By popluar demand, I finally hooked up the pair today. Unfortunately, the only person from AC membership that has seen and heard the MartinLogans is Frank Van Alstine, but I think Frank was truely impressed with these 6 foot tall hybrid electrostatics. I found a cleaver way to solve the existing bi-wiring problem and simply set the amplifier on the floor in front of the existing system. I had to use 2 2 meter interconnets plus jumpers to get to the preamp.
I ran the amp at my usual listening level (-32db) and listened to the following set of tunes:
Queen, Innuendo - Innuendo.
- Don't try so hard.
- Ride the wild wind.
Steve Hackette, To Watch the Storms - The devil is an englishman.
- Rebecca
The Fixx, Elemental - Happy landings
Brian Setzer orchestra - Brand new Cadillac
- September Skies
My first impresssions was that the amplifier handled the Logans well, with everything in proper balance, bass aplenty, but not over emphasized. Vocals imaged dead on in the center and very clear. As was the case in my studio, the ML's displayed amazing depth and 3D realism. I could hear multiple layers of reverb thru an echoplex slowly decaying on Freddie Mercurys vocals on "Innuendo" that sounded different to me then with the Sunfire, in that it had more detail.
In the song "The Devil is an Englishman" there is a synthesized choral attack that was very startling and vanished as fast as it attacked, but with reverb that went backwards into the wall (and beyond). Cymbals had the correct timbre and decay. Instruments could be easily placed in a wonderful soundstage.
Very musical and very satisfying in every regard at resonable listening levels. I actually expected the tube amp to soften up the MLs, but that just didn't happen.
On Brian Setzers tunes, the horn section was clean and crisp, with that natural resonance and attack.
I was very pleased with the outcome of the experiment.
Wayner
