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2nd amp or one bigger amp?

Hello to all,
I was a happy owner of a CJ MV-55 amp. I recenty purchased a pair of Martin Logan Sequel IIs from here (A-gon) and things were great. The combanation sounded very nice at lower volumes considering I lived in an apartment. I recently moved into a house and I can play much louder :) BUT the MV-55 does not have enough juice to do that at 45W/channel. Should I consider a second MV-55 for a monoblock operation or sell the MV-55 and get a Premier 11? I'm very tight on budget at this time and the 12s are way over my budget. any advise is greatly appreciated.

Thanks
Shahen
shahens

Showing 2 responses by czbbcl

czbbcl's avatar
czbbcl
1,752 posts
 
Sounds like you are hooked on tubes and I can understand why you would be. However, if you are not then you might want to consider one of Conrad Johnson's solid state amps like the MF2500 (used) or MF2250.

Or another option; I believe Martin Logans have the capability to run in a bi-amp fashion. If so you may want to purchase a CJ MF2250 ss amp and run it in combination with your MV55 tube amp. The MF2250 would handle the bass section and the MV55 would handle the mids and highs. A friend of mine runs this combo with a Premiere 11a / MF2250 into a pair of KEF's and it sounds great.

I am currently driving a pair of Thiel 3.6's with a CJ 16lsII tubed pre/ MF2500 ss amp. I am extremely pleased with the results.

Chuck
czbbcl's avatar
czbbcl
1,752 posts
 
Timo is correct, that you will have to be sure the devices match, which is why I suggested the CJ combo. Call Knut at CJ if you are considering this route. He will be more than happy to answer your questions or make a suggestion.

Depending on the kind of music you listen too the 11(70wpc) may not provide the sound level you are looking for. You can buy a used MF2500 (250wpc) for about the same price or maybe even less than a used 11a and sound level will not be an issue.
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