Help with speakers Martin Logan SL3


I have a set of ML SL3's. These speakers contain a 10" bass driver. I have been reading several responses about these speakers and am confused.

I am using a California Audio Labs CL-2500 (500x5) amplifier of which 50 watts operates in class "A".
The speakers can handle up to 200 watts. When I crank
the volume up, maybe a classical or jazz piece, the amplfier clips! Here is the kicker. My preamp is a CLASSE
SSP-50 and when I run it in 5 channel stereo (which includes the ML Logos and Scripts) ONLY the two front channels clip. Is it strange the two front channels are being run to my preamp through balanced cables while the others are not?

Any ideas/suggestions/help?

Dan
nbt

Showing 3 responses by nbt

Once again, I am confused. Per the manual, "The CL-2500 Multi-Channel Amplifier (MCA) provides 500 watts RMS to each of five
channels making this unit the most powerful home theater amplifier on the market today."

If I am getting (knowing price does NOT indicate quality) 500 watts per channel from a $7,500 amp, is it truely possible it is NOT ENOUGH?

Dan
Well the amplifier I am using is one of the most powerful, if not the most, multi channel amplifiers out there, rated at 500x5@8, and higher into 4/2.

It delivers 50W into "A". Is it possible the amp clips because the speakers can not handle the amount of power being sent its way?

Dan
Thanks No_money and hifinerd,

As for loud, lets say reference levels. I can give a better description of what happens. First off, I get very little bass out of these, not uncommon. Using a Velodyne 18 for Home Theater, I am not concerned, however, in 2 channel, all low frequencies leave the room. So as I turn the Classe SSP-50 up to about -35 to -40 (-60 is the max) with each channel set at about +6dB (problem? should it be 0?) the two front channel, using balanced cables, clip. This means, the speaker continue playing, the amp still works, but the two dummy (good for people like me) lights come on sporatically reading CLIP. When I look at the bass driver it is COMPLETELY maxed, moving as if there is TOO MUCH power.

Keep in mind, the volume is VERY loud at this point! I just find it odd that the other speakers do not clip. I believe I have them all set at LARGE?!

Ideas?