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Looking for great tube integrated for Martin Logan Summit X speakers

I've had upgrade fever every since I added bass traps and acoustic panels to my listening room and wondered why I didn't do that years ago.  So I've decided to change my Plinius Hautonga integrated and make the plunge to tubes. I want that sound, and the thought of tube rolling appeals to me.  I was leaning toward the Primaluna Dialogue HP integrated, but after doing more reading, I'm concerned that it won't have adequate power due to the Summit's impedance needs.  I'm admittedly a novice with tubes, so seeking help from the forum.   My room is about 12x15, with the area behind my listening position open for an additional eight feet.  I don't listen at high volumes at all, and my favorite music is female jazz, smooth jazz, Nora Jones type vocals.  Music comes from SACDs and Tidal exclusively - I have no analogue gear.

The rest of my gear:
  • Gustard x20u DAC modified by Rick Schultz
  • Oppo 103D for SACDs modified by Rick Schultz
  • Bryston BDP-1 music streamer
Will I be happy with the Primaluna, or do you have other suggestions in the $5,000 range?  Or should I stay away from tubes for these speakers?

Appreciate your opinions!

Steve
smills59
tomcy6's avatar
tomcy6
1,368 posts
 
There are a lot of people who say MLs sound best with tubes but my experience is that they do better with lots of power.  I never tried them with tubes.

I had Summit Xs powered by Pass XA30.8s and they sounded great to me.  The 30.8 I believe puts about 100 watts into 8 ohms and increases into 4 and 2 but doesn't double down.

I decided to see what a muscle amp would sound like and got a D'Agostino Classic Stereo.  300 watts into 8 ohms 1,000 into 2 ohms.  It was a great improvement in every way.  The Summit Xs really came to life with more power.

So that doesn't answer your question, but that was my experience.
tuberist's avatar
tuberist
79 posts
 
I owned Martin Logan SL3s for many years and used a BAT VK500 ss amp....the Stat panels dip real low in impedance. I also heard the those Logans with a 35 watt tube amp and the sound staging was surreal so I guess it depends on the damping factor of the amp?? Those with the big tech knowledge could probably explain exactly what kind of tube rig would have synergy with your speakers 
tablejockey
743 posts
 
I've had my PL HP for 4 years. 

ML stats have been on my radar among many others.

I found them to sound fantastic with the PL.

Using sealed floorstanders/sub, and just looking for something different.

IMO, a subjective decision that only your ears can decide.

You won't know until any speaker is in your room.

This review mentions tube/SS performance with the Summit X
http://www.tonepublications.com/review/the-martinlogan-summit-x-speakers/

If more power is needed, you could drop KT120 or 150's to replace the EL34's. Other than visceral DEEP bass, I didn't hear anything lacking with the EL34's. Subs would take care of this.
This is just my personal taste, someone else may find it okay without a sub. 
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