overhaul

[pewternhrata]

just moved about a month ago and im looking to get a new center to replace my B&W 600s3 (most likely a logan) im keeping my montage’s and looking to build my new system around those. im looking at going with separates and was looking at emotiva but wondering what other options I have. price will def come into play

 

[Adam]

Are you asking for opinions on amps and pre-pros?

If so, there are a number of different amps out there. Do you have any requirements, such as amount of power, number of channels, looks, weight, heat generation, dimensions, or other?

 

[pewternhrata]

just sold my rotel 1057 (yes it was depressing) but there were some things i didnt like about it, but overall the sound quality out of the rotel was amaizing...but back on topic, i want to keep the montages for the fronts (5ohm, 150wrms, 90db) and i am looking at getting a Fresco i for my center (5ohm, 150wrms, 90db), i found out, in my opinion, that finding a good receiver at a reasonable price that will drive these is at times hard to find, so i figured my best bet would be to go with separates and match up an amp to drive them (for surrounds i have a pair of boston cr-67's and they have actually worked out very well for me, as for a sub - i can save that for another day lol)

 

[jostenmeat]

I have a fresco-i, and I really like the SQ, most particularly for dialogue/vocals. The ATF drivers are made by Bohlender-Graebener, a different speaker company. It will be a great match, and looks pretty sharp.

However, it is rather beamy. If the viewing area has a small enough viewing/listening angle, it will work great. In fact, many people believe "matching" is a must anyways... (and so then you probably have picked the best option).

I have learned that this speaker is at its best when in a vertical position. Due to the actual shape of the tweeter (sound disperses along the smallest dimension of the radiating surface).

Another con: it has poor extension, and can't crank to the same levels as some other quality center speakers you will find. But, if your volumes are moderate, and you sit at a moderate distance from the speaker, I bet you will be fine.

I know that seems like a lot of negatives, but I do think its a very excellent speaker. Again, those who promote matching will say to do it, regardless. I just wanted you to know that there can be certain compromises, BUT these compromises may not affect you whatsoever, depending on set-up.

The fresco-i has the best dialogue I have personally heard from any "center" speaker. Regardless of price tag. Just me. Zero sibilance.

regarding amp, it'll be dependent again on distance, and volumes desired. try a receiver that has pre-outs. Flexibility just in case, or when you have money burning a hole in the pocket.

 

[pewternhrata]

i guess im somewhat lost right now lookig at a ton of different options, what #'s in terms of watts and such do i need to look at in order to best match up a receiver with the martin logans? EX: the logans say a 5ohm load, most receivers ive looked at, at the lowest say 6ohms...looking at a few denons and rotels (also considering a rotel pre and emotiva amp)

 

[jostenmeat]

lets see. i would opt for an amp that can handle at least 5 ohms then, especially if your mains go that low too. I fear I've been brain-washed by TLS guy.

let's see if I remember how this works.

225w @ 4ohms for emo lpa-1. so 225 divide by 4 =56.25. then take sqaure root = 7.5 amps (on paper; The real figure will be less due to inefficiencies of heat, design, or that it just won't be quite the same as the rail voltage).

I have no idea how many amps would fulfill your speaker's max potential needed, but if I learned correctly, whatever that # is, anything past that point is wasted until you upgrade speaker.

I shouldn't be playing with math though, a dangerous proposition! lol...