new guy, 1st time Martin Logan owner

[Mantana]

Hi,

Bought some new Spires...Currently I have Musical Fidelity A5 Integrated, A5 CD player and Rotel RT-1084 HD tuner.
Interconnects are Audio Magic Excaliber II, Audio Magic
Xstream power cords...speaker cable Audioquest
Bedrock...all is plugged into Monster HTS 3500 power center.
I've included some pictures of my setup.

I've been a long time owner of PBN Montana SPIIs and currently the
EPS2s (which are fantastic). Thought i'd try something different with
the Spires and i really like them...the speed and clarity and particularly
the weight (60lbs vs 150lbs each on the Montanas). I was experiencing
some harshness with the Spires until recently when i changed out
the stock power cords for the Audio Magic and plugged all of my
equipment into the Monster power conditioner. The previous harshness
would usually come from certain radio stations and older, electronic
rock recordings. Was anyone else experiencing this ? The speakers
were bought in October 2008 and i've been swapping in and out
with my Montanas, so they don't have a huge amount of hours on
them.

Anyone else care to comment on the Musical Fidelity/Spire combo?

Thx

 

[Cherian]

Welcome!!! First I want to say you have a great looking system and I think you will come to love your MLs as much as I do. It will take about 100 hours or so of listening to break the panels in. I have heard that new MLs sound harsh but once broken in it will mellow.

 

[Mantana]

Hi C,

You have obviously spent a lot of money on your nice system...i'm
curious...why do you have the smaller ML Scenarios in addition
to your main speakers....seems like you wouldn't need them.

Have you always used Conrad Johnson with the MLs? Any other
amps you've used which mate well?

M

 

[Cherian]

The Scenarios are part of my 7.1 HT system. I use it for movies and 5.1 SACDs. The Monoliths and CJ gear is for 2 channel only. Over the years I have used many amps. From Carver, Monarchy, and Sunfire. I felt the Sunfire and Monarchy amps match well with MLs. The carver amps were OK but a bit harsh. I love the "CJ sound" For me, CJ and ML just fit the best.

 

[Mantana]

Oh, i see now. Thanks for the info on the Conrad Johnson. I tried
one of their preamps years ago but haven't reviewed any of
their gear recently. Not sure i can afford their stuff now, but
i'll keep my eye out on Audiogon...thx for responding.

Clay