Which receiver to get for this setup

[conaan9]

Just wanted to get some opinions out there. My HT room is set up for 6.1 and I currently have 3 in-ceiling Speakercraft AIMones for the 2 surround and 1 center rear(100W/ch@8ohms). I'm probably going to buy the MartinLogan Ascents for my 2 mains and the Cinema for my center. My question is, If I purchase the Denon AVR 3805 (120Wx7) or the Yamaha 1400 (110Wx7), would these units be powerful enough to properly drive the Logans, or would I need a seperate amp to drive the fronts? (if the latter, any recommendations would be appreciated) Also, I haven't decided yet on a sub (price range $500-600) so I would appreciate any suggestions here also. Thanks in advance.

Jorge

 

[annunaki]

Hello again , If you are driving Martin Logans (4 ohm impedence typically) I would suggest a separate three channel amplifier or three mono amplifiers. The amplifier sections in those units just won't cut it dynamically at lower impedence loads. Power output will not rise much at (at 4 ohms) all with those units, just distortion. They tend to use an impedence limiting device internally, or through a switch which basically lets the receiver think it is driving an 8 ohm load even though it is lower. If you want a serious theater system use a serious amplifier. Most well made amplifiers will double their output power from 8 to 4 ohms and some even double from 4 to 2 ohms! They don't use an impedence limiter, because their power supplies are fully capable of handling the additional current needed to create the extra power. If you are looking into a receiver up to the task, I would suggest NAD or Rotel as they are specified down to 4 ohms. I do not believe they are capable of doubling power from 8 to 4 ohms however.

(This is not an attack on Yahmaha or Denon as they make great products, but rather a suggestion for our friend to enjoy his system at it's full potential. )

 

[conaan9]

Annunaki,

Once again, thank you for your helpful insight. I was at Sound Advice again today and helped me solidify my decision in moving forward in buying those 3 speakers (Logans). With your comments, I guess getting the Yamaha 1400 (I like all the bells & whistles with it) as a preamp and getting a 3 channel amp vs 3 separate amps to drive the Logans is the way to PROPERLY set this up. Trying to decide between a 3 channel Rotel amp vs 3 separate Outlaw 200 monoblocks to drive the Logans. Any thoughts between the two? By the way, any suggestions on a complimentary sub for this setup in the $500 range would be much appreciated.

See ya,

Jorge

 

[annunaki]

Either amp setup would work fine. Just check to see which will give you the most power at 4 ohms for your dollar. Both Rotel and Outlaw are respectable companies. For subs in the $500 range, look into the Adire Audio Rava, PSB Subsonic 5i (made stereophile's rec. components list), Hsu subs, and I am sure there are others.

 

[av_phile]

I think you're going the right track. Those MArtin Logans do need sufficient power to be driven, as planars do. If you can find the older Acurus 3-channel amps above 200wpc,(model 200X3 or A200X3) you could get better value as these products have long been discontinued and should be on reduced prices. As a user of these, I am biased towards them. Try checking the Klipsch (who bought Acurus and Aragon) site and google for their prices at discount sites.

 

[conaan9]

Do you know if the Acurus amp is specified down the 4 ohms? The Martin Logans are rated 200W at 4 ohms and I wanted to match up pieces. Any idea $$ for the Acurus x3? Thanks,

Jorge

 

[av_phile]

Yes, that's in their one-page manual. And talking by email to their tech support guy, the acurus amps can go down to 2ohms but is not rated. Check the Klipsch website, go to the classic acurus section and download the PDF manual to confirm.

With regard prices, do a google search. Early this year, I saw a site that retails a preowned near mint condition acurus amp for about US$600. Just can't recall the model. Check the reviews on audioreview:

http://www.audioreview.com/Amplifiers/Acurus/PRD_115528_1583crx.aspx

 

[conaan9]

Thanks for the tip AV Phile, I'll check out the Acurus and see if that will fit into my system.

Jorge