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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
lev335
220 posts
 
Also I know use a B&W N803. One day I turned my system on and didnt like the Planar sound anymore. My system is Krell FPB200c Mark Levinson 39 and the N803 with all Harmonic Techs.
finao1
15 posts
 
I quess I'll give a different perspective. I own Aerius I. I've been using them in a very small music room (12x12X9H)very successfully with the Audio Research D-130.

Fairly recently, I caught the SET bug and purchased a Cary CAD 300 sei (300b output, pure class A tube, 15 watt per channel) I thought I would move the Aerius into my home theater, until, for the heck of it tried them with the Cary. I know everyone is suggesting the biggest amp you can get, but honestly, this combination of tube and Aerius is wonderful. My room is small, but I tend to listen in the mid 85 db. At this rate, the Aerius is only using 1 watt or less. This is the most rythmic and musical combination I have ever experienced. The base is stronger but very defined and full. The midrange just sounds more "real" to me.

If you read the review of the VTL tiny triode monoblocks (25 watts per channel), http://www.onhifi.com/product/vtl_tt25amplifiers.htm,
you will find that Gayle Saunders (ML's President) uses Aerius and these little VTLs in his home.

So don't rule out tubes. You might consider putting the left and right main speakers on a tube amp in your setup if you use Aerius I and keep your room size reasonable.

I know the Aerius is easier to drive than most of the other ML. Tubes may not be a great option with the larger speakers.
argent OP
245 posts
 
Well, sorry to dissappoint, but I feel that the room I use for home theater might be just a little too small to accomodate the MLs. I have now begun auditioning other speakers, Vienna Accoustics, B&W, etc. Wish me luck.
jman
99 posts
 
I use the Wolcott Presence monoblocks for my SL3's..these are my second pair of ML's...tried a few amps, moderately or high powered tube amps are the way to go.
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