Electrostatic speakers and low volume resolution

Just to add that I'm not sure if the SteinMusic Harmonizer works similarly in principle to the Ultras but it might. The Harmonizer - at least according to what I've read - operates by "energizing" the air molecules in the room so that when the acoustic waves propagate across the room via the air molecules they move more efficiently because the air molecules got a jump start. Instead of just sitting there they had already started to move. Kind of like an Olympic runner getting a jump start on the field by beating the gun.

I just found this thread, and can certainly relate. I'm "only" 64 (!), but from playing drumset in bands since I was 14 and attending who knows how many live shows, I now have mild tinnitus and high-frequency hearing loss. I also am a long-time electrostatic (original Quads) owner/listener. I realize you highly value the equalizer in your particular system, but if I was desiring higher low-level resolution/transparency out of a system, it would be high on my list of suspects. The opamps in that Behringer are quite smeared sounding devices, unfortunately. The second thing I would consider is a really good tube pre-amp. It is not only solid state power amps that become veiled at low-level listening, but many ss pre-amps (and sources too) are inferior to tubes at amplifying those tiny microvolt signals. But more than those two considerations, I must join those in suggesting that for lower-volume resolution and dynamics, high-efficiency speakers are definitely the way to go. They also play well with tubes!

Hi Atmashphere, Electrostats that are not direct driven already have a transformer to step up the voltage built in. Would it not be better to replace the transformer in the speaker with one that raises the impedance, than to add a set of Zero's?

Certainly- if it can be done.

Broadstone, just in case- air molecules cannot be 'charged' at GHz frequencies... actually that sounds kind of dangerous, like being in a microwave oven.

Nobody is suggesting that air molecules are charged at very high frequencies. They do however resonate when immersed in a very high frequency field of the correct frequency. That's how the molecules get jump started, I.e., moving. You can charge the air as it were using ionizers such as the one I sell, but many others, too, you know, like negative ion room purifiers.

Geoffkait, the concept that you're discussing and how this is mechanically acheived is beyond my ability to discuss in any intelligent way. The explanation reminds me of how one lightning bolt prepares an ionized low resistance pathway for the next discharge or, more simplistically, providing lower air resistance to both cars in a drafting scenario. I thank you for this input which I in no way dispute, but I'd have to go back to school on this one.

Bdp, thank you but the issue I describe occurred well before incorporation of the EQ so, even though it's contribution to potential sound degradation described by you and others are valid points, I don't think the equalizer is the culprit in this case. As a matter of fact, based on testing discussed here, the power amp and EQ are temporally out of the system as I write this. As far as the Behringer and it's specific potential shortcomings goes, I tried 2 other brands before settling on the DEQ2496. Anyway, because I'm very happy with my current setup in all respects except for this low volume issue and my feeling is that it finds its primary cause in my personal hearing deficiency, I'm staying with my existing components for now. The bottom line in defense of the EQ, I suppose, is my unequal hearing problems which have no other acceptable solutions.