Best Electrostatic loudspeaker?

While not an electrostatic the Apogee Diva's are my vote for one of the most enjoyable speakers to listen to. I have not had a chance to own these fine speakers but have had many opportunities to listen to them at a local high end sound dealer. Unfortunatly the speakers are no longer manufactured. I have many fond memories of "losing time" by listening to these speakers. When hooked to electronics that could push these demanding speakers the presentation was effortless the soundstage lush. For now I'll have to trudge through life with my dynamic speakers.

Hello, Bpheedeer. I was the factory rep. for Crown when the ES 212 speakers were still being made. I can help you with some information. I know, for instance, that the panels in the Crown were manufactured by RTR, and in fact were the same panels used in the Infinity Servo Static system. I was the Infinity rep. too, and I know that there were at least four updates on the panels (various colors, and stripes to designate) for both systems. The woofers in the ES 212 were troublesome, and did not match very well with the speed of the upper end. You may notice also that the "light bulbs" on the face flicker from time to time. This is a sign that the system is overloaded and is stressed. I owned a pair of these way back in the early 70's and preferred to keep my dynamic speaker system at the time. The infinity servo static was appealing as well, but audio equipment at that time was not well suited for the application on that system. It was not until about 12 years ago that I got interested in electrostatics again. Now, as stated in other postings, the Soundlab IS IT! Feel free to mail me if you need additional help on the Crown 212's.

I am in the process of buying a used pair of Soundlab Ultimate II's and would appreciate any advise or tweaky upgrades available. Thanks in advance. Shane Hofkamp

If you will post me your e-mail address, I will write you with my e-mail address and phone number. I have Ultimate Ones and have tons of info on Soundlab in general. There is an audio group here and together we own six pair of Soundlabs.

I've heard the big Sound Labs. You need a huge room, and even then the imaging is the antithesis of "pinpoint". It's vague and "wispy". Dynamically, they come to life at low volume better than any speaker, but at lifelike playback levels they are DECIDEDLY STRAINED compared to the best ribbons or dynamics in the same price category...AND NOT JUST IN THE BASS.