2. amps-preamps
  3. 123038-76301

Building a system from scratch (other than speakers)

Hello all! This is my first post. I am a relative newbie when it comes to hifi but have been doing some research and reading the forums for a while now. I am looking to build a two channel system with the best quality sound for the money. My budget is approx. $5K. I have a pair of Martin Logan Theos in my home theater that I will be pulling out for the dedicated hifi setup. 
Mainly I'm looking for preamp and amp advice. I know a point of contention is the tube v ss debate, but have read on this forum and others that you get the most out of electrostatics with tubes. I know virtually nothing first hand about tubes so am concerned about maintenance and high ongoing cost. I don't have a lot of listening time anyway, less time for working on components. Is this something to worry about? 
Also, brand/model suggestions would be greatly appreciated. I'm concerned about mismatching the speakers and amp.
For cd I am looking at the OPPO BDP 105d and for vinyl the Pro-Ject Debut Carbon, but would appreciate advice here as well. 
Thank you all in advance!

arisingsound

Showing 1 response by todcp

todcp
3 posts
 
Fyi
my Martin Logan's with the Emotiva preamp and mono amps was a really poor match.
Go to the Martin Logan forum for advise.
Two terrific used amps for your speakers are the Sunfire 300x2 and the Ampzilla if you can find rebuilt ones.  I found a newly reconditioned Sunfire 300x2.  Perfect match and $800 on eBay.
Be very cautious of tube amps with Martin Logan's very demanding low impedance.  
I found 100 watts minimum and more is better on my ML ESL's.  My ESL's drop to low 2ohms at some higher HZ .

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