martin logans are killer for acoustic or small ensemble jazz, NOT R&R. no dynamics, no bass, and limited volume. do yourself a favor, before buying a new amp, try some other speakers: good ones for R&R include paradigm 100s, vandersteen 2ces, osborn titans, montanas (any model), and the like...just make sure they have a good foundation (at least an 8" woofer). rhyno |
I agree with Abstract7 about bi-amping the Martin Logans. I have a pair of ML Requests and it made a HUGE difference.
I also owned a Bel Canto Evo 200.2 and did not like it with the Martin Logans. Look for something that you can buy reasonable for your money.
I am going to try the Odyssey Stratos amps from Klaus Bunge. Will let you know what I think when they arrive Thursday.. |
Bel Canto EVo 200.2. See Soundstage review. Best Value in this price range or at twice the price. |
Jeff,I Would recommend without hesitation a used KSA-150 or if you could stretch it to $2600.00 a pr. of KMA-160's.I have had both and used them on some very difficult speakers including ML's and Thiels,both of which sounded very smooth with the right cabling.Also if you can stretch even further try a KSA-250(closer to 3k).I am driving my KSA-150 with a BAT VK-3i and it has to be one of the best synergies for me yet!!!!!Best of Luck on your Quest. |
Jeff: I am powering a pair of Quest Zs with a Krell KAV 250A & I get an excellent sound & have plenty of power. If there is such a thing as a Krell bargin this is it. |
The Bryston's have good command of the bass region. You can often find a 4B-ST for under $2000. If you have a bit more to spend and want more power, you might be able to find a pair of 7B-ST monoblocks for around $3500. |
These are all good inputs, appreciate it. Oh, the reason I sold my other DR8 was I blew the crossovers in my speakers cranking up the volume a tad too much. Figured it was cheaper/easier to go to more modest power since I can't always count on behaving in an adult manner. I find there's certainly something missing with the single amp, and now that I have a BAT preamp where you can set the volume control to a pre-determined maximum, I really ought to consider a higher powered amplifier. In theory the ML's can take 200 watts. Again, thanks all! Jeff |
Jeff, what about a bigger classe like the ca401 or the cam mono's. I've heard the 401 several times in a couple of different setups and it sounded pretty darn good. Authoritative and enough power to light up No. Cal. |
Not to toot my horn, but my KRELL FPB-650M monoblocks are glorious! If you are interested, I am selling them to downsize in my small condo.
List is $26000, selling for $12500.
Phone 206-465-3668 |
Try the Crown Macro Reference. At today's used prices, it should just fit your budget. I have owned these and found very few amps, even to this day, that will better it in almost any performance area you care to mention. It has tremendous power (750 wpc in stereo mode)for an effortless sound and, if you want low end punch, this amp is as good, or better than anything out there. Don't be misled by anyone who would excuse this as not being a true high-end product. Listen and judge for yourself. |
The new Innersound amp is designed specifically for electrostatic speakers and received a RAVE review in the latest Absolute Sound. I have no experience with this amp myself but it sounds like it would be worth checking out. |
Jeff! You might want to consider (in this price range) the Odyssey Stratos Monoblocks. I have a pair and they are very musical and revealing, they never run out of oomph! My music has never sounded better since I replaced my Audio Research amp. Check them out at odysseyaudio.com or call (317)299-5578 and talk with Klaus. This way you could get brand new amps that carry a 20yr warranty, and are built like battleships, and are the high-end bargain of the century. |
Martin Logans love to be Bi-amped. The Krell is probably a good choice for the bottom end. I don't really care for the Krell I have heard on the panels of Martin Logans. I'm speaking of older Krell models--not the FPB series. The older Krell's were a little harsh on the panels. I'm using a pair of KMA 160's on the bottom end of Martin Logan Monoliths, and I do think the Krell is a good choice for bass. I would have thought the two DR-8s would have sounded very good. Keep in mind--Martin Logan's are not the greatest rock speakers. I doubt any amplifier is going to give you the authoritative sound you are looking for--for that nothing really beats a dynamic or horn speaker. |
This maybe inappropriate but try the Aragon 8008bb. It provides very low and tight bass for my hungry Aerial 10t. |
