SS amp and tube preamp combo for Martin Logan Sl-3

Its interesting that I came across this thread. I was having the exact same dilemma with my present solid state gear driving SL3"s. I just couldn't stand the harsh and brightness of the panels. A few weeks ago, I went to my local audio store (4 hour drive) and auditioned various equipment driving ML ESL's comparable with my SL3's. After listening to solid state, tube, and solid state/tube combinations, it was evident that a tube pre with a solid state amp was the best of both worlds. I ended up buying the BAT vk200 SS amp and a BAT vk30 tube pre.

I also would have to say the Innersound ESL amp. Best performance-per-dollar. Smooth, musical;, NEVER hard or harsh w/TONS of gain.

I would second Plato on the Innersound preamp, one of the few solid state preamps I could live with. And their amps are terrific for stats, even their competitors'.

I would recommend a Rogue 99 or other tube preamp using 6SN7 tubes rather than 6DJ8/6922s. The 6SN7-based preamps I have tried are generally less "bright" than 6922-based units in my experience (I know it's a blanket statement, but I did say "generally"). Having used both the Rogue 66 and 99 preamps with electrostatic speakers, I would personally lean toward the 99. You may lose a little high frequency detail, but you will make it up in increased dynamics and freedom from harshness. I see this as an acceptable trade-off, though others may disagree.

If detail and lack of harshness is really your goal then you can't do much better than the solid state InnerSound line stage. It is less harsh than many tube preamps, better-balanced, more detailed and quieter too.

When I owned a pair of Acoustat spectra hybrids (similar design to your ML's) I had a 4B-ST and found that the addition of a Rogue 66 was the ticket. Now I'm not saying the Rogue is the end all but its a very nice tube preamp for the money!

I use a Meridian 557 200 watt amp and a Meridian 502 solid state Pre-amp on my SL3's. Very warm indeed. The power cords of Electraglide have tamed all of the highs with the warmness of the British Meridian components.Steve

Try getting your hands on a CONRAD JOHNSON tube preamp,it should tame the highs a bit,but will still sound lush,Bryston is a very good choice for S/S amp,or you can stay with the Parasound until you can scrape up some loot to get the Bryston.Try finding the Premier 3 or the PV-5 preamp.Cheers and good luck.

I'm using a McCormack DNA 1/B with a SS pre - McIntosh C38 - to drive my SL3s. I have all the detail I can hear and no harshness. YMMV,