Best Amps to bi-amp SL3's on a budget ???

Tosh said:

Have you tried using your Puresound A30 to drive only the panels (ie with the jumper to the woofer disconnected)? Not needing to also drive the woofers makes life much easier for an amp.

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malcesine said:

I did try that and found my solid state Lyngdorf 100W class D was slightly better for the panels alone.
I mainly put that down to lack of power as the SL3's are the only speaker where any SS amp (and I have tried many) has bettered my A30 (large Proacs, MA, Triangle. PMC and other 'standard' box speakers) and the A30 was much better on all of those.
The A30 has power to go plenty loud on the SL3's but the panels just lack something in quality and sparkle that the Lyngdorf improves upon.

Ideally I would prefer to bi-amp but a stonking single amp might do just as well

On another note would a Krell KSA-80 fit the bill ?

thanks

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malcesine said:

Looking to upgrade my old amp to a pair of power / integrated amps to bi-amp my Martin Logan SL3's.

I prefer a smoother, musical style of amp - harsh, clinical and 'hifi' is not what I am after

My Puresound A30 valve integrated has easily been my favourite amp driving my old Proac 2.5 to give you an idea of my preferences but the A30's 30W class A isn't quite enough to get the best from panels. Goes plenty loud but not quite as good as a 100W Lyngdorf power amp I have.

I also use a subwoofer for <100Hz bass due to room issues and this works very well.

I can also adjust line output into both amps independently so exact match of amps is not necessary.

Listening at Low - Mid volumes in small to med room for acoustic, rock, indie, jazz and occasional HT.
Any higher powered options would be for control and musicality and not high SPL.

Budget is around $1500 used.

I have some thoughts around Parasound A23/A21 and Emotiva XPA-2 but my instinct is high powered valves for the panel and SS for the woofer.

Any thoughts or advice ?

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