Best tube amp for electrostatic speakers


For over 35 years I've almost exclusively used either ribbons or electrostats with solid state amplification and have been generally happy with the sound. Over the last several years, though, my hearing has become somewhat degraded and more sensitive to certain frequencies. The frequencies which seem to cause the most discomfort occur in the 1400 to 1900Hz range and come across as "bright" to my hearing. After researching this matter and having been given some expert advice, I've decided to pursue the idea of replacing my present amplification equipment with tube based gear.

The purpose of this post, then, is to solicit advice regarding the best approach to making this decision based on the following information: the current basic equipment is Shanling Solid state CD player, Peachtree Audio Nova used as preamp, two DBX 1531 EQ's to help compensate for age related hearing loss, Peachtree 220 amp, Silversonic T114 cable and Martin Logan Ethos speakers.

The listening area is our living room measuring 15 by 22 feet with my listening position 16 feet from the plane of the 2 speakers which are positioned 11 feet apart measured center to center. Located between the 2 speakers is an entertainment center which is about 9 feet wide. My listening interests are varied from solo guitar and light jazz to occasional orchestral music. I don't generally listen at high volumes and am not particularly interested in strong bass except for the rare action movie background.

Unless not advisable for some reason, I would like to keep the Peachtree Nova as a preamp because of the significant latitude for source connection and what seems to have a decent internal DAC. If this option would substantially defeat the purpose of the intended modification I would work around it. I can no longer deal with sounds that are "bright" which I now find uncomfortable but detailed sound is very important.

So, the questions are: is the move to tubes the best option and, if so, what might be some reasonably priced amps that could accomplish the goal. This, of course, would take into consideration room size, etc. for determining power requirements. If there are other more practical and less expensive options to consider, I would appreciate that advice as well.
128x128broadstone
George, Its obvious you've not actually heard the ZEROs work.

Too bright does not work any better than too dull- both are colorations.

The ZEROs are an excellent solution for tube amps that are being asked to drive speakers that they simply would not work with otherwise. I think more have been sold to ARC owners than our amps, FWIW. A lot of people want to use tubes with Martin-Logans to calm them down.

Ralph, please don't assume.
I have had a pair in my house that were given to me, and have tried them on different occasions, and have always said with amps and speakers that are a mismatched they can be made to work together, but are just a bandaid fix, until the right amp is used.

And instead of spending the $600 odd dollars on them as an interim fix, put the money towards the right amp for the speakers being used, or the other way, change the speakers to suit the amp being used. Without having to purchase autoformers and have them in the way.

Cheers George
George, you are simply not credible. I think you are simply trolling this thread and me as you typically do.
I say a Mcintosh MC275. That is what I ran with my martin logan sl3's, and it sounded very nice.
What are the signs of an "over-damped" setup with the ZEROs? Does it run an OTL amplifier harder the higher the multiplier?

I run them naked at the 3x connection between a Joule Electra VZN-80 and Dali Mentor 6's (flat 6 ohm curve).

If this is a band-aid, cut me more. It sounds like bliss to me.