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Any reason to go with anything other than Sanders Magtech for Martin Logan Summit X

Hi All,I know this has all been hashed out before, so please forgive the redundancy, but, in the interest of economy and focus, I'd appreciate anybody to comment on whether or not (and why or why not) I should consider any amp other than the Sanders Sound Systems Magtech for Martin Logan Summit X.
My listening room is about 15 X 25, and I listen to all varieties of music via digital and vinyl sources.

Thanks in advance.
rustler
11 responses Add your response
monoogan
55 posts
 
It seems like the Pass X series amps have been a popular option. I've been using an X350 on a pair of Ascent I hybrids for years. Sounds good and really reliable. I'm more worried about the panels than the amp. I use an ARC Ref 5 for a preamp.
almarg's avatar
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almarg
9,670 posts
 
One reason to not go with one of the Sanders amps in some circumstances is that while their unbalanced input impedance is 100K, which would be fine with virtually any preamp, their balanced input impedance is only 1K.  Many preamps, including most tube-based preamps, cannot drive 1K with good results.  And some preamps will sound best when their balanced outputs are used.

Regards,
-- Al

minorl
1,016 posts
 

I'm sure the Sander's amp is fine.  However, there are many amps out there that will power the Martin Logan speakers quite well.  Tube or Solid State.

Find an amp that is well made, and is basically an arc welder and you are good to go.

You can go with tube amps on the upper panels and solid state on the lower woofers and that not only works quite well, it sounds wonderful. 

Remember, high power capability does not mean loud.  Just like large speakers don't necessarily mean loud. 

Listen to a variety of amps capable of powering your speakers and hear for yourself.

enjoy

georgehifi's avatar
georgehifi
10,312 posts
 
You might really want a drop in upper octave output, in which case a high output impedance amp (i.e. tube) will suit your needs.
"I inserted impedance above"as this is what will give " a drop in upper octave output " of an esl with tube.

This is correct, if you wish to mute down the top end of an ESL, but I’ve yet to hear an ESL where I want to kill off some top end.
Maybe if the said esl is driven by a "weak tube amp" with no bass grunt, then the top end culling could be in order to balance thing out.

Cheers George
erik_squires
16,037 posts
 
It is a general rule, but not an absolute rule, to go with solid state amps when using ESLs because of the generally true impedance matching issues.

There are lots of good exceptions though, so it’s not an absolute, just more likely.  You might really want a drop in upper octave output, in which case a high output amp (i.e. tube) will suit your needs.

Personally, give me a nice juicy preamp and a solid state amp with those. :)

Best,

E
georgehifi's avatar
georgehifi
10,312 posts
 
Magtech. 100 percent. The only amp designed to follow the crazy impedance swings and capacitive nature of an electrostatic panel.
Not so true with ML ESL's, do a search on SNA for Summits and the Magtech, it had problems blowing fuses when pushed with their loading, which is quite different and more tricky to the Sander ESL's, they even got a different Magtech from the supplier same thing happened.

Cheers George
jeffvegas
372 posts
 
Magtech. 100 percent. The only amp designed to follow the crazy impedance swings and capacitive nature of an electrostatic panel. 
markusthenaimnut's avatar
markusthenaimnut
371 posts
 
I agree.  His amps are incredible. 
arcticdeth's avatar
arcticdeth
1,572 posts
 
MAGTECH is the way to go, 30 day test run from Roger, who is a dream to deal,with.

 Get the Magtech and done !

never look back, only upgrade is the Magtech Monos’.

 Don’t be fooled by imitations, there is only Rogers Sanders Magtech amp for the speakers ur looking for.

thank,yourself post purchase.
rustler OP
135 posts
 
Interesting!  I had believed they needed high current solid state amplification.  I appreciate your input.
docknow
309 posts
 
I've had ARC D115mkII, REF110, and REF150SE on my ML CLSs and then CLXs.  I love the sound of a tube amp on them.
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