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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.
broadstone
mapman's avatar
mapman
22,709 posts
 
"On the one hand, I am *NOT* thrilled that my DEQX PreMATE is inserted between my linestage and amp. It *IS* an artifact that must have some effect on the signal integrity. But having said that, the sonic benefits of the DEQX far out-weight its sonic detriments."

I understand the simple signal path argument and tend to think that way myself but practically one could also argue that everything inserted between the source and speakers has some effect. All that matters is that the good outweigh the bad. It is true that the more integration points for a novice end user to deal with , the more chances that things might not work as well as possible. But with well matched high quality gear all designed by pros in the interest of good/better sound, I would not worry too much. HEck some folks even claim that adding magnets in the right places will spice things up in a positive way.
mapman's avatar
mapman
22,709 posts
 
Also I would add that digital signal processing is a very pwoerful tool but also is a huge variable. What matters most is that it be done right to address the task at hand. There are many ways to to it wrong and only a few ways to do it right. If done right, to meet the goals at hand in each case, the benefits should greatly outweigh any disadvantages of inserting it into the signal path.
mapman's avatar
mapman
22,709 posts
 
Regarding the Zeros I think the best technical classification for what it does is an (impedance) "adapter". If you need an adapter, you need one. IF you don't, you don't. If gear is matched well to start, you don't. If you do, then using one might produce better or worse results than the alternative case by case. It all depends. Were it me, I would not design my system up front to require any adapters. But there are cases where it might make sense. Like most things there is no 100% right or wrong. The right solution always depends on the problem at hand.
atmasphere's avatar
atmasphere
12,101 posts
 
George, your comments fit the classic definition of trolling:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Troll_%28Internet%29

The fact is you have not used a set of ZEROs at your house. If you had, your comments would be in line with that of the experience of hundreds of people that use them. One can only conclude that you have never used them at all or are coincidentally the lone voice in the wilderness- Occam's Razor suggests otherwise.

Your use of imitation of my posts as a means of belittling is another example of trolling. The intent behind the text is the issue. As best I can make out, you just want to make me wrong and it gets tiresome, which also seems to be your intent.

If you don't want me to accuse you of trolling you will have to stop doing it.

So far you have yet to actually show the math that supports that the ZERO does not work or that ESLs have an efficiency curve that is the same as their impedance curve making them an ideal match with transistors. If you can do that then we have a discussion.
georgehifi's avatar
georgehifi
10,312 posts
 

As I said Ralph, I have had a pair of Zero Autoformers given to me, and used them a few times and regarded them as banaid fix for mismatched amp/speakers combiations.

As for your continued accusations of me trolling you (again popycock) and if I were it's better than being a shill.

The OP's wants to buy an amp for his ML Ethos speakers, why would he buy an amp that is not suited and then buy Autoformers as a bandaid fix to make them compatible.

Cheers George
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