2. amps-preamps
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Amp/ preamp for electostatics and why

I would like to get some ideas on what amp and preamp sound best with electrostatic speakers and does the brand of the speaker make a difference? Do they like high current or high voltage better? I am running a pair of Martin Logan SL3's with a pair of PSE Studio V monoblock's and a BAT VK-30 pre right now but would like to play with the sound. also wondering about changing tubes in the pre.
ikonetic
steelhead
318 posts
 
I believe that tubes add warmth and life to the rather lean character of logans.

The difference was rather pronounced when I went from solid state to tubes on my ReQuests. A buddy borrowed my tube amp to try on his Maggie 3.5's and sold his solid state amps and bought Cary V12 monoblocks.

I understand your concern for power as I had to go from a cj 11a to 12's to get dynamics and control. I have no relation to the seller of the set of 12's on sale here now and do not know your budget but they are fantastic reliable amps and have grunt and soul.

I moved up to Summit's as I really like rock music and the powered woofers let the 12's loaf but tubes and stats (to me) go together.

Have Fun!
rrog
1,958 posts
 
Solid state amplifiers always sounded lean on my Martin Logan CLS, but any tube amplifier sounded great. After trying numerous solid state amplifiers I decided the problem was the speaker's wicked impedance curve.
The CLS has very low impedance in the upper fequencies and when solid state amplifiers see a low impedance, what do they do? They produce more power. Also, the CLS has very high impedance in the low frequencies where the solid state amplifiers would produce less power.
More power to high frequencies and less power to low frequencies made for a very lean sound.
Tube amplifiers didn't seem to care providing the wattage was high enough.
markwatkiss
508 posts
 
I own Innersound stats powered by a ss/tube hybrid used in combination with an Audio Horizons tube pre amp.I've lived with multiple ss amps and have not been able to capture the magic of my current set up.There's just a natural synergy with appropriate tube amplification and Electrostats.
ikonetic OP
25 posts
 
I would love to have a tube amp but there are two problems.One, I don't know how to bias a tube amp and;Two, I prefer monoblocks and good high powerered tube monoblocks are expensive.
rrog
1,958 posts
 
A good used pair of 100 watt tube monos to drive your SL3s will cost you $800-$1200. For that price you can buy VTL Compact 100s or Quicksilver Silver 90s. I have used both with Electrostic speakers with good results.

100 watt tube monos are very powerful and you can easily learn how to bias them.
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