2. amps-preamps
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What kind of power wakes up electrostatic speakers

Is it wpc, high current, both or what? I've been aud-itioning amps with the Final Electrostatic 0.3's (86 db sensitivity). The manufacturer suggests a minimum of 50 wpc to get them going. So far, I've tried a Nakamichi Stasis (150wpc) and an Electrocompaniet AW250DMB(250 wpc).With both,the speakers sounded dull, yet the Parasound HCA 3500 (250wpc & high current)made them sing sweet as can be.
Could somebody be kind enought to explain to me how this stuff works. I need to purchase an amp to drive the Final 0.4's (the big brother to the 0.3's). I'd love to know what
to look for.
I appreciate in advance your help. The source for this
was a Pioneer PD S95.
steakster
pls1
432 posts
 
I owned Acoustat IVs for many years. Anyone interested in electrostats should visit this site:

http://www.audiocircuit.com/

It contains all the original information on virtually every electrostat ever made. It includes a copy of the original paper "The technology of full-range-element electrostatic loudspeakers" by James Strickland, President of Acoustat Corporation.

This paper includes a discussion of the interface and amp requirements. It also shows the impedance curve for the Acoustats which dips to 3 ohms.
hififile
236 posts
 
I'm very happy with my Mcintosh MA-6500. It sounds great, has more than enough power, and great features. The MA-6900 is another good one to consider.
sean
6,231 posts
 
Bear, i'll see if i can dig up the info on that specific Acoustat. As to running Acoustat's with receiver's, we've all seen systems that worked but were far from optimized. In fact, i think that most of us still own them : )

Pls1, while i haven't had a chance to look at the Strickland paper that you mentioned, i have seen that website. It is a wealth of information for fans of E-stat's. Sean
>
pls1
432 posts
 
Bear and Sean, the paper I referenced on that website shows the impedance curve for the specific MK 121 interface as well as the details of its implementation. The impedance is below 6 ohms except for the frequency band between 500 and 4000 Hz.
bear
141 posts
 
Yeah... and I looked around for my original brochure and can't seem to find it...

If the curve is the same, then it would explain a lot about why some amps don't do well on the Acoustats...

My recollection was different, but I have not seen that brochure's file around for a number of years.

oh well, "swiss cheese" syndrome is setting in!

:- )
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