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Martin Logan Prodigy with Sonic Frontiers Power

I recently acquired a pair of ML Prodigy speakers. I was running a set of Vandi 3As with a Sonic Frontiers Power 2 tube amp (110W/ch) before the purchase.

When I run the Power 2 to the MLs, though they have a much more WOW sound than the Vandis, I feel the setup lacks midrange at lower volume. I would have thought being both were characteristic of great mids that the mating of them would have been ideal but I am thus far not 100% happy.

When I turn up the volume things start to fall into place, but then it is too loud. :) Media format of choice is vinyl but CD seem to make this combo more alive. Also, the set up sounds a bit distorted and vague at times.

Comment? MLs being under powered? SF Power 3 monos needed? 220W/ch

-NAK8
nak8
no_money
638 posts
 
Levinson and Classe are 2 others I have heard that worked well. I use a Proceed HPA2 on ascents, you can pick a used one up pretty cheap these days just to try.
moonguy
143 posts
 
I agree with the above comments, more power is needed. Many owners on the www.martinloganowners.com site run Pass Labs,especially the XA.5 class A mono amps.

I run a Simaudio W-5 with Odyssey's, but plan to go to Simaudio W-7 mono's at 500 watts a side or Pass Labs XA100.5
nak8 OP
16 posts
 
man.....so much great info here. Thanks gents. I am open to bi-amping but would be curious if those who know would prefer a couple of Mono Block Tube amps (SF Power 3s) over keeping the Power 2 for the panels and running SS to the base. (suggestions on a comparable SS amp to my SF P2 would be appreciated, 100w/ch).

BTW, I called ML on Friday... they said the 110W/ch Tube power should be plenty to for these...but that the hell do they know. :) LOL

-Shawn
steelhead
318 posts
 
Hey Shawn.

Just in case you do not want to buy amps you may check with Paul Speltz about using autoformers with them which deals with the wicked impedance swing. I have no experience with them but Paul is honest and charges real world (read sane) prices for his work.

ML is wrong imho on power. I used cj premier 11a on reQuests (70 per side) and it flat ran out of gas quick. I biamped with Hafler 500 on bottom and 11a on top and that was much better but still had glare soon after 95db or so. I ended up with premier 12's (140 side) but also went to Summits which have powered woofers. Add that to 140 tube per side and oh yeah dynamics are back!!!

The prodigys will use probably use all the amp you can afford but to my ears and in my room tubes filled out the lean nature of logans much better than solid state. I had plenty of juice with a Hafler 500 but much preferred tubes for the sound even when my dynamics were compromised because of power limitations.

Hope you sort it out as I think you'll have a ball with Prodigys.

Have Fun!
magnih
10 posts
 
I have the ML Request and not the Prodigy; however, the best amp I have used so far and still use is the Plinius SA100 III. It is only 125 watts, but that is not an issue as this amp has no problems driving the Request. Consider one of the Plinius amps and you will not be dissatisfied. Good luck.
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