MartinLogan Crown CDi 1000 - Dreamedia AV

Vendor: MartinLogan

MartinLogan Crown CDi 1000

High-power Class D amplifier with advanced protection

$1,299.00; $1,299.00
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MartinLogan Crown CDi 1000

Unparalleled Audio Performance for Your Outdoor Oasis

Picture this: a serene evening under the stars, the soft whisper of the wind, and the rich, enveloping sound of your favorite music, perfectly complemented by the natural ambiance of your outdoor living space. The MartinLogan Crown CDi 1000 is not merely an amplifier; it's the heart of your outdoor audio system, pumping life into every note and beat with precision and power. Crafted for those who refuse to compromise on sound quality, even in the great outdoors, this high-performance amplifier is pre-loaded with custom settings designed specifically for MartinLogan Outdoor Living System speakers and subwoofers.

The Power to Thrill

Imagine the robust sound of a live concert or the intricate layers of an orchestral performance brought right to your backyard. The Crown CDi 1000 delivers:

500 watts per channel at 4 ohms
275 watts per channel at 8 ohms

This sheer power output ensures that whether you're hosting a lively party or enjoying a quiet evening by the fire pit, your audio experience will be nothing short of extraordinary.

Precision Engineered for Optimal Sound

The Crown CDi 1000 boasts an impressive array of technical specifications that translate into crystal-clear, immersive sound:

Amplifier Type: Class D
Frequency Response: 20Hz - 20kHz (+0dB, -1dB)
Signal-to-Noise Ratio: > 100dB (A-weighted)
Total Harmonic Distortion (THD): < 0.5%

These specs ensure that from the deepest bass to the highest treble, your music will be rendered with fidelity and clarity, enveloping you and your guests in a truly captivating audio experience.

Built for the Great Outdoors

MartinLogan understands that outdoor audio requires not just power and precision but also the resilience to withstand the elements. The Crown CDi 1000 is:

Rack-Mountable: Easily integrated into your existing setup.
Compact and Lightweight: At just 18 lbs, it offers incredible power without the bulk.
Continuously Variable Speed Fan: Ensures the unit stays cool, providing reliable performance during those long summer nights.

Intuitive Controls for Tailored Sound

Crafting the perfect soundscape is straightforward with the Crown CDi 1000's user-friendly interface:

Front Panel Controls: AC power switch, channel 1 and 2 gain controls.
Rear Panel Controls: Input sensitivity switch, 10x switch, bridged mono switch, parallel input switch, stereo/mono switch.
Indicators: Signal presence, clip, bridge mono, parallel input, stereo, and power.

Whether you're a seasoned audiophile or new to the world of high-end audio, these controls allow for easy adjustments to achieve the ideal audio output for any occasion.

Seamless Connectivity

With a variety of input and output options, the Crown CDi 1000 connects effortlessly to your audio sources and speakers:

Input Connectors: 2 balanced XLR, 2 unbalanced RCA
Output Connectors: 2 Neutrik Speakon

This flexibility ensures that no matter your current setup or future upgrades, this amplifier will remain a central piece of your outdoor audio system.

Advanced Features for the Modern Listener

The Crown CDi 1000 is equipped with cutting-edge features to enhance your listening experience:

Input Sensitivity Feature: Adjusts for playback from sources with low output levels.
Efficient Class D Amplifier Design: Minimizes heat generation for extended playtimes.
Built-in Protection Circuitry: Provides reliable and safe operation under various conditions.

These features not only improve the quality of your audio but also ensure the longevity and durability of the amplifier itself.

Compatibility and Versatility

While the Crown CDi 1000 is optimized for driving subwoofers and dynamic speaker loads, it may not be the best match for ESL loads. However, its versatility makes it an excellent choice for a wide range of outdoor audio applications.

Pros That Make a Difference

The MartinLogan Crown CDi 1000 boasts an array of advantages that make it stand out:

High Power Output: Suitable for driving demanding loads.
Efficient Class D Amplifier Design: Ensures minimal heat generation.
Built-in Protection Circuitry: Guarantees reliable and safe operation.
Compact and Rack-Mountable Design: Allows for easy integration into audio setups.
Input Sensitivity Feature: Ensures compatibility with various audio sources.

Designing Your Dream Soundscape

With Dreamedia at your side, designing the perfect home theater system is not just a possibility; it's a promise. Our team is ready to help you integrate the MartinLogan Crown CDi 1000 into your outdoor living space, ensuring every detail is tailored to your unique preferences and lifestyle.

A Symphony of Satisfaction

In the world of outdoor audio, the MartinLogan ODAMP Crown CDi 1000 is more than an amplifier—it's the centerpiece of a symphony, the conductor of your personal outdoor concert. With its robust power, exceptional audio quality, and user-friendly features, it stands ready to transform your outdoor space into an auditory paradise.

Experience the MartinLogan Crown CDi 1000 and let the music you love become the soundtrack of your life's best moments. With Dreamedia's expertise and support, your outdoor oasis will resonate with the sounds of perfection.

Our Review

MartinLogan ODAMP Crown CDi 1000 Amplifier Review

Introduction

In the world of high-fidelity audio, the amplifier is the unsung hero, providing the muscle behind the music. A good amplifier is not just about loudness; it's about clarity, dynamics, and the ability to drive a wide range of speakers. MartinLogan, a brand synonymous with premium sound quality, brings us the Crown CDi 1000, an amplifier that promises to deliver high power with efficiency. Known for their electrostatic and hybrid loudspeakers, MartinLogan's foray into amplification is a bold move that merits close examination.

Design and Build

Physical Build

The Crown CDi 1000 features a rack-mountable design that is a boon for custom installers and enthusiasts looking to streamline their audio setups. This form factor is not just about saving space; it's about integrating the amplifier into a professional or semi-professional audio environment where accessibility and organization are paramount. The build quality is robust, indicating that the CDi 1000 can withstand the rigors of heavy use.

Aesthetic and Practical Considerations

MartinLogan has opted for a minimalist design that should blend seamlessly with most home theater components. The front panel is clean, with a simple aesthetic that eschews unnecessary flourishes for a focus on functionality. Practically, the amplifier's weight and dimensions make it manageable for single-person installation, and the rear panel's layout ensures that connections are straightforward, with clearly labeled inputs and outputs.

Features

Power Output

The Crown CDi 1000 boasts 500 watts per channel at 4 ohms, a figure that will satisfy the demands of most dynamic speakers and subwoofers. At 8 ohms, the power dips to 275 watts per channel, still ample for a wide range of audio applications. This level of power output means the CDi 1000 can comfortably drive speakers to high volume levels without distortion, ensuring a dynamic and immersive listening experience.

Amplifier Class

The CDi 1000 utilizes Class D amplification, known for its high efficiency and low heat generation. Class D amps are often smaller and lighter than their A/B counterparts, and they're more energy-efficient, which means they can run cooler and be pushed harder without overheating. The switch-mode power supply is a key component, contributing to the amplifier's performance and reliability.

Compatibility

While the CDi 1000 pairs well with subwoofers and dynamic speakers, MartinLogan cautions against using it with electrostatic loudspeakers (ESL). This is due to the unique demands of ESLs, which may not be optimally met by the Crown CDi 1000's output characteristics. However, for conventional speaker loads, this amplifier should perform admirably.

Additional Features

The input sensitivity feature is a thoughtful addition, allowing users to match the CDi 1000's gain structure to sources with varying output levels. This ensures that the amplifier can be used with a wide range of preamps and processors, maintaining signal integrity. The built-in protection circuitry provides peace of mind, safeguarding the amplifier against common hazards such as short circuits, thermal overload, and DC offset.

Performance

Sound Quality

The Crown CDi 1000 delivers a sound that is both powerful and nuanced. Bass is tight and authoritative, mids are clear and articulate, and highs are crisp without being harsh. The amp's high damping factor translates to excellent speaker control, resulting in precise and detailed audio reproduction. When compared to other amplifiers in its class, the CDi 1000 holds its own, offering a compelling combination of raw power and finesse.

Heat Generation and Efficiency

During extended listening sessions, the CDi 1000 remains remarkably cool—a testament to the efficiency of its Class D design. This efficiency is not just about thermal management; it also means that the amplifier draws less power from the mains, which can translate to cost savings over time.

Reliability

The built-in protection circuitry isn't just for show; it actively monitors the amplifier's status and reacts to potential problems. This design consideration extends the life of the amplifier and ensures consistent performance, even when driving demanding speaker loads for prolonged periods.

User Experience

Setup and Installation

Integrating the Crown CDi 1000 into an existing system is straightforward. The amplifier's rear panel is intuitively designed, making cable connections a hassle-free process. Whether one is using balanced XLR or unbalanced RCA inputs, the CDi 1000 accommodates with ease. For optimal performance, users should pay attention to speaker impedance and ensure that the amplifier is configured correctly for their specific setup.

Daily Use

In day-to-day operation, the Crown CDi 1000 is user-friendly, with minimal maintenance required. The amplifier's quiet operation is a boon, though it's worth noting that some users of other Crown models have reported fan noise. While this specific issue hasn't been noted with the CDi 1000, potential buyers should be aware of this in case it arises in their particular installation or environment.

Potential Cons

Compatibility with ESL

The CDi 1000's suboptimal pairing with electrostatic loudspeakers is a limitation worth considering for enthusiasts of this speaker technology. Electrostatic speakers require an amplifier that can handle their capacitive nature and the Crown CDi 1000 might not deliver the control and finesse required. For those with ESLs, alternative amplifiers designed with electrostatic compatibility in mind would be a better choice.

Fan Noise Considerations

While the CDi 1000 is not specifically reported to have fan noise issues, the potential for noise should not be dismissed. Fans are typically activated under heavy loads or high-temperature conditions, so in a well-ventilated setup, this may be a non-issue. However, for those with acoustically sensitive environments, it's a factor to be mindful of.

Final Thoughts

The MartinLogan Crown CDi 1000 is a formidable amplifier, combining high power output with efficiency and reliability. Its rack-mountable design and compatibility with a variety of speakers make it a versatile choice for many audio systems. While it may not be the perfect match for electrostatic speakers, its performance with dynamic loads is impressive. The CDi 1000's strengths make it a strong contender in the market, and it's well-suited to its target audience of audio enthusiasts and professionals seeking a robust and dependable power amplifier. Potential buyers should weigh the pros and cons, but for those whose setups align with the CDi 1000's capabilities, it is an excellent investment in their audio experience.

Specifications

General Specifications

Model: MartinLogan ODAMP Crown CDi 1000
Amplifier Type: Class D
Power Output (4 ohms): 2 x 500W
Power Output (8 ohms): 2 x 275W
Frequency Response: 20Hz - 20kHz (+0dB, -1dB)
Signal-to-Noise Ratio: > 100dB (A-weighted)
Total Harmonic Distortion (THD): < 0.5%
Input Impedance (Balanced): 20k ohms
Input Impedance (Unbalanced): 10k ohms
Gain: 32dB
Crosstalk: > 70dB at 1kHz
Cooling: Continuously variable speed fan, back-to-front air flow
Dimensions (H x W x D): 3.5" x 19" x 12.25"
Weight: 18 lbs (8.2 kg)

Controls and Indicators

Front Panel Controls: AC power switch, channel 1 and 2 gain controls
Rear Panel Controls: Input sensitivity switch, 10x switch, bridged mono switch, parallel input switch, stereo/mono switch
Indicators: Signal presence, clip, bridge mono, parallel input, stereo, and power

Connectivity

Input Connectors: 2 balanced XLR, 2 unbalanced RCA
Output Connectors: 2 Neutrik Speakon

Features

High-Performance Amplifier: Yes
Custom Settings for Outdoor Speakers: Pre-loaded for MartinLogan Outdoor Living System speakers and subwoofers
Scalable: Yes
Audio Quality: Exceptional for outdoor living spaces
Rack-Mountable Design: Yes