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Needing advice

Hello everyone. 

    I would love some advice on a power amplifier to pair with my Martin Logan ESL's. I am still very new to the audio world and am having a hard time trying to figure out what amp I should be looking at. I recently purchased some brand new ESL's at a great price to pair with my Yamaha Aventage 2050 and even though they sound good they just don't sound as good as when I listened to them in my local audio video store. I have absolutely no regrets on the purchase and know when they are paired with the right equipment they can sound amazing. I know opinions can be very different and I know listening to them in a store that uses much higher end product and better room setup then I have also plays a huge part. 

    I would like to keep the price under $1k (which I know might limit my options) and the type of music I listen to ranges from Frank Sinatra to Tool.  They will also be used for my home theater and I would say my listening ratio would be 60/40 in favor of movies. The subs I use are 2 dynamo 700's  and have positioned the ESL's based on Martin logans recommendation. I have tried to do research on Emotiva, Rotel, Parasound, Outlaw audio, B&K, Peachtree and the more I read the more I realized I still have a lot to learn. 

Thank you everyone in advance for any advice you can give. 
Craig
cvbryso
yogiboy's avatar
yogiboy
2,678 posts
 
Are you sure you are looking for a separate power amp? If so what will you be using as preamp?
gdnrbob
2,421 posts
 
I would go for a McCormack DNA-1. Steve McCormack still mods these amps and if you can find a broken one, they will put in a new chassis and mod to your wallets content.
That being said, a used DNA-1, unmodded is below $1K.
Can you connect an amp to the Yamaha integreated preamp?
B
hifiman5's avatar
hifiman5
1,611 posts
 
As usual a big +1 for @gdnrbob!  Steve and Co. are upgrading my DNA-1 as I write this. The last time I had it upgraded was 16 years ago.  It has sounded great since then, but Steve plans to do very extensive upgrading as much has been learned and tech. has improved over the years.  I can't wait to hear music through it once it returns.  If you would go that route, Steve will want to know about your system details to be sure his modifications are geared to optimize your system performance.  This is SMc Audio's site address:  http://smcaudio.com/   Good luck!
mattmiller's avatar
mattmiller
1,180 posts
 
I would look at the Hegel H80 Integrated...someone is selling one here for $950. It's 75wpc is capable of driving those ESL's (91db). The Hegel is very well reviewed. Also, someone is selling a Classe CA-100 $899 This is a stereo amplifier only it needs a preamp but for $899 its a great sounding stereo amplifier that will drive those ESL's np.

Matt M
jollygreenaudiophile2's avatar
jollygreenaudiophile2
72 posts
 
In the price range you are looking at. Without going vintage which can be hit or miss. I have noticed some used Rotel amplifiers on Ebay that might work for you. The RB-1080 is nice but can be bright. Class A/B 200 wpc. at 8ohm and built like a tank. If you have a little patience I’ve seen them go for $300.
But since you said "60/40 movies with your surround system", There have been a few Rotel RMB-1575’s available at your price point. And having 6ohm ESL speakers that will drop to 4ohm’s at times I read. They might be a nice fit. Five channels "All driven", rated 250/500 wpc at 8/4ohm should give you power and detail enough. And an easy load for the amp to run. And then you could upgrade the power to your center and surrounds as well with the remaining three channels.
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