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From Marten Coltrane to Avalon Isis, Hansen King??

Hello all,

I am currently using a Marten Coltrane speaker in my fairly large living room and I do like the sound a lot. It is well known though that the bottom end isn't the Coltrane's strongest point especially in a big room.

I am curious if for instance the Avalon Isis and/or Hansen Emperor/King would be an improvement over my current speakers with respect to bass and overall sound?

Appreciate feedback from users that heard the Marten, Avalon and Hansen speakers.

Thanks a lot
maxx1973
maxx1973 OP
34 posts
 
Mtdking,

Thanks for your info. Of of curiosity, why are you currently selling your Avalon Diamonds again? Which speaker are you going to replace it with?
maxx1973 OP
34 posts
 
Rtn1,

I am using Vitus as amplification. I think it should provide enough power, but yes I agree, it's not an easy speaker to drive.
rtn1
535 posts
 
I am not sure about the power ratings for Vitus. However, I would not think twice about putting 600-900+ watts at 4 ohms onto the Marten.

For the Isis in a large room, with few exceptions, I would be looking at 400+ watts into 4 ohms as a minimum.

Other tricks to increase bass would be in the cables. The power cords on the source have the largest effect, followed by speaker cables and interconnects, followed by power cords on the amplifiers. Elrod power cords have a striking effect on the bass.

You have great speakers. All great systems take some time to build and refine.
bostonbean
241 posts
 
Maxx, Rtn1 brings up a good point. Instead of spending a fortune on new speakers you may want to try something as simple as the new Elrod Statement or Signature power cords on your amp to increase bass. These cables are phenomenal.
maxx1973 OP
34 posts
 
Rtn1, Boston,

Thanks for your thoughts. I agree, I might experiment a bit more with cables since I do like the sound of the Coltrane a lot. My amplifier actually has "only" 100W in 8/4 Ohm, but it is pure class A. And I know that my speaker/amp combination has been used on shows in the past. Power ratings don't say it all. I've had the Mark Levinson 33H in the past and although it's power rating isn't that high, it can drive pretty much any speaker. Same goes for my current amp I think. But....... I might be wrong :) :)

At the same time, 2 of the interconnects I use are the Nordost Valkyrja and Valhalla, not the cables that are known to have the best bass and probably sound a bit lean on speakers with ceramic drivers. any suggestions for alternative interconnects?

What about including a Wilson Benesch Torus sub. Heard good things about that sub in combination with the Magico Mini's
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