Old Question, any new responses? Logans and tubes


Can new tube amps like Yaqin, music angel, ... pumping out 60-75 ultra-linear, 30-40 triode run Martin Logan SL3?
mojambo

Showing 2 responses by lostbears


You need around 100 wpc to drive the SL3s well. I was using a ARC VT100 to drive mine and it was a good combination. I tried a VS60 and it would not drive them at all. I have also tried bi amping them with two VT100s and this made an improvement over the single VT100. But in the end I did not feel it was worth all the extra tubes. Currently I am using a ARC Ref 110 and I am very happy with this setup.


I have owned my SL3s since 1997 and I have tried a lot of different amps with them. They really need 90 to 100 wpc to be driven well. I have tried a 50 wpc amp and they sounded all closed in and a little distorted. They were pushing the amp into clipping. I had a pair of Cary SLMs in my system at one point and that was a nice match. A little more on the tubey side than my ARC. All point to point wiring. The Manley amps are also really nice sounding amps. I have also tried Solid State amps like the PLINIUS SA102. While not bad sounding I really prefer the SL3s with tubes. I also think they sound better with a triode design. My suggestion would be to consider buying used. All the manufacturers that have been mentioned have made some great amps. They can be picked up used for a fraction of the original cost.