2. amps-preamps
  3. 189546-11384

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!

 

lorenc1
lorenc1 OP
11 posts
 

Thanks, all, for the thoughtful responses.  To answer pindac, I am looking for 1) more immediacy and a bit more dynamic response of the various instruments and if possible, pushing the soundstage more forward (didn't mention that before).  I realize that the source recording has a lot to do with what is reproduced and a bad recording isn't going to be transformed into a life changing audio experience by the system, no matter what the quality of the equipment is.

I currently have 2 sets of amps and line stag preamps, so I can sell one of the sets for maybe $3k for a purchase.  It seems, though, that the resale value is always lower than what I hope for.

I also am wondering if I should look at other speakers, particularly open baffle designs.  The drawbacks of diving back into the speaker arena to me are 1) selling the Acoustats because of their size and vintage, and 2) the gazillion choices that I can read about but not audition.


 

clio09
3,360 posts
 

I would get rid of the interfaces on those speakers and use a direct drive amp. I have Acoustat Model 2s and did exactly that using the Acoustat Servo amps. Going with a direct drive amp removes the transformers from the equation which can restrict dynamics. If immediacy and dynamics are your goal as far as I'm concerned direct drive amps are your answer.

musiclover1's avatar
musiclover1
55 posts
 

Try stacking two Stillpoint Aperture panels dead center on the wall behind the Acoustat’s ( the first one approx 2 feet off the floor) and your sense of focus and immediacy will be noticeably enhanced... Also the resultant sound will be somewhat more lively, and engaging.... unfortunately they are somewhat pricey    (2k new).

Cheers.....

tweak1
3,677 posts
 

+1 clio09

 

When I had my 2+2s originally had the interfaces. Eventually I got a pair of their servo amps which sounded way better, but back then 20+ years ago they were unstable. However, long after I sold them someone updates them and are said to be very stable HTH

aldnorab
174 posts
 

Just hooked the Acoustat 3 Medallion to my Orchard Audio StarKrimson Stereo Ultra with dual power supplies. Absolutely amazing soundstaging and detail. Way out past the speaker edges. The 3's have never sounded so good. 500 watt per channel suits them well. I was going to buy new speakers, not now. 

Orchard Audio is running an amp tour with the V2 version. Listen a week for free, then pay to ship it to the next person on the list. Sign up on their website.

Thanks,

aldnorab 

More to discover