FUSION 8100 and ML ESL

[flatlands]

My time has come to make a new beginning! Currently using Bose Cinemate 2.1, and intend to upgrade to Martin Longan ESL's as mains, and add a sub later on. Since I have nothing at the moment (except the Bose set) I will also need an amp or receiver. What do you guys think: Fusion 8100 in 2 ch mode, would it work with the Logans?

Any input is much appreciated.

Thanks  

[mshump]

Most ML ESL's are 4 ohm. The Fusion doesn't have any specs for 4 ohm. The manual states you can put 4 ohm speakers on it. I would send an email to tech support on this. It needs to be stable at 4 ohms. I honestly think you would run out of headroom with the fusion on ESL's

If you are running all digital inputs you could consider the XDA-2 and a UPA-200 amp. This combo would actually be a little cheaper and IMO a little more robust for the ESL's

You need to consider the following
1. Will the Fusion handle and ESL load (sensitivity is not real high on ESL's also)
2. What are your sources (CD,BR,Tuner,Turntable)
3. What listening levels do you usually listen at

[garbulky]

Will it work is different from how well will it work .....

You are choosing a different type of speaker than the conventional cone driven speakers and they tend to have different power requirements.

They also have different placement reccomendations. You can't plonk it down where it fits aesthetically and expect it to sound amazing.
According to Martin Logan: They reccomend them to be FIVE FEET AWAY FROM THE REAR WALL. And 2 FEET AWAY FROM EACH CORNER WALL. Do you have that? That 5 feet thing is quite a bit of distance into one's living room.


Have you read the FAQ?
www.martinlogan.com/learn/faq-electrostatic.php

"What size (power) of an amplifier should I use?

"The power amplifier is one of the most important elements in any A/V system, as too little power will not allow your system to live up to its full potential. In general, we recommend an amplifier with 100 to 200 watts per channel for most applications. Probably less would be adequate for our smaller hybrids or when used in home theater where a subwoofer is employed. Our hybrid designs will perform well with either a tube or transistorized amplifier, and will reveal the sonic character of either type. However, it is important that the amplifier be stable operating into varying impedance loads: an ideally stable amplifier will typically be able to deliver nearly twice its rated 8 Ohm wattage into 4 Ohms and should again increase into 2 Ohms."
I hope you have considered all that. You can't expect to just put it wherever it fits or where the old speakers were for instance right up against the corner walls and get great sound. "

I think you need to spend more to get optimal performance out of Martin Logans. So a UMC-200 + XPA-5 is my minimum reccomendation if you wish to do surround sound.
Or
a UMC-200 + XPA-2 if you just use stereo. I think the fusion is the wrong mix if you are considering spending $2000 on electrostat speakers. It will work. But it's not what you want.

[TempTag]

Good advice above. That said, I am using a Sherbourn SR-8100 (basically a Fusion) to drive a ML Stage without issue. (Maybe not an ideal setup, but it sounds pretty good to my ears and better than my old Marantz receiver.)

At least the Fusion, unlike the SR-8100, gives you the option of adding a 2 channel amp later if you want more power to the ESLs and still have some onboard power for surrounds.

[Lsc]

Considering the Fusion has the preouts, it would be a nice start.

Then if you want more power for the mains, get an xpa-2 etc. at the same time you can run your center and surrounds from the fusion.

Lots of flexibility for $100 more than the umc-200.

Also if you really want that "high-end" sound, budget another $100 for the UMIK-1 and REW. It really makes a huge difference.

[flatlands]

To all: Many thanks for the input. On the amplification side, it is clear which way to go. Not so with the speakers: I went back to the shop to listen today to address the one doubt I had last time I auditioned the ESL's. While the mids,highs and resolution are incredible, the bass was still lacking for me (This is how I experienced it, no offense to any happy ESL owners out there). Checked all angles (break in, placement, amp used), but bass issue persisted. I guess it is ML's entry level electrostat in the end...Better low end available, for more $$$.
I compared the ML's to the Sonus Faber Venere 2.5's in the same place. No surprises: the bass of these was adequate, the sound overall pleasant and balanced, but the mids and highs were not in the same league as the Logans (again, imho). And so, the quest continues.

[Lsc]

Did you try listening to the Revel Performa3? They are great speakers.

[bennyb]

I second the Pre-Out argument and I believe the fusion would be a marvelous "stand-in" until you could upgrade to more power. I believe this because I own a Mini-x a-100 and during a very slow day at work a while back (I worked for a fairly well known HiFi store) I brought it in to compare it to some other equipment (for fun, it was a SLOW day)- i.e. Peachtree, Marantz, Arcam... I hooked the Mini up to a pair of ML Ethos and after a few quick comparisons I let the Mini run for about an hour. It never skipped a beat, and didn't even get slightly warm. I think we are all aware of what more power would give, but the Ethos were very lively with the Mini-x behind them.

The Ethos are 4 ohm, the EM ESL's are 6 ohm. Based on this experience, I wouldn't see an issue with connecting the ESL's to the Fusion. In my theater system I run a MarLo setup consisting of a pair of EM ESL's, Motif X and a Dynamo 1000w (hard lined) being powered by a UPA500/Marantz AV7005. The UPA drives the ESL's WITH EASE. I agree that by themselves the ESL' are a bit lacking in the low end, but I think a Fusion with a pair of ESL's is a great foundation to build from, just add a sub or two when you can.