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What kind of power needed for Martin Logans?

This question has been asked in one form or another, but this time I need some specific advice. I listened to a Martin Logan home theater set-up the other day and I'm in love. I am willing to add or change anything to get these speakers into my system. Electronics right now are a B&K Ref-30 pre-pro, Sony 9000ES DVD, and 5ch Acurus 125x5. The Acurus is gone, I know that, but now I have to replace it with something. I have a Bryston 4B-ST that I use for my 2ch system. I can move that over to the home theater and add to it. My home theater room is small, so I will not be buying the gargantuan Martin Logans. A nice set of the smaller ones ($1000-5000 range) will do nicely. So let me have it. Do I go five channel amp? mix and match 2 and 3 channels? monoblocks? Brands? I'd like to keep the amp purchase down to a reasonable number ($2000-$5000). Any advice would be appreaciated, especially from people who are running Martin Logans now. Thanks.
argent
mig007
116 posts
 
I run a M-L home theater system with CLS IIz in the front and SLs in the rear. I've experimented with several amp setups and now raving about a Cinepro 3KSEiii. Having said that, I also have used a Mesa Baron tube amp (over powered)and McCormack DNA-1 Power Monoblocks for the front and assorted amps for other channels. I believe the present setup is a winner with the Cinepro. Incredible power, yet very revealing. I have heard details in music I've played for over thirty years for the first time.
bluenose
387 posts
 
Hi,Argent. I've heard the Martin Logans, a line I've always liked with the sim moon amps using E.A.R. preamp and the arcan fmj23 cd player.....the moon really likes the logans and is a great match...., I love the lucious Martin-logan midrange...you just forget about equipment and listen....have fun, bluenose
ljgj
955 posts
 
I have had Logans for years and now have the Odyssey - Aerius HT combo - The amps that work best are Innersound (the best match) - Krell and Bryston.
argent OP
245 posts
 
Thanks all for the input. I plan to audition a Krell and Sunfire amp in the near future. I am also trying to arrange the equipment in my home theater room so as to best suit the new ML speakers.
lev335
220 posts
 
You never told us which Logqans you want? Also the Bryton and the B&K are not a good match with martin logans. They are both very cold and analyyical sounding.(sorry) Martin Logans are very sensitive to components that offer those qualitys.When I had my Logans I had Aerius i, SL3 and Accents I used Mark Levinson 335 or my new Krell FPB 200c which both sounded very good But I sold the 335 and now own the 200c I cant have them both if I could I would because they both offer very nice things to the logans. Krell used to be very harsh now they are more on the natural side but can still be a bit harsh if you dont properly match wires and other components.7 out of 10 dealers who carry Martin Logans use Krell on them so it is a safe choice. But be very careful how you match your system or you will very unhappy. Best of luck " Stand United"
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