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Integrated for Martin Logan Electrostatics

Hi Everyone

My first post here.   I have Martin Logan Impression ESL13as.  My 34 year old Bryston preamp (original 1B)  and amp (original 4B) just gave up the ghost.   I am looking for a top quality integrated amp (new or used).   These speakers have self-powered woofers crossover is about 300 hz so the amp is only driving the electrostatic panels above that frequency, with their typical odd load characteristics.   Listening preferences:  Classical including lots of big orchestra, solo piano; Jazz including acoustic groups and big band/horns; acoustic folk.   Some rock but sound quality there would be more than met by anything that handles my main preferences.

Mandatory:  Sound quality equal to or hopefully an improvement on my old electronics.  MC phono stage built in.  Long term build quality and established company with long track record for service.  Good stability into 4 to 2 to even less ohms.

Nice options but not essential:  DAC, remote control.

Budget:  around 7,500, new or used (I don't mind buying used).

Considering:

Mark Levinson 585.5

Luxman L509x (or the new Z?)

Accuphase 4000

Suggestions welcome!  Lots of knowledge here and I look forward to any insignts.

 

gwhphoto
curiousjim's avatar
curiousjim
4,203 posts
 

Hegel, Luxman or Accuphase all make good integrated’s.  I currently have the Hegel H390, 6K new and I only use it as an integrated. It is also the first integrated I’ve ever had and I am really pleased with the sound.

All the best.

gwhphoto OP
9 posts
 

Also, would a "class A" amp sound better for these speakers.  I see that Luxman, Accuphase and a couple of others make class A up to 60W.

sgordon1
412 posts
 

try MartinLogan Audio Owner Forum; much discussed topic for 11a, 13a, and 15a.  All have a built-in amplifier for low frequencies.

audphile1's avatar
audphile1
4,332 posts
 

ML ESL panels tend to have a difficult impedance curve and will often dip way below 2ohm. You need an amp that can remain stable into 2ohm loads. Class A or Class A/B, doesn’t matter. Power ratings will correspond with the size of your room and how loud you like to listen.

I owned ML Montis (also powered woofers) and drove them with Rogue ST100 at first before I upgraded to Pass XA30.8. Much preferred the 30.8 Class A amp and it drove the ML without skipping a beat. 
Also, keep in mind that the built in phono stages aren’t typically very flexible and you may be limited by those settings to a specific cartridge type or specs.

kennyc
1,195 posts
 

Few DACs in an integrated are rarely beyond very good unless you spend more.  However, a used Aesthetix Mimas with the optional DAC card is the exception. Also their phono card also punches above it’s price point.

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