Moving to a dynamic speaker from a Electrostatic

Douglas,

I see that your description of the Vapor Nimbus says "reviewed for Dagogo" but I can't find it there. This still forthcoming? Look forward to your impressions.

Roscoeiii, Yes, that is correct; I have finished my review and it is undergoing the process of editing, technical corrections if any, etc. prior to publication.

The Nimbus White is a remarkable speaker; to my ear they have the same level of cleanness/definition of an ESL but with a focused soundstage. Whereas the Sound Lab and King Sound King III (reviewed for Dagogo.com - that one is published) "atomize" the performers, diffusing them over a widespread soundstage, the Nimbus White is laser sharp but still generously sized soundstage. The Legacy Whisper DSW Clarity Edition splits the difference in that regard as it acts like a line source but is concentrated with the multiplicity of Mid/Treble drivers in the center of the speaker. They all are capable of stunning vividness and realism, but achieve it in different ways.

For a person who has owned the grandness of a Sound Lab it would be a shame to move to a speaker which was physically incapable of replicating both he scale and dynamic impact of the performance. I'm guessing the OP is acutely aware of this, but perhaps not. If budget is foremost in his mind he may be wishful that quality of the sought speaker may provide enough of these other aspects of performance, but I caution that it will not. :)

After living with Acoustats, Quad ESL-63's, and ML-CLS2z for over ten years I finally was able to move in with a dynamic speaker. It wasn't until I heard Avalons that I was able to do so. Everything else, and I mean everything, sounded like a collection of drivers in boxes, albeit nice looking expensive ones. Even highly respected speakers that had rave reviews from Verity, Wilson, Vandersteen couldn't match the cohesiveness, transparency, and level of detail I took for granted with the ESL's.

Avalon had all the qualities of the ESL and enough dynamic expression to make me switch. They made other box speakers I listened to sound disjointed and slow on their feet.

Pair them with tube electronics of commensurate quality and the ability to drive them, careful set-up in a appropriate size room for the model you choose, and they will sing music.

Al I have talked with Lou and his speakers are now on my radar as well.
Thanks to all who have given excellent advice thus far.

Rleff
If you are in NJ I would suggest you listen to newest Vandersteen Carbon Quattro CTs and Five A CT.
Having also enjoyed Sound Labs, I think you'll find the
Carbon drivers a true breakthrough.
We have had an overwhelming positive response and these smaller designs are probably right what you are looking for
without the compromise in performance. Besides the tidy in room bass response adjustability,high Pass options, these designs make in room set up easy hence allowing you to feel like you are at the venue.
JohnnyR Audio Connection Vandersteen dealer