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Help with Acoustat Model 1 + 1

I recently bought a pair of Acoustat Model 1 + 1 with Hafler Mk121 transformers. I foolishly bought 'em without testing, and of course, the transformers were near-DOA, but I was able to get 'em repaired and the speakers working. However, I'm struggling with the following and would very much appreciate your counsel:
1. Am I best served leaving the transformers plugged in? Do they need to stay charged? They seem like an electrical fire waiting to happen.
2. I've been testing the speakers with a 150w/ch 80s HK integrated; high voltage/high current, but still need to crank the amp up to get decent volume level. Is it possible I'm underpowering even at 150w?
3. The Acoustat passive sounds marginal; will I encounter any special difficulty trying to integrate a modern powered sub?
Thanks in advance for your insights.
loomisjohnson
loomisjohnson OP
1,903 posts
 
klinerm, i'm surprised that tubes would have enough juice--what specifically are you running your acoustats with?
klinerm
80 posts
 
CAT JL-3 monoblocks
rrog
1,958 posts
 
You don't need JL-3s to drive your 1+1s. A pair of Quicksilver Silver 90s will do just fine. One of the best amps I have heard on Acoustats is the TNT200. It was designed by Acoustat for Acoustat speakers and it sounded better than my Levinson driving 1+1s.
loomisjohnson OP
1,903 posts
 
i appreciate the responses. first, an errata--i actually own the model ones (single panel w/passive sub), not the 1 + 1. in any event, i finally settled on a hafler 9500 amp. as i understand it, hafler based on the tnt200 design after he acquired acoustat in the mid 80's. thus driven, the acoustats are pretty great--they have that non-fatiguing, eerie realism that you only get with electrostatics. their main limitation is soundstage width--they have a definite, narrow sweet spot--which is not an issue in my 9' x 18' listening room. i often see these monoliths listed for near give-away prices (i assume most wives hate 'em), and while not for everyone they're an inexpensive entry to real high end.
stringreen's avatar
stringreen
6,369 posts
 
I had MY Accoustats catch fire. I was luckily in the room when this happened, and quickly unplugged them, and returned the transformers to Accoustat for repair. I then sold them. I believe I was driving them with an amp called Ampzilla which was 200 watts a side. I don't remember the sound per se, but I remembered being pleased with them....no bass problems that I can recall
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