Click
an image to enlarge.
...Considering the alleged incompatibly
issue of the M8 500s power amplifier with my MartinLogan Scenario
electrostatic speakers, I have to consider the fact the M8s 700m
monobloc power amplifier is a similar ‘bridged design’
but with higher specification (and dual) power supplies. I will
be keeping a very close ear to my speakers to ensure I do not
hear any form of degradation in sound quality...
During the first week of October 2020, much of the UK (like most
of the world) was (and still is) learning how to decipher changing
government rules and guidance regarding ‘the virus’.
Schools were reopening, the rule of six was introduced with businesses
all doing their very best to adapt. The UK weather also took a
turn for the worst with a noticeable drop in temperature with
significant rainfall normally reserved for the Guinea, Solomon
Islands!
Now, I can cope with the above, BUT I am finding it difficult
to cope with what happened next…
“… this is not about hi-fi, this more about a
musical experience. The band is right here in front of me!”
A quote from a passionate music lover as he sat in my listening
chair Saturday 3 October as I showcased my new M8s 700m monoblocs.
And then the music died! Well not exactly.
As we explored various albums, reveling in specific passages,
drum patterns and vocals, we began to experience the now classic
Musical Fidelity M8 (anti-ESL) trademark. Slow loss of dynamics
and overall musical magic. The music just seemed to have gone
south for the winter.
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Again, to insure my MartinLogan Scenario ESL panels were still
on song, I employed the assistance of a pair of Trigon Monolog
power amplifiers (provided by Audio Emotion HIFI dealership).
As expected, musical dynamics returned as soon as these power
amplifiers were deployed. I advised Musical Fidelity and Henley
Audio of my findings and hopefully the communication drawbridge
has not been lifted!
After various email exchanges and brief verbal discussions
with a few learned hi-fi enthusiasts, it is of strong belief
the power supply/s are the issue (or at least part of the
issue).The Trigon Monolog power amplifier design pays specific
attention to the internal power supply, therefore providing
a stable and reliable feed. Users have confirmed they have
no issues driving MartinLogan ESL’s.
This is obviously unbelievably frustrating!
When on song, the M8s 700m monoblocs have tough ‘musical
boots’ to fill and I adored my short time with them,
BUT I now have to confirm the M8 range of amplifiers (M8s
500s & M8s 700m monobloc) are not compatible with MartinLogan
ESL’s in their current form in my opinion.
I have begged Musical Fidelity to investigate
the above. I have even suggested funding some type of revision
to the M8s 700m monobloc design ‘power supply/s or otherwise’.(As
long as I do not have sell my house or any body parts)!
The M8s 700m
monoblocs were returned to their substantial cardboard boxes.
I waited in hope for a response from Musical Fidelity (of
any type) but unfortunately this did not happen.
The Trigon Monolog power amplifiers were
returned to Audio Emotion within two weeks. It was reassuring
to hear the consistency in musical delivery these sturdily
built amplifiers offered to my MartinLogan Scenario ESL’s,
but I was not hearing the openness and full tonal spectrum
I knew my Scenarios could deliver. To get the absolute best
from the Trigon Monolog’s it was clear they needed to
be partnered with the Trigon Dialog Reference Preamplifier.
Unfortunately the Trigon Dialog Reference Preamplifier was
not available and there was no eta as to when it would be,
so I was forced to move on.
Onwards and upwards…
Take a close
look at the Electrocompaniet
Nemo (AW600) Mono Block Power Amplifier
& the Sanders
Sound Systems Magtech Monoblock power amplifier Experience
Reviews
Complete system details & configuration
Turntable
AMG Viella V12 turntable with AMG Teatro MC & AMG reference
tonearm cable
Phono stage & interconnect cables. Whest PS.40RDT Special
Edition phono stage
with Kimber Select KS-1116 XLR interconnect cable
CD player
Musical Fidelity A3 CD player (internally upgraded).
Van Den Hul The Second Analogue Interconnect cables
Amplification
Musical Fidelity M8s 700m Monobloc power amplifiers (when they
worked) x 2
Trigon Monolog power amplifiers x 2
with Musical Fidelity
M8PRE preamplifier
Luminist Revision Poseidon XLR balanced cables
Speakers
MartinLogan Scenario hybrid electrostatic speakers with Kimber
12TC speaker cable
REL S3/SHO subwoofer (connected via standard RCA cables via low
level input)
Table
Quadraspire Q4 EVO turntable wall bracket. Quadraspire Q4 EVO
4 tier shelf
Power & mains cables
Russ Andrews BMU 3000 for preamplifer, CD player & phonostage
Michael Valentine Studio Silver Gold Special Edition BMU for subwoofer
only
Powerkord 300 mains cables for BMU’s, amplifiers, preamplifier
& subwoofer
Robin Francis
© Michael Valentine Studio
8 October 2020
Further
Recommended
Viewing
|
Use the links below to read the Electrocompaniet Nemo (AW600)
Mono Block Power Amplifer Exerience Experience review,
or the Muscial Fidelity M8s 700m monobloc power amplifier Exerience
Review 1,
or the Henley Audio & Musical Fidelity M8 500s power amplifier
test conculsion, July 2020,
or theMusical Fidleity Nu-Vista 800, 2020 Experience Review,
or the Musical Fidelity M6 PRX power amplifer Experience Review,
or The System Upgrade 2015...