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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
czarivey
5,946 posts
 
No matter how many times I tried to listen to electrostats or pannels, they always sounded outside and far away of actual reality at any price point. They fill up listening room very well and have an incredible imaging abilities, but at great sacrifice of tonal balance and deapth so that most of vocals would sound unrecognizably thin to the point of Leonard Cohen with pitch of Bob Dylan. Headphones are great tho.
atmasphere's avatar
atmasphere
11,803 posts
 
My experience with ESLs is that they can be really seamless and fast, with great tonal balance and excellent soundstage width and depth.

IMO the state of the art in ESLs are the Sound Labs. A recent change in their electronics has made them much easier to drive. They are also moderate impedance (which was the case with all ESLs in the old days) such that they are easily driven with tube amps, although you do need some power to really make them go. However 200 watts in a tube amp is enough for all but the biggest rooms. If you run solid state, you may need about 600 watts to do the same work, on account of the fact that the impedance curve allows a 200 watt tube amp to make about the same amount of power as a 600 watt transistor amp.

The Sound Lab is one of the few that will go down to 20Hz and shake the walls.
mapman's avatar
mapman
22,199 posts
 
Take a look at OHM Walsh speakers for a unique dynamic design and means of operation (wave bending).

I liked various dynamic speaker models and owned Maggies prior. I wanted Quad ES-like sound with bigger dynamics and a tad more meat on the bones for half the cost or less. That's pretty much what I got with the newer, third generation OHM Walshes. Note that I owned original first generation models prior and never thought those to be up to snuff in terms of detail and clarity compared to good ES speakers, but that changed with the third gen series 3 models. Current models are one design revision newer, advertised as evolutionary not revolutionary. I've never heard the gen 2 series 2 models, but understand those to be somewhere between the originals and series 3.
jasongreene
1 posts
 
Hello Brian, I also have a pair of Martin Logan Quest Z speakers that I’ve had for years. I’ve heard dynamic speakers for many years and always preferred electrostatic speakers. They have always had my ear as opposed to more directional speakers. I use a JRiver music server though I admit vinyl has always interested me. I like the convenience of it. The only downfall I can say about the Quest Z speakers is that they are too big for my bedroom, as that’s where I keep my system. They are like two tall towers that loom above all else. I’ve known about TARA Labs for years also. And no, I never see them advertising in magazines, though I frequently see them in blogs. I’m not so sure that ads in magazines mean anything anyway. So welcome to the world of electrostatic speakers, Enjoy!!
speavler
32 posts
 
The open baffle spatial audio M2 turbos that i'm currently breaking give that panel-like transparent sound along with extremely high efficiency. Bass response could be an issue though if not pairing with a subwoofer. Something to consider.
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