of what many people say is optimal for imaging. For bipolar loudspeakers like Martin Logan, optimal placement is usually at least three free from the front wall, the wall sound from the back of the panel will be reflecting against. If there are any contols allowing you to adjust the relative balance between the electrostatic panel and the woofer section, adjust it for reduced output from the electrostatic panels or increased output from the woofers. If the woofer is self powered, check to see that the amplifier is operating. (Check to see that the woofers are operating in any event. If there are jumpers, be sure they are properly installed.) Then increase the preamp gain if necessary which will drive the woofers harder. Check your owners manual to see if such a control is provided.

You can also check with ML's customer support or service department. They will probably advise you to install a subwoofer. Want to bet they suggest one of theirs? My personal feeling is that you should always use subwoofers in pairs for high fidelity use and that each subwoofer should be placed as close as possible to the main speakers. This avoids problems with cancellations and reinforcements resulting in uneven frequency response in the transition region. Be aware that due to the relatively high cost of manufacturing electrostatic panels and the special attributes they have which attract customers, most of the money you spent went towards the cost of those panels, not the woofers. If you bought one of the less expensive units, the maximum performance you can expect from its bass may be modest without a subwoofer.

If room treatment is used, it will increase bass by absorbing treble. Sound absorbing material are almost always most efficient at absorbing middle and high frequencies and only fair to poor absorbing low frequencies. Manufacturers of this material provide specifications for their products and you will see that this is invariably true.

Finally, you should consider whether or not this type of speaker is really what you want. Panel type speakers can't generally play very loud unless they are enormous. They have relatively weak bass unless supported by excellent subwoofers, and require careful placement usually at a complete sacrifice of room decor. You should consider the type of music you customarily listen to and your expectations. If you are looking to play loud rock music there are undoubtedly better choices. For smaller ensembles and most acoustic instruments, they usually produce a clear accurate sound. Even for big orchestral works and pipe organ music, only the largest most ambitious models are often sufficient, require subwoofers, and also usually require large powerful expensive amplifiers. Getting the best electrostatic or magnetoplanar speakers have to offer is never cheap or simple. Compromising by getting an "entry level" model to get a taste of what makes these types of speakers unique may not be adequate for your tastes.