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
well, the Primaluna arrived and I set it up last night.  It needs about 100 hours to break it in, but of course I couldn't resist and started listening to music right away.  Mind you, the Plinius is a great Integrated, but man was I blown away by the imaging, sound, and control of my Summit X speakers.  It was absolutely beautiful.  As though my speakers came alive.  This is a HUGE step up for me.

George and others, what should I listen for that will show me the limitations of tubes with my speakers?  Is there specific music that will make this apparent to me?  I want to make sure I grasp the effect of the impedance shortfall of tubes before I listen to the Sanders.

I also received the Sanders ESL amp today.  Going this route will be more expensive because I would have to buy a preamp eventually.  I plan to use the Plinius as a preamp initially if this is the route I go.

I will listed to the Primaluna for about a week, then move to the Sanders.  Setup takes time to move back and forth, so I'll probably spend about a week or so with each and then make a decision.

Thanks everyone!
Steve
Congratulations. Your experience demonstrates the well known fact that there are many variables in play to predict an outcome with any degree of certainty. Instead of trying to find the shortcomings of the tube circuit, I think you should listen to familiar music and decide for yourself if you can hear anything missing. If anything, you “might” hear a slight roll-off at extreme high frequencies due to the inherent very low impedance of the ESL panel. Enjoy.
I have owned a Primaluns Dialouge 1 Intergrated in the past . It drove my KingSound King Electrostatic pretty good in a smaller room . My speakers should be harder to drive than you ML . I now own a Primaluna Premium HP amp . It works great with Electrostats . Have no idea what graph would indicate a poor match with stats . Enjoy the amp !
I have owned a Primaluns Dialouge 1 Intergrated
 It drove my KingSound King Electrostatic pretty good in a smaller room .
My speakers should be harder to drive than your ML .

No sorry it’s the other way around.
ML’s
https://hometheaterhifi.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/martin-logan-summit-x-impedance-phase-graph.g...

King sound
https://www.stereonet.co.nz/wp/wp-content/uploads/attachments/118797=3977-KS3000%20Measurements.jpg

Cheers George
"George and others, what should I listen for that will show me the limitations of tubes with my speakers? Is there specific music that will make this apparent to me? I want to make sure I grasp the effect of the impedance shortfall of tubes before I listen to the Sanders."

smills59-

It's great, having the experience/wisdom of SOME qualified members here, but trust your own ears. As mentioned earlier, white papers with graphs and specs certainly are necessary to establish a baseline "good," but it ain't gonna ensure what YOUR ears like.

Your favorite music will sound more convincing on one of the two. 

Happy listening!