best amp for Martin logan sl-3

I'm using a McCormack DNA 1/Rev B and am quite pleased with the sound. I had upgraded from the DNA .5 and tried the Plinius 100 before setlling on the bigger McCormack. As with all things audio, YMMV and trust your ears.

Just kooked up my MLs with Bryston 7Bs. Dual Monoblocks @ about 900 watts per. They sound excellant,presentation is fantastic, and they run cool. You do not need full power....

I have to think you are on the right track in considering one of the Audio Research VT100 iterations. I am getting by fairly nicely with a McCormack DNA .5 Deluxe, but I have a fairly small room. I am considering moving to a VT100. Keep in mind that room size is a major factor in determining how much power you will need.

I was running my CLS's with a DNA1 Deluxe, it did well up to a point. All big balls tubes amps that I tried were superior to the McCormack and several other, higher powered solid state amps. Give some big ball tube amps a try... Wolcotts, SF Power 3's and the like. They all are a little different but all will really open up your Logans. Don't get me wrong, there are some good solid state amps mentioned here (some mediocre amps, too) and they will sound good, but good high powered tube amps will take you to another place. Compare both types in your system. To answer your question, the ARC VT 100 will drive your speakers with no problem (tried a VT100MkII with my speakers, no problem). This amp was good, although not my choice. Some good deals on Wolcott's, Sonic Frontiers and used VT100 MkII's right now.

Forgot the second part of your question... I have heard (from their owners) that Innersound amps are excellent with esl's. They were specifically designed for Innersound esl speakers. The low down is that these beasts NEVER run out of headroom no matter what load you're driving and are surprisingly musical, too. Your SL3's are not terribly demanding (not like the big mofo SoundLabs, for example) but you may want to check the Innersound out anyway. Supposed to be a very good amp -- never heard anything but good stuff from guys who own these.