Good Amp for Martin Logan Monolith II

The Aragon amps seemed like they were struggling because they were. I'm surprised they didn't blow up.
Audio Research M-300 monos work wonders on the Monoliths, but you could probably get by with 100 tube watts depending on the size of your room.

If you want good sound from your Monoliths get tubes.
Everything shows up for sale eventually. You have to decide on what you want and be patient.
When buying used equipment there is no other choice. I don't like buying substitutes with anything whether it is stereo equipment or a dish for my cat. I would rather do without.

Minor1, You are using late model tube monos and preamp on your panels and recommending an older solid state stereo amp. Does this mean you're not there?
I have had the original Mark Levinson amplifiers like your ML3 work extremely well with electrostatic speakers.

Minor1, I'd say another set of VTM 120s and you'll be there. I'm a stickler for coherent sound.

I totally agree with you. Newer is not always better and sometimes newer is not as good.

I also owned an SP-11 MKII. I used it with a Levinson 23 to drive the big Duntechs and later I owned a 23.5.

I am a long time fan of Audio Research both new and old. I have owned everything from an SP-3A-1 and ST-70 C3 up to the Classic Series amplifiers. After that I switched to Quicksilver to drive my CLS and then the ESP Concert Grands. There is a pair listed on Audiogon with some good photos if you have never seen them.

I don't know about the product of the month because I don't read magazines anymore. We eventually reach a point where we realize the manufacturers and reviewers are not gods and we begin to trust our ears for what is good sound.

I would call myself a tube lover, but some of the best sound I have heard was with high quality Class A solid state monos like the Levinson Model 20s. I also like the John Curl Levinson gear like your ML3 with the preamp of the same vintage.

I am sure your system is very there. It sounds like you have an awesome system.

Happy listening.

Minor1, I wish I could tell you I kept my 23.5, but I didn't. Wouldn't it be great if we still had every piece of stereo equipment we ever owned. I simply don't have the room.

Just think, with 4 VTM 120 monos you wouldn't have to worry about being cold in the winter.

Stereo amplifiers are less expensive and the VT 100 made a big hit, but I have always preferred mono amplifiers for their big soundstage. The Audio Research M 300 monos worked very well on the Monoliths full range.

Thanks for the recommendation, I will give it a listen.

Eliane Elias is brilliant. My Foolish Heart and Tangerine, also on that disc are great.

Are you familiar with Grant Green? On his CD, "Idle Moments", Blue Note, listen to the title track, almost 15 minutes long. This recording really says something about the resolving power of the big Martin Logan panels. Through my CLS while each musician takes their turn, there is a strange sound coming from the right speaker before the sax begins his solo. It is Joe Henderson blowing air through his horn to the tune of the song while he is warming up for his solo and it was picked up by his mic. I'm sure this was not audible during the recording session or by any other speaker for that matter.

It's great you can borrow equipment from your local dealer. It would be a good way to find out if your system would be more coherent with all tubes and if it is meaningful to you.

I was runnig the Dunlavy SC IV speakers with Audio Research tube electronics. Dunlavy never believed in bi-wiring, but the dealers and reviewers pressured him until he started offering binding posts for bi-wiring or bi-amping. I tried the speakers both ways and I preferred the sound with single wire because the speakers were much more coherent.

I will be interested to know if you try another pair of tube amplifiers on the bottom and the results. Please keep me posted.