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Best Integrated for Martin Logan ESL 13A

I am looking for some suggestions for an integrated (or possibly) separates to pair with my ML ESL 13A and Lumin S1 streamer/DAC. I'll be taking delivery of the speakers in 2 weeks. The Lumin is my only source (Tidal/Qobuz). I'd prefer an integrated amp, but am open to solid state separates. Budget: around $10k. Listen mainly to acoustic singer/songwriter rock/alt rock. 

I've heard that the ML 13A's can be a little bright when paired with the Lumin S1. Not looking for bright. Interested in Luxman pieces- they seem well-built/well-liked, but the 509X looks like it may contribute to the bright sound of the current components... stability into 2 ohm seems pretty important for these electrostats...
erdoc12356
eziggy
137 posts
 
I did an extensive A/B listening session with Diablo 300 and Luxman 509X paired with ML 11As (using same source components and cables).  The Gryphon sure has raw power, but found it to bright on some few songs, borderline fatiguing. Some songs sound great, others sound a tad harsh. First impressions of the Diablo 300 compared to the Luxman 509X was that something was off with the Diablo.  The 509X had less bass impact but was smoother across the board.  This of course is my opinion specific with the 11As.  I am sure others may like it.

I had a similar experience the first time I heard the Diablo 300 at another dealer, again paired with the ML 11As, this time with DCS components as source.
georgehifi's avatar
georgehifi
10,312 posts
 
The Gryphon sure has raw power, but found it to bright on some few songs, borderline fatiguing.

This is totally the opposite of what the sound is like, not just with the Diablo but the whole Gryphon range, if anything the sound signature of all Gryphon amps is on the darker side of neutral and always has been. And reviews back that up, not that that means anything.

Something was wrong somewhere if that was the case, and you came to that conclusion, of "borderline fatiguing", unless it was just giving what the recording was like, which is a good thing, as it’s not masking then and had better transparency of the two amps.

Cheers George
eziggy
137 posts
 
@georgehifi As I said, it really is a personal preference.  From my experience the overall sound signature is as you describe it but when pushed the treble can get a tad harsh.  This is playing recordings that I know well so that's not this issue.

It is a great integrated though and I can see why other like it.
georgehifi's avatar
georgehifi
10,312 posts
 
but when pushed the treble can get a tad harsh
Like I said the Gryphon's sound signature it's had forever of it's treble, has always been on the dark side of neutral, not in your face, "some" say it's a little laid back even in reviews.

Cheers George   
erdoc12356 OP
5 posts
 
Thanks everyone- just wanted to close the loop on this thread.

I decided to go with an integrated that I found on Audiogon last week- Aavik U300.

Looking forward to setting it up next week.
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