2. amps-preamps
  3. 126853-89071

Help w/ Martin Logan setup!

Hey guys!

Very, very new to this site - this is only my second post. I have searched alot for this, but was hoping somebody with a similar system could chime in...

Current system:
Sony 930d (not that the tv matters!)
Marantz SR6010 receiver
Martin Logan Motif X center
Martin Logan Ethos fronts
Martin Logan Motion 40 rears
Martin Logan Dynamo 1000 sub

Coming soon:
Oppo 4K player (currently using an Xbox One S)
Pro-ject turntable

Getting this system as turned me into an audiophile - I'm really big into movies and gaming, so that's why I got everything. This is my first high(ish) end system I have ever owned. Looking for amp advice: Everyone tells me to add an amp, and I am thinking of a few, but wanted to get some opinions/advice. To start, it would be a 2 channel to just the Ethos. I'm deciding between: Rotel RB-1590, Anthem MCA 225, maybe a few others. I hear great things about those two, but I'm completely new to amps so need some guidance. I'm open to any and all suggestions - trying to stay between $3-$5K. Also, and sorry if this an inexperienced question - will the sound on movies and gaming change drastically after adding an amp, or is it more for music? I'm thinking it primarily will benefit music as its 2 channel, but just wanted to get a more in-depth answer! LOL

Thanks in advance!





128x128ethos4lyfe
ethos4lyfe's avatar
ethos4lyfe OP
74 posts
 
Thanks @erik_squires . I hear everyone give their opinion of which amp "sounds better". In the case of Parasound...is this better highs? Mids? Overall clarity? etc etc LOL

Again, I am kind of new to all this, and I started with a pretty good setup (I mean, I think so at least). I want to make sure I get the most out of it

Thanks in advance
erik_squires
16,050 posts
 
Reliable in the sense of handling all speakers well, no .

Warm to neutral, low noise, stays out of the way of the music.


nrenter's avatar
nrenter
766 posts
 
It's easy to get sucked into "audiophile nervosa". My advice is a bit more pragmatic. Go back to Magnolia and pick up a Marantz MM7025 and see if improves things. If so, call it good. It's not that expensive and, regardless of how much you spend on an amp, it's still being integrated into an A/V setup. That's not a knock - I bet you system sounds great AND can wear many hats. If the 7025 doesn't make things better, simply return it. Easy as pie. You're not paying for more Watts, but a separate power supply to those Watts.  
ethos4lyfe's avatar
ethos4lyfe OP
74 posts
 
@nrenter magnolia had actually recommended that for me - i was thinking i would need more power than that, and i'm not sure if the marantz is stable at those lower ohm levels...but again, i might not entirely understand the concept anways! LOL

nordicnorm
313 posts
 
I'm powering my Martin Logan Spires through a pair of Soundcraftsmen pro monoblocks (600 W).

I've found a few candidates that meet your budget:

Blue Circle BC-8 (current bid at $1,700): https://www.audiogon.com/listings/solid-state-blue-circle-audio-bc-8-mkii-mint-condition-monoblock-amps-w-boxes-rare-2016-11-02-amplifiers-32117-holly-hill-fl
- 225 W @8 Ohms, 1,200 W @ 1 Ohm

Parasound $2,100: https://www.audiogon.com/listings/solid-state-parasound-jc-1-400-watt-monoblock-amp-2016-11-04-amplifiers-91406-van-nuys-ca
- 400 W @ 8 Ohms, 800 W @ 4 Ohms, 1,200 W @ 1 Ohm

Classe CAM-200 $1,695: https://www.audiogon.com/listings/solid-state-classe-cam-200-2-monoblock-amplifiers-2016-10-31-amplifiers-78735-austin-tx
- 200 W @ 8 Ohms, 400 W @ 4 Ohms


More to discover