Best Integrated for Martin Logan ESL 13A

I was going to suggest a Luxman. They are not bright, at all. Extended at both ends but liquid and sweet.

Honestly, if you DO happen to find the 509 bright, switch down to the 507 (listening to mine as I type). It has higher output impedance, and therefore will have softened high frequencies by comparison, but about equivalent power.

Strongly recommend you listen to both with your speakers, and please tag me and let me know what you find. Also, and I don’t say this for every piece of gear, try the tone controls on the Luxman, they are outstanding. :) I listened to the 509 with Wilsons and had to turn the treble down significantly due to dealer set up. Took a 507 home and can’t be happier. I use the loudness at night, wonderful.

In case this isn't clear, it's the low impedance at the top octaves of an ESL which is driving my recommendations. If you had speakers like I have at home, or "normal" speakers.... the impedance difference wouldn't be helpful and I'd strongly recommend the 509 if you can afford it. :)

My other favorite integrated (that i might someday afford) is Ayre.


Best,

E

I have heard various Martin Logan models driven by various McIntosh amplifiers and integrateds, all solid state, and I thought they sounded very good. In particular, the McIntosh solid state models with the autoformers were a great match. 

I have the 11As and would recommend against McIntosh.  I had them paired with the MC452 and it was just too warm for the speakers.  Some instruments, especially strings and piano, just didn’t sound realistic to me.  I spent a lot of time and money trying to work around the amp with various components and cables but finally gave in, trading the amp for a Luxman 509X.
ML speakers have a slight roll off in the highs so sticking with a Luxman is a good idea.  I now have the 509X paired with the Lumin T2 and it works well, not bright.  Though if you are looking for a lush sound Luxman may not be the best choice.  Luxman tends to be neutral, transparent, and crisp, though very smooth, never fatiguing.

At your budget 509X is a great integrated.  In my opinion to move a step higher you would need to go at least double your budget.  I demoed quite a bit of different integrates and separates in the same budget with the 11As, including the Gryphon Diablo 300 which is significantly more expensive.  For me, Luxman had the best bang for the buck and sound combination.

erdoc12356
Best Integrated for Martin Logan ESL 13A

 Made for each other, Gryphon Diablo 120 or if you can up the $$ the 300
Big, sweet high Class-A bias sound, that can drive down to 1ohm no sweat, and that’s what’s needed with all ML ESL’s
https://gryphon-audio.dk/shop/integrated-amplifiers/diablo-120/

https://gryphon-audio.dk/shop/integrated-amplifiers/gryphon-diablo-300-integrated-amplifier/

Cheers George