Integrated for Martin Login Motion 60’s?


I would appreciate recommendations for an Integrated Amp that would complement my speakers.  Martin Login Motion 60’s supplemented with SVS SB-2000 Subwoofers.  Cardas Crosslink cables.  I would like to move away from class “D” to solid state class “A” or “A/B”.  Amplifier must have pre-outs for the Subs.  No DAC.  Have read great things about Coda, Luxman, Krell, Rega, Simaudio, and Sugden.  BIG room with 18’ ceilings.  Sources are all digital.  Listen to all types of rock and occasional blues/ jazz guitarist.  $5k is budget new or used.  My class “D” has detail and accuracy at lower volumes, but when I turn it up, it seems to lose depth and fullness.  I’m hoping a Class “A” or “A/B” can help with that?  If Luxman, 507 vs 550? Sugden A-21SE vs the IA-4 or ANV-50?  Will I even notice a difference with these speakers?  I realize the ML’s are not a reference level speaker, but I enjoy them.  If you have heard these speakers with an amp you enjoyed, please let me know.  I am not close to any brick and mortar to listen. Thank you.

Martin-Logan Motion 60XTi: Floorstanding, 35-25,000 Hz +/-3 dB, 80°x30°, 94 dB @ 2.83 v/m, 4 Ohms but compatible w/ 4,6,8 Ohm amplifiers, 400 & 2,200 Hz, 20-400 watts.

audiostick

@audiostick By all means, experiment with speaker placement and seated listening position in your room.  Always good to determine optimum placement.  Assuming you are using the proverbial standard triangle placement approach, I would suggest that your seated listening position be, al least 7 to 9 feet away from those ML, provided you can swing this and still keep a lot of open space behind you.  I'm sure this will render better imaging & soundstage than 6', which I think is a tad too close for those or any great pair of towers.  I also suggest that you try this:  instead of immediately toeing the ML in, to the listening position, try pointing them straight out, first.  Do some healthy listening there and, then, experiment with toe-in to see which position your ears prefer.  I have a hunch you may very well prefer the straight-out positioning because those speakers have very good off-axis response.

A final two cents worth regarding your amp shopping for the ML.  Don't skimp on amp power (i.e.  watts RMS but, more importantly, power/current supply).  ML states the impedance as 4 Ohms and compatible with 4, 6, or 8 Ohm rated amplifiers.  I've read a few reviews indicating they are really a 6 Ohm nominal load speaker.  Even though they are very efficient or sensitive (i.e.  94 dB/2.83 volts/meter), they'll play best with an amp that can feed them the current they need.  This is why they sounded so wonderful with the Simaudio Moon Neo 340i IX, which has a huge power supply and doubles its 100 watt 8 Ohm output into 4 Ohm.  I understand the reticence with regard to the options or add-ons (DAC; phono stage; etc.).  However, if you shop around, for new or used, and do some good old fashion dickering, maybe you could get what you want for 5K or a little under.

Good Luck!

I recently did a pretty long audition / comparison between the $10K Luxman and Pass integrated and the Audio Research $6K integrated.

 

I found the Luxman to be very detailed, shy on midrange, with very little rhythm and pace… it sounded “high end” because of the preponderance of detail. The Pass in comparison was sooo much better balanced with  good midrange bloom and really surprising rhythm and pace and nice punchy but accurate bass. The Audio Research was simply stunning to me with huge midrange bloom and rhythm and pace. The latter is my cup of tea… really musical. It may not be for everyone… but the Pass was probably great for nearly every system. It had no faults. The Luxman would work in a system that was overly warm and bass heavy. But I don’t think yours. Hence I think Luxman will work only under very specific situations and personal values. 

@ghdprentice Great input on these three manufacturers.  Interesting that an amp (Luxman) can possibly provide too much detail?  I had not thought about that.  I agree that the Motion 60’s are neither overly warm or bass heavy. 

I would love to try a Pass INT-25, but it does not have pre-outs for my subs, and I have grown found of them.  The INT-60 has pre-outs but is an absolute beast.  I don’t think that I could even get it inside the house by myself. 

I have admired Audio Research for many years and came close to buying a Preamp years ago but it was not a good match.  Their Integrateds appear to be tube only or at least hybrids?  Regardless, yes, great amps and I am envious of you.  Enjoy, and thank you for your input.