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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
peter_s
1,336 posts
 
Well... I think I got it right from Innersound... If anyone can clear this up, please do. Thanks.
nealhood
199 posts
 
The Innersound amp is not a switching amplifier. It is a classical class AB complementary symmetry transistor design. The original amplifier had the bias on the output stage turned up to run in class A. Later a revision was made that put the amplifier into class AB operation (lowered the bias currents) and some negative feedback was also added to keep things under control. With this revision the amplifier now runs cool at low power. Of course, as power increases losses due also so the unit will heat up.

The Innersound is an excellent design. A very well executed class AB amplifier. Arguably this amp tosses the guantlet for the law of diminishing returns.
rgodin
85 posts
 
The ESL amps are actually Coda's low-end "Continuum" line. These should not be confused with Coda's branded line, which is quite superior in sound and quality to the Continuum. I've driven M-L CLS IIz with both a Continuum and the higher-end Coda 20.5. The Continuum worked well, but the Coda 20.5 was magical in comparision.

There are plenty of good amps out there for driving ESLs and panels. Lots of good advice here, but nothing beats listening in you own environment.
unclejeff
1,313 posts
 
I own a pair of Acoustat selp-powered speakers and i do love them. I will not be upgrading before I check out the latest electrostatic speakers.
emil_anghel's avatar
emil_anghel
4 posts
 
Practically, any high-current power amplifier would be able to drive electrostatic speakers, of course, with consideration also given to the minimum of watts recommended for that particular speaker (brand/model). Better, a good idea would be a direct contact with the speaker manufacturer that could advise you closely what kind of amplifiers -at least the brand- would be a good match. Finally, you will have to experience yourself and to decide which amplifier would be best for your electrostatic speakers, based on your particular setup, source of sound, cabling, room configuration, possibly more other factors (you might find a good high-current amplifier able to drive your electrostatic speakers, but you might not totally like the amplifier's sonic features).
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