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

Showing 1 response by sean

Look for an amp that uses very high rail voltages with a BIG "high current" transformer. This type of amp tends to work best with E-stat's. The first ones that come to mind are Perreaux's and the Innersound amps. The Sunfire amps, primarily the Signature, will also work quite well with these. They may not have the "slam" that the Perreaux offers though. Audiogon member "Hotrod" works at Martin Logan and seems to LOVE the Sunfire / ML combo that he has.

For the record, there is a BIG Perreaux amp listed for $850, which is a STEAL !!!! 500+ wpc @ 8 ohms, built like a TANK ( weighs 105 lbs ) and will drive ANYTHING with the best bass you've ever heard. I am not selling or associated with the guy that has it listed. Sean
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