Which Amp for ML Ascent i?

I have the ML Odysseys and use a 352 with stunning sound results.

Have you had a chance to listen to the Aragon line of amps. I just heard them the other night. They sounded fantastic. 200 watts for about $1500. Not bad.

I have an older set of ReQuests and here are some of my observations.

The ML's do like power, all of your choices should be sufficient in that regard.

I originally had my ReQuests hooked up to a McCormick DNA-1 Deluxe, but I wanted a bit more bloom and richer tonality.

I tried a Mark Levinson 332, an Air Tight that I can't remember the model number of (georgeous sound, but not enough UMPH!), the Ayre V5x and finally a set of Roque Audio M-120 Magnums.

The Levinson and Ayre were very close, with the Levinson providing an immense soundstage, but the Ayre providing more of the liquidity I was searching for.

To be honest I ended up getting the Rogue's though as they seemed to my ears to provide the best qualities of the other amps in one package. In talking with Mark O'Brian after I had ordered the amps he told me that he had voiced the M-120 on the ReQuests, so I managed to discover a great synergy. Perhaps you should add them to your short list.

Happy listening

I have the Ascents,and I power them with the Pass X-150. Its a great match. Its very musical with plenty of slam,and very detailed. If you can spend 5K, the X-250 or X-350 would be a incredible match with your Ascents.

I second Bingaman above and vote for tubes. From your post it's clear that you are looking for the attributes most commonly attributed to tubes. For example, you mention that your current gear is "voiced like a Conrad-Johnson tubed preamp. The NuVista has an analog-like quality." You go on to say you want a "smooth, glare free sound". Best way to get those things is with a tube amp.

On my SL3 I run a Sonic Frontiers power 1 at 50 watts. I have a room with huge amounts of space and I don't lack for power--even with only 50 watts. Tubes are magical in many ways. Yes, an area where the power is short is in the bass. If you really wanna rock, get the SF power 3 monos. More power than your neighbors will ever let you unleash.

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