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Planar speaker that don't require herculean amp?

I'm looking for a planar electrostatic or ribbon speaker, but they all seem to require gobs of power. I am currently using AES Sixpac tube amps with KT66 tubes, which have about 35 RMS watts each or so. I don't have to worry about low bass, as I am using a pair of Entec powered subwoofers. I listen to many types of music, but don't need incredible high SPL levels. Are there any planar speakers out there (preferably used) that can work well with my tube amps?
smeyers
smeyers OP
181 posts
 
Actually, looking at Sound Labs website, model R-3 would probably be perfect, if I can get them for a lower price. They have a relatively high sensitivity, and are designed to work with a subwoofer. I also like that they have a wide horizontal dispersion.
sogood51
2,157 posts
 
We have a guy at the Apogee speaker users forum that (I think?) is using the sixpacks with his Caliper Signatures. I may be able to put you in touch with him.

I have Apogee Duetta Signatures and have just bought Rogue 120 monos to try on them...I don't have the amps yet so no report to give.

Apogee Stage should work quite well for you...not all Apogees are Scintillas.

Dave
audiokinesis
2,764 posts
 
I'm a Sound Lab dealer, and frankly the only Sound Labs that I think would work well with your amps are the hybrid Dynastats. They are definitely among the easier electrostats to drive even among hybrids, and show up used from time to time within your price range.

Quad electrostats are easier to drive than the big full-range Sound Labs are. Thirty-five watts would be still be marginal, unless you went for rebuilt ESL's (the originals, commonly called "57's"). They'd be within your price range, and they are absolutely lovely in the midrange but can be easily damaged by too much power (doesn't sound like you're into headbanger levels, though). Several people rebuild and/or offer rebuilt '57's; you might try inquiring for leads here:

http://www.audioasylum.com/forums/MUG/bbs.html

Another possibility is Newform Research. I'm under the impression that their model 645 ribbon hybrid isn't such a beastly load. They have a loyal following.

Best of luck in your quest!

Duke
smeyers OP
181 posts
 
Thanks Dave for the suggestion on the Apogees. I did some research on them, and from what I read, they seem that they are a difficult load and require powerful amps. I would be interested to know how well that guy's sixpacs work with the Caliper Signatures. I am running a slighly less powerful configuration with my sixpacs with the KT66 tubes instead of the supplied EL34's. Let me know how your Rogue amps handle the Duettas.

- Stew
smeyers OP
181 posts
 
Thanks Duke for the response and email. That's too bad about the R-3's, but they're probably out of my price range anyhow. I'm not really interested in the Dynastats, as I am looking for a non-hybrid panel. I already have the Entec subwoofers, so don't need to worry about anything below 80Hz.

The Quad ESL-57 is a very interesting suggestion. This speaker certainly seems to have a loyal following! I am a little worried about SPL levels however. It appears I listen at levels that are a little higher than I thought. I did a few SPL measurements with my RS meter, which were showing values of up to 97db or so at 1 meter. This was a level that would be about the maximum that I would need. Can the ESL-57 (cut off below 80Hz) handle this SPL? Would stacking the panels, as I've read seems to be a popular option, be able to handle higher SPL's?

- Stew
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