Using tube amp with electrostatic speakers.

Lewm,

     The resistors are in series (10 ohms).  That is what I had in my circuit when I changed to the Toroid ll.  I do not know what they are using in the new Toroid ll backplate circuit.  I did exactly the same thing (you described) when I replaced the resistors. I have large ceramic non-inductive wire wound resistors (hi wattage).  I will definitely look into increasing the resistance to around 20 ohms.  I am not sure what transformer saturation is but that is what concerned Dr. West when increasing the resistor value (and lowering the croosover point for the Toroid).
     From your suggestion I might just stick with my SS amps.  They have ample power (Innersound 800 ESL monoblocks (800W@8 ohms)).  My journey to this thread was based on understanding if a lower power tube amp could be used on a speaker such as Soundlabs.  I believe I understand the tradeoffs you have outlined.
    As usual, thanks for all the information, it is much appreciated.  I try completely removing the brilliance control from the circuit.  I will also try lowering the crossover point of the Toroid ll.  I will then try crossing over to my B1S somewhere between 350hz to 80hz and see what works best for me (when I get the time of course).  Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays Lewm.  I have learned a lot.

Regards
Gary

My wonderful Quad ESLs(57) on 16ohm taps of rebuilt 60's EICO HF35 monos work great. 

Yep. Quad 57s, KLH 9s, early Acoustats, Janszen tweeters.  They were all made with tube amplifiers in mind. For a real treat you might look into the Quad mods made by Dave Slagle, for driving them with tubes. Fantastic results.

Gary, Most of what I have done is to make the speakers sound optimal with my OTL tube amplifiers, which I genuinely believe are superior, and I did once borrow a pair of Innersound amplifiers for comparison. Since you already own a tube amplifier as well as your Innersounds, you might want to try bi-amplification, with the tube amps running the bass transformer and the Innersounds running the treble.  You would have to make allowances for balancing the output, by attenuating either the Innersounds or the tube amp, depending upon what you hear.

On the other hand, with the 20 ohm resistance and the same 36uF capacitance, you may like your tube amplifier, full range, best.

Lewm

I will definitely try both of those configurations.  On my list is to remove the resistor I used to replace the brilliance control and increase the resistance.  Thank you for all the help.

Best Regards,
Gary

i have always used krell ss amps to drive m-logans....and a nice tube preamp such as audible illusions and ARC.....

very sweet combo imho