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Amplifier For Martin Logan CLSIIZ?

Hey guys,

I'll be getting my Martin Logan CLSIIz's next Friday. I've been leaning toward tubes, but am somewhat open to solid state - provided it's a synergistic match.

Do the CLS' need WATTS or CURRENT?

Here is a list of the "affordable" (less than $1,500 used) amps that I am somewhat familiar with and was considering.

Solid State:
*Classe DR-2 or DR-3 (only 25 and 30 watts, but pure class A and VERY high current)
*Pass Labs Aleph 3 or 5
*McCormack DNA-1 Deluxe or DNA-225
*BelCanto EVO 200.2
*PS Audio HCA-2 (never heard this one but have read good things)

Tubes:
*Audio Research D-XXX Most of these are fantastic - anything from the D-76B up to the D-160
*BAT VK-60
*VTL 70/70, ST-125, Compact 100s
*Music Reference RM-9

This is by no means an exhaustive list. They're just a few pieces that I'm either very familiar with or that just sound intriguing.

I'm open to all suggestions but am particularly interested in hearing from folks with personal experience driving CLS'.

Thanks in advance for your help.
gullahisland
dannylw's avatar
dannylw
172 posts
 
As an owner of CLS2Z I will try to provide some insight. The HCA-2 will not work. It will sound nice but will not handle dual transients.

On transistor amps you need at more than 175wpc. I once spoke with Roland and they told me the older 150wpc amps were a little short on power for this speaker.

I use Odyssey stratos Extreme monos. I beleive they are wonderful.

I also hear that the McCormack can be a good match. Classe newer amps are a good match. Symphonic Line and the Innersound are good. On older amps the old Acoustat, Counterpoint and Mac's can be good.

I don't know of the BEL Canto.

Big tube amps maybe. Samll tube amps no. I have heard that tubes are very good with these speakers.
jayctoy's avatar
jayctoy
3,779 posts
 
I dont know, How much are the Blue circle, but the
guy who makes the amps use this type of speakers
to tune them.I might be wrong.
mdl
6 posts
 

PS Audio actually advised me against using the HCA-2 with these. I use a Sonic Frontiers Power 2 (2 ohm taps) and am generally pleased.
gullahisland OP
83 posts
 
Thanks everybody,

That's a very interesting comment about the HCA-2. Not sure of why (technically) this is the case, but it's sure good to know.

I believe that Blue Circle's designer (can't think of his name) does use them as his reference. I think I'll shoot him an email and find out what he thinks.

MDL - The Power 2 is 110wpc, no?

Any more suggestions are welcomed. I really would like to stay with tubes if at all possible. In fact, the gentleman that I bought them from told me that he had good success driving them with a VTL running at 60wpc SET. Obviously not to particularly loud levels, but very sweet and 3D, according to him.
dennis_the_menace's avatar
dennis_the_menace
467 posts
 
my vote for tubes as well. edsawyer uses a 20watt custom tube amp with his CLS, swears by them.
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