2. amps-preamps
  3. 185787-112139

Best amplifier for low to moderate listening levels

My system consists of Martin Logan 11A's, Conrad Johnson Classic 62 (60 watt per channel), Rogue Preamp, Lumin U2 mini streamer, and a Chord Qutest DAC. I realize that a high sensitivity speaker in the mid 90's for example would allow the use of a lower powered amplifier. I just purchased the Martin Logans 11A's one year ago and am not looking to get rid of them so quickly, not to mention the financial loss. Is anybody from the school that more power will bring a speaker to life even at low to moderate listening levels. I typically listen at 65dbs with 70DB peaks. I have listened at low levels and do not get the dynamics until the volume is turned too high for my ears. Any amps recommended that will mate well with the Martin Logans and maximize their sound. I know the speaker is a tough load to drive as the impedance drops below 2 ohms. I was thinking a high current amplifier (where power doubles when you drop from 8 ohms to 4 ohms. This only applies to solid state. My budget would be up to $10,000.00, but I would have to have a home audition before to avoid another mistake. Would a better DAC help in this regard? In short, I am trying to get this right, but its almost like I am operating in a vacuum. Difficult to obtain unbiased advice.  Thank you. 

 

128x128kjl1065
crustycoot
644 posts
 

Why is no one talking about the equal loudness effect?  If the OP has separates or a monitor loop in their preamp, add a Schiit Lokius and dial in a contour that suits the desired listening level.  Easy to tweak and sonically neutral, especially at low volumes. 

dean_palmer's avatar
dean_palmer
78 posts
 

Doesn't sound like an amplifier issue at all. If you are not getting all the dynamics you expect except at higher volumes that sounds like you need some EQ, speaker placement, etc. Someone with hearing issues, known or unknown, may need EQ tweaks and not power.

ghdprentice
7,019 posts
 

I think the reason it is hard to get an unambiguous answer is the dynamics are not strictly one component and different systems react differently. When I had solid state amps more power made a difference in impact… making them sound better at all volumes but they still sounded best in the high 70’s to 80’s.

 

If you like the character of the sound then I would not recommend switching to a solid state amp. The character will change too much. That is a really nice amp.

The volume at which my systems have sounded good over the last fifty years have continually dropped as my system has gotten better. My system now sounds the best it has at low levels (see my system).

 

If you were going to do one thing, I would definitely trade in and apply the $10K to new speakers. This will put you in a whole different category of speaker regardless of the actual choice. Secondly,I would recommend looking at dynamic… like Sonus Faber, or DyneAudio. These will give you solid bass and natural presentation at all volume. I have had various electrostatic and ribbon speakers over my life and while they haves strengths, they have many weaknesses. All my planar speakers required pretty high listening volumes.

avanti1960
1,480 posts
 

The Pass Labs XA30.8 and other Class A amplifiers are distinctly a low volume sound quality leader- most likely because of the Class A topology.  Spectacular. 

The Parasound JC5 is also very good for low volume listening,  

Also depends on the quality and dynamics of your preamp.  

Which Rogue do you have?  

stereo_gen
60 posts
 

I recommend a very inexpensive add-on that may help you. The iFi Micro iTube 2.  It has a 2 level Xbass loudness switch and 3D Holograpghic matrix for designed for headphones and speakers. It's pre-amp that can be put in front of any amp or player.

More to discover