Would Atmasphere M1 work with ML Ascent i speakers

I've not tried the combo and have not heard from anyone who has. However, looking at the specs you **may** have to use a set of ZEROs (http://www.zeroimpedance.com)to make it work as Martin Logans tend to have very low impedances at high frequencies.

But in general ESLs and OTLs do play well together! We have a number of customers that have Martin Logan with MA-1s are quite pleased with the combination, just none that are using the Ascent i.

Traditionally, ESLs and OTLs have been the match made in heaven since the 1950s. But some modern ESL manufacturers have wanted to tap the solid state market, which is problematic (see http://www.atma-sphere.com/Resources/Paradigms_in_Amplifier_Design.php for why).

One of the ways they have tried to solve the drive issue is to make the overall impedance of the ESL lower so a transistor amp can make power on the speaker. This often makes the ESL unplayable with any tube amp. However this problem is often easily solved by using a set of ZEROs http://www.zeroimpedance.com to raise the impedance.

The funny thing about this is that most transistor amps actually sound better driving lower impedances by using the ZEROs as well! The simple fact of the matter is that there is no good rationalization for lower impedance speakers if sound quality is your goal, regardless of the amplifier technology. If **sound pressure** is your goal, then there is a slight advantage if you have a transistor amp.