I may be asking the obvious, but if your Acoustats are not up-to-date in terms of available upgrades, they may not be operating at their peak potential. I had my 2+2's upgraded by Roy Esposito (formerly of Acoustat) back in 2013. Completely rewired the interfaces with mono-crystalline wire and replaced nearly all the other components, save the medallion transformers. Also opted for the "Air" upgrade, which provides a manual switch to by-pass the high frequency adjustment pot. I use a Mark Levinson ML11/ML12 amp/preamp combo to drive mine; totally coherent, detailed and transparent.
Best amplifier for Acoustat 2+2 electrostats for holographic sound, or change speakers?
I seek your opinion on how to improve the holographic sound out of my current system, which has the Acoustat 2+2 full range electrostatic speakers, solid state Sound Spectrum Technologies (SST) Ampzilla 2000 SE monoblocks (300 wpc, high current), and 2 preamps - a solid state SST Thoebe 2 and a SAS Audio Labs Reference 11A tube hybrid (which I am using currently). Sources are a Yamaha PX2 turntable with Hana Umami Blue cartridge, Eastern Minimax tube phono stage, a Musical Fidelity A5 CD player (as transport) thru an Audio Mirror Tubadour IV SE DAC and an Eversolo DP6 server. I also have a Moscade Saturn active subwoofer. Room treatments include dispersion panels behind the Acoustats, bass traps at the corners and some DIY absorption panels plus miscellaneous isolators on the equipment. Cables are a mixed bag with nothing very expensive. The listening room (my study) is 22' x 13' x 8'.
I listen to jazz and vintage rock.
I can't afford to remake my system and like the sound of the Acoustats but want the sound field to extend more beyond the panels and the imagery to be better defined.
I have read that a push-pull tube amp could result in a more holographic sound. What should I look for in terms of tube amp design and power output? Can you recommend any specific amps?
The alternative is to change speakers, one big issue being selling the Acoustats, which because of the 8' height are a challenge to ship. The other is selecting from the hundreds of speaker choices.
My budget is limited - I don't want to spend more than $1K over what I'd realize in selling either the amps or the speakers and I'd buy pre-owned. I live in the Atlanta area.
Appreciate your suggestions. Thanks!