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Full Version: D400 vs. 1000 Expert Pro in driving Martin Logan CLS
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I’ve tried my D400 on a pair of Martin Logan CLS electrostatic loudspeakers. These have a challenging impedance, from the high 30+ ohms in the bass to under 2 ohms in the treble. They are not very efficient either, around 84dB.

The results were less than satisfactory. The volume had to be cranked up high, and even then, the amps were not playing very loud. They started to get fairly warm as well.

Would the new 1000 Expert Pros fare any better? I’m not interested in specs. I want to know if anyone has tried the 1000 on speakers with challenging impedances.

For comparison, a pair of bridged Class D Primare 30.5’s producing 500 W/channel worked much better on the CLS, remaining cool.

Not surprisingly, a pair of 120 watt Quicksilver tube mono blocks produced the best sound. Effortless, transparent, and very engaging, showing why tubes remain a viable technology in 2018. Sad but true. For all the tech in a D400, sonically they were no match for the Quicksilvers.


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as far as I know the power supply in the pro models has been completely replaced. I have also tried a 250 non pro on a ML with active bass (one model below the Summit). It was sounding good but there was a big drop in frequency response above 13khz. This should have been improved with the new PS. But I have never heard my pro on a ML again. But I think for extremely low impedances a solid state amp is the better choice. As always you can only try it yourself.
A previous member of DC (@Jwg1749) also had Martin Logans, and concluded that a Sanders Magtech amplifier drove them much better than his 200.  The Sanders amplifiers are designed specifically to drive electrostatic speakers - tons of interesting information on their website for those of a technical bent.
With my 120 I noticed and also measured these frequency problems above 13 khz with my ML Montis. After upgrade to 220 PRO I am absolutely happy with the sq.
Hi, I have ML Prodigies (91 dB/2.83 volts/meter, 4 Ohms, 1 at 20kHz Compatible with 4, 6, or 8 Ohm rated amplifiers.), and my 250 Pro CI with the newest firmware drives them very well. Expert 200 didn't, and 400 was a bit harsh, but had a good slam.
Those old CLS' are a challenge to many modern amplifiers (well many older designs as well  Smile ). The suggestion to use the Sanders Magtech is very good. Pass and similar amps will do fine but put a larger hole in your pockets. 

I assume that you have had the stats checked. If not, I would advise you to do so.
I ended up selling both pairs of my D400 amplifiers. Took a loss, but it wasn’t substantial since I bought them on a steep discount. Lesson learned. Beware of new tech and tall claims and stick to proven technology.

I’m weaning myself off of Devialet. Next up to sell are my Phantoms. Again, nice product, but incredibly flaky software. Must of the time, it’s sitting idle because something doesn’t work.

Devialet has a lot of growing up to do. For starters, less aggressive advertising (best in blah blah) and more honest merchandise would be a good step.

I ended up getting a Belles Audio 350 Reference to drive my CLS. David Belles has been producing this amp for 30 years now. Similar in wattage to the D400, but world’s better sonically with powerful smooth and beautiful sound. Costs a fraction of the D400. Unlike the D400, it doesn’t go belly up given a demanding speaker to drive.


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(28-Oct-2018, 17:39)srima Wrote: [ -> ]I’m weaning  myself off of Devialet. Next up to sell are my Phantoms. Again, nice product, but incredibly flaky software. Must of the time, it’s sitting idle because something doesn’t work.

Devialet has a lot of growing up to do. For starters, less aggressive advertising (best in blah blah) and more honest merchandise would be a good step.

If Devialet continue as they are - which despite some murmurs about change, they pretty much seem to be - that’s what they’ll be remembered for. An arrogant company, with innovative but over-hyped products with flaky software.

As soon as there’s just a bit more maturity in something like the Dutch & Dutch 8c (like a volume control), I’ll be out too.
Well I am moving on as well BUT I am keeping my LE200 (second system) despite my disappointment with the company. While it may not drive some speakers, it is a stellar amp. Please remember that the CLS was considered to be an amp killer as was a number of other speakers sold in that time frame. Today's speakers are typically easier to drive and the Devialet products do a fine job.
(18-Jul-2018, 12:09)thumb5 Wrote: [ -> ]A previous member of DC (@Jwg1749) also had Martin Logans, and concluded that a Sanders Magtech amplifier drove them much better than his 200.  The Sanders amplifiers are designed specifically to drive electrostatic speakers - tons of interesting information on their website for those of a technical bent.

Sanders Magtechs are superb amps in general. They really shine when driving difficult loads such as electrostats.
I would highly recommend trying them with Martin Logans
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