Electrostatic Speakers


Hello Audiogon! Been around the forum scene for quite a while, and just joined this forum and thought I offer my thoughts on some equipment I just bought: speakers and the cables that came with it.

I couldn’t afford brand new speakers, and thought I’d try a different type speaker as opposed to my B&W 805 Diamond speakers. My dealer has loaned me Marten Logan Quest Z electrostatic speakers, as well as TARA Labs “The One” cables for this purpose. Right away I could hear a difference in sounds between the B&W and The ML. My B&W definitely have more punch to them, and the bass is quite remarkable. (this works great when I’m listening to my classic rock collection) What I found interesting was the way the ML speakers had a sound that seemed to encompass the whole room. Like a wall of sound (courtesy of Phil Spector) If you’ve never heard a good pair of electrostatic speakers, then I’d urge you to try and listen to some if you can. Really a whole new world out there. The cables that my dealer loaned me where TARA Labs. Though I’ve heard of them before, I haven’t really seen any advertising in any magazines showing off new models etc. I saw them in Stereophile Recommended components issues. I’ve always used Wireworld cables in my system before and do love them. I will say that I immediately heard a difference when I put the TARA Labs cables in my system. The high frequencies were insane to say the least. As a matter of fact, the Marten Logans with those cables really expanded when I put Dark side of the moon on (180gm vinyl) Anyone out there have any experience with electrostatic speakers?

-Brian J.
abcaudio

Showing 1 response by nkj

I have been a mostly electrostatic user for the past 30 years. Acoustat X, Acoustat transformer based, Dayton Wright,Quad USA Monitor, Quad ESL and now .. Beveridge Electrostatics.

There are definite trade-offs between electrostatic presentation and cone type drivers. The delicacy and presence of the 'stats are always difficult for me to give up. The power and pressurization of a room is mostly unmatched with conventional drivers.. either way personal preference comes into play.

I will agree with Atmasphere that the Sound Labs are probably SOTA in electrostatics today..never owned them but did have a chance to critically listen recently. While I think ML have come along way in integrating the woofer to the panels, my favourite ML is the original CLS.. no longer made. The more recent models are definitely easier for most to live with.

Good Luck.