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Using tube amp with electrostatic speakers.

Moons ago I started similar discussions and thought I had been given enough good advice not to approach the subject again. Here goes anyway. I've used Martin Logan electrostats for well over 30 years with quite a few different amps but have recently switched to a tube amp and dynamic speakers with which I am very satisfied.  It consists of the Cary Rocket 88R amp and Serie Reference 3 speakers. 

My brother was visiting last week and was so impressed with the sound that he decided that he might want to try a tube amp also (probably the same one as mine).  However, he is using a pair of SL3's that I gave him years ago and I'm concerned primarily about the current requirements of the Martin Logans as well as other concerns that I'm not thinking of.  I don't want him spending money on something that may not bring him improved sound so would appreciate more advice to pass on to him.  He currently uses a Rogue Audio SS amp with his SL3 speakers and, to me, it sounds very good. 
jimbreit
stewart0722
184 posts
 
Sound Labs are the only electrostatics I have never heard.....

The Sanders are not a set of tradeoffs, they are in my mind unlistenable
because of how you must be positioned in the room........

I think the MC275 would be a great amp for stats in a reasonably sized room. I would however, go substantial solid state with a great tube preamp and use Magnepan 3.7s which I think are more musical than ML (although I’ve only had experience with a couple of models)
I’ve seen lightly used pairs of 3.7s for 3K which is quite unbelievable actually........
tomcy6's avatar
tomcy6
2,609 posts
 
Thanks for the advice Stewart, I got your point about the Sanders ESLs.  As I said, I haven't heard them, but on principle I don't think I'd be interested in a speaker that was that directional. 
erik_squires
16,414 posts
 
Sanders have some of the smoothest frequency response and best imaging in the lot. HOWEVER, the sweet spot is 1mm wide. You'll love it, but as soon as you move around it's merely a good speaker. In the sweet spot it's spectacular.

I have no experience with McIntosh at all I'm afraid. :)

Best,

Erik
erik_squires
16,414 posts
 
@bdp24 From my conversations with Roger, it’s based on frequency response. Most curvilinears at the time were not very flat without significant EQ.

Roger's stuff is flatter, with much better dynamic range. Earlier stuff did not have very well matched woofers though, that's improved.

Now if some one could convince him to make a 2 part ESL panel for better horizontal dispersion he might own the speaker world. :)

Best,

Erik
bdp24's avatar
bdp24
9,989 posts
 
Being a long-time Quad ESL (original 57's) owner, a small sweet spot is old news to me!
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