Ribbons or electrostatic speakers with SS Amp?

The issue isn't solid stage with a panel speakers, it's the xa30.5 with a panel speakers.

I had a large Magnepan speaker with a true ribbon tweeter for over a decade. Anything short of the power of a Bryston 4B and the speaker was lifeless.

FWIW Sound Lab redesigned their backpanel a little over a year ago making the speaker much easier to drive for tube and transistor amps alike.

I've use Macintosh(ss&tube), B&K(ss), Futterman(tube), Carver(SS) and Accuphase(ss) amps to drive KLH Model-Nines, no problem. I have used the same assorted equipment to drive M-L CLSIIz, no problem. I could drive SoundLabs A-3 with all but the tube amps. It seems you have to see what works best.

I tried a XA30.5 on my Martin Logan CLSIIA's and it sounded great, however, no where near the power that I needed. I do have a bigger room and listen a little loud, (but not overly so).

I also tried a pair of the XA60.5 monos and still I thought that it wasn't enough.

The XA100.5s or the XA160.5s would have been perfect, but I didn't have that kind of money.

I know of quite a few people that use the PASS XA series amps on Martin Logan.

Check out the Martin Logan Owner's Group site:

http://www.martinloganowners.com/forum/