Chesky Audio C-1 - Who has heard them?

Thanks for your responses. This will be a speaker I will strongly consider. My listening room is 29 x 17 with the speakers on the shorter wall, would the C-1 get lost in this size room? I normally listen around 35db - 50 db jazz, classical, rock and any type of female vocals.

Thanks, Bob

Hello Bob,

I take it you normally listen at very low volume levels (35-50 dB seems extremely low to me, but maybe I just need new batteries for my hearing aid). If you get the chance, audition a full-range electrostat before committing to the Chesky's. I personally really like the original Quad ESL (the "57"), but you might also consider the Martin Logan CLS or any of the newer Quads (63, 988, 989). The reason is, full-range electrostats have superb clarity and inner detail at low volulme levels. And it is very rare for a multi-way system using conventional drivers to really come to life at low volume levels. Maggies likewise - they need to be cranked up a bit before they sound right.

Also, for very low volume listening, I find tubes generally sound better than solid state.

Just my $.02. Now off to buy that new hearing aid battery...

Duke

The average background level in a typical home is in the 40 to 50 dB range so it's highly unlikely that Bob is listening at 35-50dB. Even normal conversation is around 55-60dB. Suggest you check you actual levels with an SPL meter.

I use a BAT integrated and my CDP is fully balanced (Electrompaniet) when I purchased a XLR balanced IC for my CDP it dramaticily increased the volume level, so 35 -50B is my normal listening level. I will occasionally listen at a high level like 80DB - 90 DB. Thanks for your feedback.

Bob