Hi Rmarcus - I've been going low budget with my ESL57's. I have a Bedini, and like it alot, but I like even more the VTL Tiny Triode. Other ones I considered were a Musical Reference EL84 amp (I like EL84's), Rogue (I forget the model). I also tried AtmaSphere M60's, which sounded good, I wasn't looking to invest that much in the system.
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An Acoustat TNT 200 will spank the Bedini. I've owned several Bedinis and like them. Still have a couple. But the Acoustats are more than a notch above. Extremely fast with extreme extension. They are simply stunning. Guaranteed to blow you away! Mind you the ones I have are rebuilt by Roy Esposito in Florida. He was one of the design engineers at Acoustat. He rebuilt 3 TNT200s for me and added balanced inputs and mono switch. They are 200wpch. in stereo, but in mono they produce over 1100 watts. |
Sorry, but it makes no sense to drive ESL57s with 200W, much less 1kW. Either the recommended VTL Tiny Triode (used market, no longer made), the inexpensive Quicksilver Mini-Mite or the Music Reference RM-10 Mk II for a bit more money would be more than enough and will bring the best in your classic ESLs. |
Of course he doesn't need the power. A TNT120 would suffice. It's just that the Acoustats were designed to adequately drive elecrtostats. Once Roy is done with them, they are SOA. A TNT 120 could be had for under $500. Roy would rebuild it for $400 which includes return shipping within the lower 48. Now you have a world class amp for about a grand. |
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