anyone have any experince with audiostatic spks

Tom's right, I sold them, and they were/are excellent speakers. The problem I had which was to be expected, was the directional nature of flat panel electro statics. They really beam, making for a very, very narrow sweet spot. They were a real sonic treat if that is not an issue though. They were also upgradable, with extra panels available, for additional bass. Exceptionally well-made and, all the transparency you expect from electro's. I think the magical product in electros these days, are the Sound Labs though. Read their web page. They discuss the mylar, and how it is sectioned into small areas, making for more uniform taughtness in the mylar, and lessening panel resonances. Too little space here to go into, but, if the budget allows look at Sound Labs. US made, and recent upgrades in their QC makes them highly desirable. I LOVE them! Albertporter, I think his name is, a 'Goner, can rave for hours about them. He has the Ultimates, which are simply that just like his beautiful home.
Back to the Audiostat, I have an old friend, customer,who had his for at least ten years, and, never had a problem. That is an excellent track record for electros.
Good Luck. If you need any more info, email me directly.
Larry

My beaming comment was not a criticism but an observation. Frequencies above a certain tone, travel in a nearly straight line; not because I think so, this is emperically correct. Therefore it is impossible to overstate their beaming characteristics as a fact of their shortcommings, since some, if not most people would want a larger listening window. These speakers offer almost the literal, head in a vice size sweet spot of other designs of olden days.
What is accurate, while unfortunate, is not a criticism, simply, again an observation. Why else does Gayle Sanders, of Martin Logan use a "Curvilinear" design. Why does Roger West of Sound Labs use an even more sophisticated curvature with smaller areas, to change resonances, and disperse the high frequencies.
They recognize what everyone knows who has measured in an electrostatic...beaming.
Good Listening,
Larry