That's a well known question for Martin-Logan's design. Most ESLs are not curvi-linear, however. Most are truly planar. The Sound Labs may appear to be curvilinear, but the apparent curve is composed of an array of planar facets, created by stretching the mylar over a frame. Apart from the SLs, almost every other ESL is flat in fact and in outward appearance. None of this pertains to the ease or lack thereof of driving ESLs with this or that amplifier.
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.
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.
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ivanj, I think that Dick Olsher was repeating Sound Lab's marketing explanation of why their flat panel design is better. If you compare the in-room frequency response graphs of the Sound Lab to the ML Montis, the Montis looks pretty good: I'm not saying that the distortion you refer to isn't real, I just don't think it's a major factor in the speaker's sound quality. |
@tomcy6 An "autoformer" describes the construction of the output transformer, while "output transformer" describes it's function. In this case they describe the same part of the amplifier. In an autoformer there is no secondary winding, and therefore, no galvanic isolation compared to a dual coil transformer. Best, Erik |
Sanders does indeed disavow curvilinear.....his goal is to remove the room and it's issues as much as possible..... In theory it makes sense, and if you listen to Sanders at a show, you will leave the room impressed.......but listening to a pair in someone's living room, they are the most aggravating loudspeaker I have ever experienced by a wide margin.....you hear all about "sweet spots".....in the case of the Sanders, you will have a close relationship w/ the sweet spot because you'll need to be square in it to hear anything remotely musical at all......It's not head in a vice, it's head in a tightened vice...... the Acoustats, ML's and Magnepan's I've experienced did not suffer from this at all..... |
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