2. amps-preamps
  3. 185787-112139

Best amplifier for low to moderate listening levels

My system consists of Martin Logan 11A's, Conrad Johnson Classic 62 (60 watt per channel), Rogue Preamp, Lumin U2 mini streamer, and a Chord Qutest DAC. I realize that a high sensitivity speaker in the mid 90's for example would allow the use of a lower powered amplifier. I just purchased the Martin Logans 11A's one year ago and am not looking to get rid of them so quickly, not to mention the financial loss. Is anybody from the school that more power will bring a speaker to life even at low to moderate listening levels. I typically listen at 65dbs with 70DB peaks. I have listened at low levels and do not get the dynamics until the volume is turned too high for my ears. Any amps recommended that will mate well with the Martin Logans and maximize their sound. I know the speaker is a tough load to drive as the impedance drops below 2 ohms. I was thinking a high current amplifier (where power doubles when you drop from 8 ohms to 4 ohms. This only applies to solid state. My budget would be up to $10,000.00, but I would have to have a home audition before to avoid another mistake. Would a better DAC help in this regard? In short, I am trying to get this right, but its almost like I am operating in a vacuum. Difficult to obtain unbiased advice.  Thank you. 

 

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Showing 1 response by paulcreed

paulcreed
541 posts
 

I have a CJ cav45 S2 60 watt and believe that is close to your amp. I had same problem. I had to turn the volume up to find the sweet spot on 6 ohm 87 db and 8 ohm 92 db speakers usually 11 or 12 o’clock on volume knob at those levels sounded great. It was not enjoyable at low levels at 8 to 10 o’clock. I thought it was the integrated being a control amp it may lack gain. Hearing you have a preamp with same issue makes me wonder about my CJ.

 

I did buy a 50 watt class A tube amp recently and on both speakers it sounds big and full at very minimal volume levels and just gets better as you go up in small increments. Even though it’s 10 watts less than the CJ it sounds much more powerful, dynamic and detailed but kept the same CJ musicality.

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