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Help with speakers Martin Logan SL3

I have a set of ML SL3's. These speakers contain a 10" bass driver. I have been reading several responses about these speakers and am confused.

I am using a California Audio Labs CL-2500 (500x5) amplifier of which 50 watts operates in class "A".
The speakers can handle up to 200 watts. When I crank
the volume up, maybe a classical or jazz piece, the amplfier clips! Here is the kicker. My preamp is a CLASSE
SSP-50 and when I run it in 5 channel stereo (which includes the ML Logos and Scripts) ONLY the two front channels clip. Is it strange the two front channels are being run to my preamp through balanced cables while the others are not?

Any ideas/suggestions/help?

Dan
nbt
nbt OP
28 posts
 
Well the amplifier I am using is one of the most powerful, if not the most, multi channel amplifiers out there, rated at 500x5@8, and higher into 4/2.

It delivers 50W into "A". Is it possible the amp clips because the speakers can not handle the amount of power being sent its way?

Dan
beemer
444 posts
 
Hello Dan:

Great speaker needs a great amp. You are fooling yourself with your current CAL Home Theater amp. I have HT using ReQuest mains, SL3 rears and Logos center. I use a Levinson ML3 on the ReQuests, a Perreaux PMF3150 on the SL3's and a B&K ST1400 Monoblock on the logos. Find an older "big iron" Classe or Levinson to power your main SL3's. You'll be much happier!

Paul
lwin's avatar
lwin
570 posts
 
Dan: Even though your amp has 500 watts it still has only 100 perchannel. M.L. are noted for their difficult impedance loads they present to an amplifier. a truly powerful amp will double down or come close to it. An amp that is capable of this will for example be rated 200 watts 8 ohms & 400 watts at 4 ohms. Look at your amps owners manual & see what it puts out for 4 & 2 ohms. A good HIfi shop will probably let you borrow an amp for a day or two which is what I did & even though I was lighter in the wallet there was no hesitation on my part once I had heard the difference.
nbt OP
28 posts
 
Once again, I am confused. Per the manual, "The CL-2500 Multi-Channel Amplifier (MCA) provides 500 watts RMS to each of five
channels making this unit the most powerful home theater amplifier on the market today."

If I am getting (knowing price does NOT indicate quality) 500 watts per channel from a $7,500 amp, is it truely possible it is NOT ENOUGH?

Dan
hifinerd
33 posts
 
I am using a SL-3 for the front Logos for Center and Scripts for rear. Have driven them with the following amps:
1) B&K 7250
2) Aragon 8008BB and 8008x3
3) Proceed HPA 2&3
4) EAD PowerMaster 2000
It never clip for any of these amps. It could be a bad amp if I am not wrong. Since Martin Logan are hard to drive. Wish you the best of luck in resolving your problem. If you need more advice feel free to email me.

Bill
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