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Mid-Fi Amp/Preamp for Martin Logans

I currently own a Yamaha RXV-995 Natural Sound A/V Receiver and am considering selling it and purchasing separates. I really could use suggestions on a mid-fi amp & preamp (either new or used) combination for Martin Logan Aerius i speakers or Martin Logan Ascents. Primary uses: 50% home theatre, 50% 2-channel audio. Primary music played: Brit Pop; Jazz; Blues; Classic Rock; female vocals. I may have to settle for the Aerius i because of budgetary issues. I originally had planned to upgrade to PSB Stratus Goldi but recently auditioned the MLs and was blown away with the sound of the electrostats.

Your help would be appreciated. Thanks!
mcrheist
bradz's avatar
bradz
229 posts
 
I'm using a Odyssey Stratos(www.odysseyaudio.com)$1100. with the cap upgrade paired with a used Rogue 66 tube pre that I picked up for $850.(www.rogueaudio.com). This combo makes beautiful sound! I'd recommend you go with a ss amp and a tubed pre. This is my first tube pre with a ss amp and I love it! Good luck and keep us posted.
mcrheist OP
130 posts
 
Brad, which Martin Logans are you running off the Odyssey Stratos? I actually had considered this particular amp, and emailed Klaus yesterday but haven't heard back yet.

Also, are you using this for 2-channel or home A/V? Thanks!
vayasteve
171 posts
 
At your price range I can recommend for HT and 2 channel,to go for either ADCOM or B&K,very decent sound at that price.Or you can get a Conrad Johnson for 2 channel like the MF-200 MOSFET power for your 2 channel and use the ADCOM 5 channel for HT and it would still keep you under 2 Gs.CHEERS.
danvetc
527 posts
 
Take a look at Quad. An amazing number of posters on the old Harbeth User's Site use them with the $6K Harbeth H40, which is kind of hard to drive. Quad also makes wonderful electrostats themselves, so they should work well. There are some great values in the used market here for Quad gear. BTW, all of them, (including R.E. Greene of TAS,) use the solid state versions. I use the Creek 5350SE in my system, but have been thinking of the Quad gear hard as they have pre amps with available tone "steps" to aid in those "not so great" recordings. Good luck. Charlie
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