A Shockingly Straightforward Query


Good morning to the Community!  I am in the market for new amplifiers and have it narrowed down to the Bob Carver 350s or the Theta Prometheus.  The selected amps will be driving a pair of Martin Logan 11A speakers.   I have heard that the Carver monoblocks are a good fit for my speakers but am still impressed with the Prometheus. 


I am intentionally excluding the rest of my gear as I simply don’t want to make this question more complex than it already is.  In addition, the option to audition these amps is not feasible.   


PLEASE – no haters or flamers!


So, Carver or Theta?  Thanks and a great weekend to all!!

an10490413
an10490413 OP18 posts03-05-2019 7:09am

Thanks to all!


George - I’m not happy with "a bit of compromise" at all. Are you thinking something along the lines of Pass Labs monoblocks?


Yes they need amps that are stable, but that can also supply current, so look for amps that can "almost" double (or considerably increase) their wattage from 8ohm to 4ohm and again from 4ohm to 2ohm.

Cheers George
I find it difficult to respond as I'm simply too shocked by the straightforwardness of this query.

You might also want to go to the Martin Logan Owner's website and inquire there.

My choice would be the Carver amps.  I'm sure the Theta would work great, but I'm not quite sold on digital amps.

I've heard the Carver's and they are nice. 

I have owned Martin Logan speakers and currently own a pair of Monolith IIIs with Krell KBX crossover and Pearless woofers.  My Audio Research REF 250 amps work and sound just fine thank you.  With my Mark Levinson 23.5 or Modifiied Bedini 250/250 mk II on the woofers, I'm doing just fine.

If you can demo the Carvers in your home  with your system and the same with the Theta, that would be the way to go.

If not, find some dealers that sell the amps with those speakers and go listen.  If that isn't possible, then go listen with similar setup.

enjoy

The Carvers are the way to go. They will drive any electrostat. They will drive Apogee Scintillas that can dip to 0.75 ohms. You will not regret ever purchasing these amps. Go to bobcarvercorp.com and read all about these amps.
+1 tdybare1
I wouldn't hesitate at all with the Carvers for your MLs

My 100W x 2 Rogue does a beautiful job at driving my little Maggie 1.7s, at any volume I care to listen. Am considering the Carvers myself if/when moving up to a Sound Lab or larger Maggi.........Jim