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What are the advantages of electrostatic versus floor speakers w/wo external drivers?

Are electrostatics considered the next level with a corresponding price bump, or just an alternative technology?

I've had floor standing speakers with tweeters and midranges on top of the box and others with all drivers inside it and found the only difference in listener positioning if you are right in between the speakers changing a record, the speakers with internal drivers are missing something.

The electrostatics I'ver heard have had sub woofers, which I guess would require an extra amp and crossover, and for a big enough room may be an ideal option. They seem to have a bigger, more open and detailed sound, but that may have been caused by the room size.

Just planning for the future....
sokogear
erik_squires
16,021 posts
 
Hey Sokogear,

I've been a fan of line sources and ESL's for many years.  What they do most of all is interact with the room very differently than a box speaker. The narrow dispersion causes more of a headphone effect at the listening location.  They also are great at sounding the same no matter how high up you sit.

They can be much more demanding of an amp, and require more space behind them, and also have a narrow sweet spot, along with a non-neutral presentation.  However, some fans can't imagine listening to anything else. 
After a lot of listening, and reading, I don't find the argument that they are faster as compelling as the argument that they just interact with the room differently and sometimes very very conveniently.

Best,

E
sokogear OP
1,093 posts
 
I like to be able to be in different locations since my system is in my den that is open all the way back to my kitchen seating area - probably a total of 44' x 18' with some openings in the back.
zavato's avatar
zavato
1,397 posts
 
I was a confirmed Magneplanar listener for many years. Nothing seems as open and transparent. Box speakers just didn’t compare, yet box speakers had advantages to- more satisfying dynamics for one thing.

All that changed for me in 2000 when I heard a pair of Revel Studios. Did everything as well as my big Maggies with ribbon tweeters and so much mire

 my point is that today- box speakers can exhibit all the positive qualities of a panel speaker  
lancelock
1,092 posts
 
I have the new Janszen zA2.1 Valentinas. They are a hybrid design that’s been around for while but his recent woofer upgrade is rather spectacular. The twin 8” woofers Complement the dual electrostat panels In a way ends bass integration issues. The sound Is wonderful and bass is plentiful. Since I’ve moved them into my living room with the advantage of a cathedral ceilings they have really opened up.

https://systems.audiogon.com/systems/7406
kennyc
1,414 posts
 
Very different technologies: compared to cone drivers, electrostatic speakers:

Advantages:
Very fast, transparency, clarity, realism

Disadvantages/differences:
Requires a lot of power
Takes up a lot of space 
Has subpar/poor/non-existent bass/sub-base because tech cannot push enough air
Subwoofer integration very difficult/disappointing- matching fast electrostatic w slower cone subs 

However, I believe Magnepan is working on a project “Magnepan for Condos” for matching their electrostatic w a different custom fast subwoofer- preliminary concept sonic reviews were really positive 

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