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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
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
9,993 posts
 
Being a long-time Quad ESL (original 57's) owner, a small sweet spot is old news to me!
bagwell368
13 posts
 
Very few amps can drive the CLS (esp. of that time), which is why they -IIz came out pretty quickly.  ML's with dynamic bass are not that difficult to drive with some tube or hybrid amps - which is the topic.

Off topic - I've never heard any tube amp that could drive some tough full range panels such as Scintilla's, or the CLS.  The CLS IIz can be driven, but not by any reasonable priced tube, and I've never heard a tube amp that doesn't make drums sound like a rotten tomatos getting hit with a mallet when trying.  I owned mine for 15 years, and with 3 dealer/friends vying for my business I heard just about all of them.

No matter what amps I try, I always end with back with my Nelson Pass products - which besides the Aleph Series can drive any panel or hybrid and avoid the SS hardness tube heads so dislike.
tomcy6's avatar
tomcy6
2,609 posts
 
So bagwell, are you saying you haven't found a tube amp that works for you with full range electrostats or with any electrostats (including hybrids)?
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