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Tube Amplifier with Martin Logan Summit X

I’ve used panel speakers, mostly Magnepan and Martin Logan, for over 30 years with various amplification sources. Many years ago I owned the Martin Logan CLS’s and considered, at that time, to be the the best sounding speaker that I’d owned. With that memory in mind, a couple of years ago I had the opportunity to buy a pair of CLS2’s from a friend that I originally used with the Mark Levinson (100WPC). I was quite happy with that setup but now have an opportunity to buy my friend’s pair of Summit X’s and am looking for advice. I’ve recently exchanged the Mark Levinson for the Cary SLI80 which I’ve also enjoyed with the CLS2 speakers with bass assist from the Martin Logan Depth Subwoofer.  Now, the question. One reads so much on these forums that the electrostats, especially ML’s, need lots of power to perform well musically and that solid state is best to accommodate the low impedance loads of these panels. If I buy the Summits am I likely to experience issues because of the relatively low power output (40 W triode or 80W ultra linear) of the Cary?  I’d appreciate any advice because it’s a long drive and relatively significant expense for me. 
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Showing 1 response by docknow

docknow
318 posts
 
I am a long-term CLS and CLX owner and have always driven them with tubes.  Purchased CLSI's and drove them with an ARC D115mkII (100 watts) in the 80's and subsequently upgraded the speakers all the way through CLSIIz's (and had Entec subs).  About 2015-16, I purchased an ARC REF110 (110 watts).  Both of these drove the CLSs well and I don't think there is a substantial difference between 80 and 110 watts. 

In 2017, I upgraded to CLXs and a REF150SE at the same time.  More power (150 watts), but I was in a smaller room at that point, so did not really need it, although I did appreciate the increase in resolution, etc.  I did add a BF 210 sub, for bass extension, not for increased output.

I think you will be fine with 80 watts, except if you want to listen concert level loud.  My bigger question is whether Summit X's are better or worse than CLSs with a depth sub (and the custom crossover file).  This is partially dependent on the status of your CLS panels.
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