Electrostats Shootout at 4000 Corral

Hi. For what it's worth, I've gone through my own odyssey in search of the right 'stat. I first heard one over 10 years ago, a small Maggie playing Dire Straits. The speed, clarity and depth hooked me from the first. Some of the higher end boxes can sound pretty good, but I must say I've never like Wilsons (even the expensive Maxx's) since they sound to me very dry and analytical and closed-in even with a broad variety of electronics). I've gone from a small set of Maggies to two different sets of the six panel Tympanies culminating in the IVa series. I loved them for 5 years or so but had a constant difficulty getting the bass panels properly located. But then I discovered Soundlabs, and have moved from the A3's to the Ultimate 2's. Every change I've made has been a definite step up. The Soundlabs seem much clearer with better timbre and better dynamics than the Maggies to my ears, but they do require even more juice. (Of course they are a lot more expensive too.) I was happy with Classe 15's with my Maggies, but my Ultimate 2's (which are less efficient than the A3's) require the power of Innersound's Electrostatic amp, although I heard in a friend's room how the Ultimate 1's could sound great with Wolcott's tube amp.

Sbindeman i've heard the ever so popular maggies 1.6, was npt impressed. i've just listened to ML's ascent with 8year old conrad johnson monos took lots if juice to get ANY volume. someone said that the sound labs sound great but only the innersound megawatt amp or monarchy's big mama can give the sound labs what they need. i want the new pathos due out in may for the beautiful sound its supposed to produce. so i'm planning to fly out to san antonio to hear what are supposed to be phenomonal ELS speakers, the QUAD's 988,the 989 are supposed to be better BUT are 1)very large 2)very expensive 3)very thirsty,and if these don't sound like $6000 speakers then i'm going to do what Sedond suggests go with the AMP Ribbon Monitor 1 ($1500).

Would love to help but haven't heard the new Quads. Good luck in San Antonio (Galen Carol?).

Since it is my post i think i'll close it. After all considerations of the size the cost the inefficiency of the awesome sounding electrostats my vote goes to the speaker kits on ZALYTRON.com For 3 reasons 1)They only use the best drivers and 2) have the most reasonable prices 3) offer the biggest line.

Now you are talking.