compact tube amp and in wall speaker

I agree with Truman. Nothing is going to sound like what you are looking for. ML's are nice but this one isn't designed to get "really loud". Also, your placement sounds messed up? Read ML's manual and see for yourself: https://www.martinlogan.com/pdf/manuals/manual-electromotion-ic-iw-r.pdf

For tubes, you may be able to get into a hybrid but it really depends on your budget. Finally, these things have virtually no bass. You would need a subwoofer.

Find an ML dealer and go listen.

Buy a really cool looking solid state amp instead. TUBES + BOOKCASE = FIRE.

Not many local dealers if any deal with tubed. Was hoping to get some guidance here.

I'll check out the Swissnor. Thanks.

Wall mount not on wife approval list, maybe bookshelf.

Thanks for heads up on placementand link! Very helpful.

Tube look cool. Wife approval factor is high. Hope sound is good too.

The amp wi) have its own shelf away from any books. Fire shouldn't be an issue.

Appreciate the feedback. Is the amperage sufficient for high 80's dB speaker?

I would not go with ESLs if you plan to mount the drivers in the wall!!

Instead I would get my hands on the most efficient and wide range speakers I could. ML ESLs are traditionally not very tube friendly and it sounds like you are on a budget so a high powered tube amp that will do the MLs justice is likely out of the picture.

Lowthers, PHY and other high efficiency drivers is where I would be looking (in my own case I would likely be looking at a 2-way system using 15" woofers of high efficiency so that I had full range; this would allow you to use a 5 or 6" driver for the mids and highs). This would allow you a lower powered (read: affordable) tube amplifier and the results could be really excellent.

I could be mistaken, but I think he was talking about the ML's that use the ribbon tweeter.