2. speakers
  3. 1426529641

Electrostatic speakers and low volume resolution

I've used electrostats almost exclusively for over 35 years and am just now questioning whether it is my somewhat compromised hearing (73 yrs old), the nature of that type speaker, or both that lead me to this question. At "normal" listening levels factors like detail, resolution, timbre, etc are excellent. At lower volumes, though, I lose these attributes. I realize that my age related hearing deficiencies could account for these loses but am questioning whether the nature of speakers themselves could be a contributor.

It's been awhile since I've used conventional speakers so my memory might be lacking but this didn't seem an issue when using them. The two that I owned and recall having the best sound to my ears were the JMLab Electras and the Jamo Concert Eights. My current speakers are the Martin Logan Ethos' which replaced the Odysseys that were in the system for 12(?) years.

For various reasons I need to listen mostly at reduced volumes, so, before I start looking to trade my Ethos' which I very much like, btw, for something like a good pair of stand mount dynamic speakers, I'm asking for input.
128x128broadstone
atmasphere's avatar
atmasphere
11,861 posts
 
We do have customers that have had Martin Logans and our amps for extended periods- one guy still has the same speakers (CLS2s) and a set of MA-1s built in 1990. So you can use OTLs.

Paul Speltz, who makes the ZEROs, has a letter from Steve McCormick that states that his solid state amps sound better driving 4 ohms through the ZEROs than they do direct, and Steve's amps drive 4 ohms without difficulty.

IOW even solid state amps make more distortion when driving lower impedance loads (this can be seen in the specs of any solid state amp), so the ZEROs can be used to reduce that distortion. Since the ear translates distortion into tonality, the result should be smoother sound.
broadstone's avatar
broadstone OP
310 posts
 


I've pretty much decided to buy an autoformer whether or not I decide to switch to tube amplification but I have a question re choosing the best impedance tap to use. Because I use electrostatic hybrids, the amp sees a very wide range of impedance loading relative to the frequency of the signal. With this in mind, along with the term "matching" in my thoughts, and having awareness of the 4 ohm "nominal" impedance of the MLs, how do I choose the best tap?

In my limited research on the subject I assume that 16 ohms (if reachable) is at least a safe starting point. Also, when considering the starting point to calculate multiplier values, does one use as a starting point the 4 ohm nominal or the less than 2 ohm value of the estimated lowest impedance that may be expected?
atmasphere's avatar
atmasphere
11,861 posts
 
Listening is the best means. The use of the ZEROs should not represent a compromise to the tonality of the system.
broadstone's avatar
broadstone OP
310 posts
 
Actually, Atmashere, I don't anticipate that tonality would be compromised; my goal and belief in trying the Zeros is to improve tonality through reduction of low volume distortion. Because most of the info I've been able to find address autoformers in general as relates to tube amps and none, as far as I've found, discuss the choice or calculation method to determine which impedance tap would have the best chance working with my system, that question still remains.
atmasphere's avatar
atmasphere
11,861 posts
 
Since you have a solid state amp that does OK on the speaker right now my first inclination would be to simply go with the 2X multiplier tap, IOW 4 ohms.
More to discover