Just bought Martin Logan Vantage speakers.


I need some feedback since I am new to this. What would be the best receiver to power these speakers. I was thinking of the NAD T785. It is expensive at $3000. Does anyone know of other receivers that are less expensive with power.
Thanks
gillan2811

Showing 1 response by nsgarch

Remember, the Vantages come "pre-biamped": their woofer is driven by a built-in SS Class D amp. The (external) amp (or 'amp section' of an integrated or receiver unit) that you choose is therefore only driving the electrostatic panel. And for my money, there is no sweeter, more articulate reproduction than electrostat + tube amp. I can't off the top of my head think of any contemporary tube output receivers (tuner + preamp + amp) although there are a lot of vintage ones to choose from. If you would consider an integrated amp (preamp + amp, no tuner) there are certainly a dozen or more high quality ones available.

McIntosh amps (like the MA2275 integrated Barnes mentioned) are particularly well-suited to driving electrostats because they use an exclusive circuit that makes their output "current-controlled" rather than the more conventional "voltage-controlled" arrangement. Electrostats like that (a lot!) and it mitigates the drop in impedance typical of electrostats (usually at high frequencies.) 100W/ch is more than enough to drive a pair of Vantage panels, and many Vantage owners use a Mac MA2275, or (just amps) MC275, or MC2102. The last two can be bridged to mono if desired (then you'll need two of them!) but it's unnecessary IMO unless one day you move up to Summits . . . .
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