Thinking about going electrostatic


Got that itch for speakers again I have a pair of Joseph audio pulsar and a pair of talon khorus.  I like both but now thinking about martin logan my budget is 3 to maybe 4500 I would look for a used pair can't afford new not to concern about bass I have a talon roc sub. Speakers would be powered with a rotel 1090 and prima luna dialogue pre amp. Have never herd of that type of speaker. Would like to here your thoughts 

bill1957

I agree with @kennymacc....you’re the only one who can make that decision, but you’ll likely need to try them in your space to see. They can be pretty sensitive about placement, room, and the rest of the signal chain. All part of the fun!

Any concerns about the Rotel being up to the task of driving electrostats without being a weak link?  I know they have gobs of power, but the MLs will be brutally revealing.  

I also concur that your living space is a big factor.  Having space behind and to the sides is important.  Check their manual online or ask others for the ideal placement.

There's no place near me to listen to them I'm in mannsville ny. I guess the only way to here them is to buy a used pair. I think my amp should be ok it weighs 100 pounds and 385 watts per channel. 

You could probably negotiate a lower price on these:

Martin Logan Classic ESL 9 Speakers For Sale - US Audio Mart

The killer might be the shipping?

For the price they can be a great intro in the ESL sound, which I now prefer over conventional speakers (except $$ unobtanium)

Decent, mid-level panels have superior mid/high/vocal performance that only premium upscale conventional speakers can deliver-IMO, of course.

I've been using the model this replaced with good results. The bass unit is passive but give acceptable performance-with a sub which you have, you're golden.

Do you have Magnepan on your list also?

Magnepan 1.7i With MYE Stands For Sale - US Audio Mart

Optimum placement calls for pushing them out in the room to appreciate what all the fuss is about with these types of speakers. That, and rear wall treatment/clearance from side wall.

 

excerpt below from Stereophile review of your Joseph Audio Pulsars

"Joseph Audio doesn't specify its speakers' sensitivities, but I assume that, like many small, high-performance speakers, the Pulsar is relatively insensitive. If, as stated, its impedance doesn't drop below 6 ohms, it should present an easy load to drive. The 100Wpc Music Reference RM-200 Mk.II had no trouble whatsoever doing so; the combination produced among the most enjoyable, most musically involving listening experiences I've had in the dozen years I've been in this room. I could live happily ever after with the Joseph Audio Pulsars and the Music Reference RM-200 Mk.IIbut that's not to say I couldn't live more happily ever after with the big stuff!"

...................................................

I think you will be wasting your time unless you try 'big stuff', and I don't see any description or photos of your listening space, so I hope it is large enough for 3 or 4 way speakers.

Joseph Audio's success is related in part to the use of Richard Modafferi's Infinite Slope Crossover which he seems to have re-named.

Like a broken record, (if your space is large enough) I will again recommend the totally unique JSE Infinite Slope Model II's, you have never experienced 4 way speakers with such crossover precision and the 2nd patent, bass shift use of the 10" and 12" drivers.

My Yap about them here

good photos and info here (sold)