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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
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


ethos4lyfe's avatar
ethos4lyfe OP
74 posts
 
@nordicnorm thanks for the info. the classe seem like a great deal!? might look at that one 
tls49's avatar
tls49
1,351 posts
 
Since it appears your main focus is movies and gaming, I would consider adding a high quality 5 channel amp, Parasound A51 or something similar. IMHO, adding a 2 channel amp is great for 2 channel music, but also creates a mismatch of the 3 front channels for movies.

ethos4lyfe's avatar
ethos4lyfe OP
74 posts
 
@tls49 great idea - my magnolia guys recommended that last night actually. i've started to think that might be the way to go

audioabyss
22 posts
 
Try a Primaluna Dialogue HP! Awesome integrated amp. 
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