POWER AMPLIFIER FOR LOW TO MODERATE LISTENING

My system consists of 90db efficient speakers (Sonus Faber Amati) and a 70wpc (ARC REF 160s in triode mode)… it sounds fantastic at the 65db range.

I used to run planars of different kinds, and I don’t remembering them sounding great at that level… but not dead. I ran with a Pass x350. So, I am sure that would help. But also it will significantly change the character of the sound. Maybe not in a good way.

I would go borrow a Pass x350 or other amp with massive current. I would try… not buy, because if you want to keep the CJ musicality I think your best bet might be to swap speakers. I understand why you would prefer not to.

I use a Loki just for that purpose and will do no critical listening without it on my 20 watt (draw) amp..

I have two systems. Both are running First Watt amps.( J2,F5) currently both systems are running 90 db speakers at 8ohm. Right now I’m at peaks of 70 db. ( using a phone app). The majority of my listening is around this level.  I am more than happy with these amps.  

Alternatively you may wish to try Autoformer’s. I’m using them between my ARC REF 75 SE (8 Ohm taps) and Magnepan 3.7i’s. Low to moderate and high SPL all sound great, it was a huge improvement.

https://anticables.com/store/ZERO-Boxes-p14644876
 

I am surprised by what you report.  I have Martin Logan CLS in my second system.  At one time I had planned to build my system around them.  I love 2 things about the Electrostats:

1.  Awesome midrange.

2.  Sound great at low volumes.  

I find they don't take nearly as much power as people think  With a sub hooked up to drive bass frequencies I hooked my Decware ZMA 40 watt tube amp up to the CLSs an it drove them just fine.  

Your ESLs are crossed over fairly high as I remember so you should only be driving mid and high frequencies with your amp, so I don't understand.

Best of luck in figuring it out.

Jerry

It’s a combination of everything. Your MLs are warm speakers with powerful bass, thanks to the powered woofer. CJ amp is also on a sweeter side.

Amps that come to mind are SimAudio moon 760a, may be Classe amps too. I’d recommend also to take a look at the room acoustics. First reflections tend to screw up clarity

At low levels in particular human ears do not hear bass or treble well. I’d apply DSP to fix that if needed . Changing amps is not an effective way to address that.

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Equal-loudness_contour

+1 @mapman

also research or google ’fletcher munson curve’

a simple equalizer can help, if one doesn’t want to mess with dsp

there used to be that sometimes useful thing called a 'loudness button' ... 😉

+2