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MartinLogan source muddied in low mids....

I have had my ML sources for about 6mo. Overall I am supremely happy with them. They provide more balanced sound than I expected them to. The one issue i keep running into is a bit of confused or muddied sound in mid to deep male voices. They seem to have significant roll off. Is this a failing in the speaker, my interconnects, or amp? any help?

Amp: Pioneer elite sc-25
Interconnect: Audioquest sidewinder
CD player: Marantz cd5004
Speaker cable: Audioquest type 4
Speaker: MartinLogan Source
cmertz08
4 responses Add your response
mofimadness's avatar
mofimadness
4,984 posts
 
This is just my opinion, but a "receiver" that uses a Class D ICE amplifier circuit can't be too good. I would try to borrow a seperate 2 channel power amplifier and see how it sounds.
hifihvn
943 posts
 
I would try an amp that could drive 4 ohms also.The speakers are 5 ohm nominal,with a dip down to 1.6 ohms if I'm reading the correct manual.Your receiver is rated down to 6 ohms.I think trying an amp is a good idea if you could get your hands on one.Links for both.[http://www.martinlogan.com/pdf/manuals/manual_source.pdf]Page 25 on back of receiver.[http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/StaticFiles/Manuals/Home/SC-25_OperatingInstructions0421.pdf]
hifihvn
943 posts
 
One other possibility that may be causing a problem is the automatic equalizer,if your using it.It may be trying to compensate for a slight room problem,and over/under driving
your ML's at a certain frequency.I've read where some reviewers state that they had to fine tune it themselves. I don't have enough hands on with them,to give any advice for them.
cmertz08 OP
1 posts
 
Thanks for the advice guys, I borrowed my buddy's Marantz integrated and it knocked the pioneer out of the park. The issue with muddied mids was resolved simply by switching amps. I had hoped my existing receiver would be sufficient to push my newer speakers but it seems a dedicated 2 channel amp was a far superior option. I appreciate your input.
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