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

Showing 3 responses by yada

Power cords and speaker cable make a big difference too. I do not know any amps in that budget I could recommend, sorry.
A bit off topic. I like the Granite Audio 555 or 560 power cord for the speakers. What do you use?
I went through several power cords about the time that Elrod Sig 3 rolled out. I found that the power cords did make a difference and thankfully, I liked a less expensive cord.

The most noticeable difference for me with the power cords was the presence of, or lack of air.