2. amps-preamps
  3. 151005-5418

Would switching amps make a big difference?

I've been using a Belles 21a tube pre and a pair of PrimaLuna Prologue Sevens with Martin Logan Ethos speakers for the last 6 years and it sounds good. I'm pretty stuck in tube land. But does it get better?

I was wondering if a Raven Osprey Integrated amp or the Lyngdorf TDAI-2170 or another amp, ideally integrated could elevate and sound even more, around same price of $5k - which if I went ahead is about what my current amp setup should bring me.

Then there is the idea of switching to the Martin Logan ESL Impression 11a...

Thoughts? Suggestions?


cdc2

Showing 6 responses by cdc2

cdc2 OP
122 posts
 
Any owners of Martin Logan speakers using tube amps want to weigh in?
cdc2 OP
122 posts
 
Al - questions

A. If Martin Logan speakers is 4ohms, .8 ohms at 20kHZ - ideal amps would have what output impedance?

B. Tube amps you might suggest?

Thanks,
cdc2 OP
122 posts
 
Any thoughts on which tube amps work best with Martin Logan speakers?
cdc2 OP
122 posts
 
Wow, I've gotten a ton of useful ideas here to my question and am thinking of starting with the Zero-Autotransformers which should solve the Martin-Logan / amp speaker compatibility issue.

Next question is, if I were to replace my admittedly old Belles 21a preamp - thoughts on the following 4 preamps?
> deHavilland UltraVerve 
> Backert Labs Rumba 
> Don Sachs 
> Linear Tube Audio
cdc2 OP
122 posts
 
Thanks for all the advice.
I decided to try two things.

First i ordered a pair of the Zero Autoformers.
Just put them in a few days ago and the results were HUGE with my tube amps.

My Martin Logan Ethos speakers, sound fantastic. More detail, so much more live and tight from top to bottom. 

Next I ordered a deHavilland preamp. Which I’ll be testing next.
cdc2 OP
122 posts
 
I’ve had the deHavilland Ultraverve preamp in for a couple of days now, and it’s taken the system to the next level.

While the Zeros helped dramatically by improving the highs, and tightening sound all around, the deHavilland preamp - does an amazing job of making the sound feel live, in the room and for lack of a better word, more tangible. Another great suggestion.

Thanks


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