Have you owned Sound Labs Electrostatics?

I own Soundlabs, click on my “system” to see the Ultimate Ones in my room and an old image of the A-1.

The biggest problem with Soundlab, the distortion is so low that even at 100 DB they sound like a whisper. I frequently clip my 250 watt amps before thinking they are loud.

It’s even worse when an inexperienced visitor listens. I had one argue with me while playing his favorite compact disc. Having asked me to increase the volume three times, I told him we were listening at maximum power for the amp and louder than the artist could sing at our listening distance.

“No way,” says he “Were at a maximum of 75 DB and no more.“

I tell him based on my experience we are over 90 DB. So, after some discussion , my sound pressure meter shows over 100 DB peaks at 12 feet .

The visitor would not believe the meter, saying it was defective. Just goes to show how ULTRA low distortion can fool the ear. If you live anywhere near me, you are welcome to listen. Like Duke, I can order from the Soundlab factory.

Albert and Duke,

How do you think the SoundLabs would sound with a pair of bridged Classe CA-201 amps? I believe they bridge to 350 or so watts apiece.

Have you heard these driven by any Classe gear? How did that compare to your higher-end amps?

I realize this is not your first choice, but wondering about getting in a piece at a time...

- Eric

Larry, I've owned Sound Lab U-1s for about four years. Before that, I had Quad ESLs (57s), Acoustat 2+2s, and Audiostatics. I find the Sound Labs have all the best qualities of the others and a lot of advantages. Sound Labs can play quite loudly, they are quite dynamic (macro and micro), the bass is prodigious and tuneful, there is no beaming of treble, and the sound of the panels driven full range is seamless. I find it easy to listen to music for many hours without fatigue. For me, there is no going back. They play every kind of music imaginable very, very well, from chamber music to big band to hard rock.

The backplates (interface electronics) contain two audio transformers, with a crossover at about 500 Hz, as the impedance variation with only one transformer would make the speakers virtually impossible to drive. The frequency ranges are combined on the panel, which is driven full range. Sound Lab can build or modify backplates for biamping if desired, which may result in greater clarity and dynamics.

As for power requirements in your room, I would have to say it depends upon your listening habits but anywhere from 100 to 400 watts are recommended. I think the 100 watts minimum should be considered as tube watts, although there may be exceptions. Higher powered amps have been used to good effect, and Sound Lab has used amps up to 800 watts on their speakers. There is no hard and fast rule as to which is better, tube or solid state. Rather, it may be a matter of preference. I've achieved excellent results with both, as have others.

Time for a disclaimer. I became a Sound Lab dealer a while ago, wanting to share my passion for the finest music reproduction and as a delighted owner. My enthusiasm as an audiophile spills over, which may sometimes get in the way of being an audio salesman, but life's too short for compromises. I had heard Sound Labs at some of the shows through the years and finally bit the bullet and have been happy ever since.

Larry, if you get to Chicago you're welcome to visit for a good long listen just to check them out, no obligation whatsoever. If you're in another dealer's territory I'll refer you to them, and you can still come and have a great time here. People who fly in know I offer complementary accommodations and offer full travel reimbursement upon purchase.

Brian Walsh

Lrsky, Yes the bridged Classe CA-201 will drive Soundlabs with ease. Like others here I prefer tubes but the Classe is a good amp and with proper set up of the speakers you would have excellent sound.

Albert, not only are your posts thoughtful and articulate, your home is just beautiful. You are obviously a person of very discriminating tastes in all regards. I'll bet you system is wonderful. Thanks for sharing.
My wife is, and always has been delighted with the sound of electrostatics. I always joke that women hear better than men except at night time, (I know, bad taste sex joke), but it is really true.
The A-1 was owned by a good friend and he claimed them to be the most neutral, tonally, texturally, with lifelike portrayals of the performers. The only negative I ever heard was ongoing maintainence issues. They break, and repairs are tough because of size. Have you had any problems with them? I hesitate to mention this, since rumours are hurtful to the manufacturer, and only that, rumours, sometimes prompted by jealousy of competitors.
Any input on that is appreciated. I can't physically move them, to rebox etc, so this is important.
Again thanks for the input.
My thoughts were to use a Spectron (500wpc) along with his feedback cable, which without, the Spectron is incomplete, I am told. Then the First Sound Preamp, and the Electrocompaniet front end. In my size room, that should make for a pretty lifelike portrayal of performances, sizewise etc. Also, realistically how deep does the bass really go on the A-1 in a room large enough for it to develop?
Thanks,
Larry