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Amps for CLSII?

Does anyone have recommendations for amplifiers for the Martin Logan CLSII? I'm looking for a low cost (<$1500) new or used, probably SS amps to try out a used pair of CLSII that I recently acquired.

I've tried my 80 w tube amps, the sound is really terrible, and I can get very bad, loud distortion (intermittent)on the panels if I increase the volume to past 11 PM. The panels are 14 years old...so I might need to replace the panels, but thought it might be worth trying a new amp first...?

There are currently good new prices on the Anthem Amp 2 hybrid, 200 w/ch and the Aragon 8008 MkII, 400 w/ch at 4 ohms. Would you recommend one of these, or something else?

Current equipment is:
preamp: ARC LS8 mkII
GTA 80 w mono tube amps
Sony DVP9000ES
harmonic tech and AQ cables
(and this setup sounds great with my ML SL3)

Thanks in advance,
tonnesen

Showing 1 response by tonnesen

tonnesen OP
137 posts
 

Yes - that's exactly the response I'm getting with these.

Thanks, everyone, for the comments - based on the discussion in the topic "Martin Logan CLS panel distortion" I had thought my amps were too low powered, but it sounds like the real issue is the age of the panels.

By the way, I bought these on Audiogon, and they were advertised as new panels, it was only after I call ML with the serial numebrs that I discovered they were built in 1989. So, my advice is always get the serial number before you buy! Looks like I'll have to invest in the new set of panels.

Thanks,
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