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Best tube amp for electrostatic speakers

For over 35 years I've almost exclusively used either ribbons or electrostats with solid state amplification and have been generally happy with the sound. Over the last several years, though, my hearing has become somewhat degraded and more sensitive to certain frequencies. The frequencies which seem to cause the most discomfort occur in the 1400 to 1900Hz range and come across as "bright" to my hearing. After researching this matter and having been given some expert advice, I've decided to pursue the idea of replacing my present amplification equipment with tube based gear.

The purpose of this post, then, is to solicit advice regarding the best approach to making this decision based on the following information: the current basic equipment is Shanling Solid state CD player, Peachtree Audio Nova used as preamp, two DBX 1531 EQ's to help compensate for age related hearing loss, Peachtree 220 amp, Silversonic T114 cable and Martin Logan Ethos speakers.

The listening area is our living room measuring 15 by 22 feet with my listening position 16 feet from the plane of the 2 speakers which are positioned 11 feet apart measured center to center. Located between the 2 speakers is an entertainment center which is about 9 feet wide. My listening interests are varied from solo guitar and light jazz to occasional orchestral music. I don't generally listen at high volumes and am not particularly interested in strong bass except for the rare action movie background.

Unless not advisable for some reason, I would like to keep the Peachtree Nova as a preamp because of the significant latitude for source connection and what seems to have a decent internal DAC. If this option would substantially defeat the purpose of the intended modification I would work around it. I can no longer deal with sounds that are "bright" which I now find uncomfortable but detailed sound is very important.

So, the questions are: is the move to tubes the best option and, if so, what might be some reasonably priced amps that could accomplish the goal. This, of course, would take into consideration room size, etc. for determining power requirements. If there are other more practical and less expensive options to consider, I would appreciate that advice as well.
128x128broadstone

Showing 7 responses by detlof

detlof
1,899 posts
 
Boadstone,

Please tell us more: Does this brightness you describe, occur at every soundlevel from ppp to fff and when listening to music, which instrument or voice tends to irritate you the most, when you are listening to what music at what sound level?

I feel this is a delicate problem, which has to be approached carefully. The problem could in fact lie anywhere. Do you only listen to CDs? If yes, how old is your Shanling?

Unfortunately I don't know your Peachtree gear to have an opinion on their sound, but I know the Shanling and that it can sound harsh with certain CD's.
There is a (small) chance, that even a change of cabling could do the trick at lesser cost. Have you ever tried that?
detlof
1,899 posts
 
Broadstone,

Thanks, I now understand better I think. I do have another question though. With piano at the higher register does the sound just become harsh or does it also break up, slightly distort? From what you say, the latter does not seem to be the case.
I have been using stators, like you, for over 40 years and have tried many forms of amplification, settling finally with Atma-Sphere, which contrary to the Wolcott mentioned above, never gave me any trouble. The Wolcott sounded great, but alas, my unit was anything else but bullet proof. VAC, BAT, VTL and Manleys are all good choices to my ears. 60 watts should do you fine. Peronally I don't think amps from Audio Research would solve your problem. If possible I would try before I buy. .
detlof
1,899 posts
 
After all is said and done, I would follow Zd's advice. Regretably I have no experience with your amplification, so anything I might further say, would only be a wild guess.
Please let us know, when and how you resolved your problem and happy listening from a stator lover to another!
detlof
1,899 posts
 
Broadstone,
I only saw Atmaphere's post now and I cannot emphasize enough to read his post carefully and to follow his advice. He is an expert and he knwows what he is talking about.
Here you have knowledge and experience versus just opinions and predelictions.
detlof
1,899 posts
 
Perhaps I'm being naive, so forgive me for asking, but have you ever tried the same procedure you describe on another system? If not, you could perhaps narrow down your problem even further.
I should mention though, that I presupposed, when writing the above, that you ran your computer based tone generator through your system as well.
detlof
1,899 posts
 
Sorry. me chiming in again. Labtec is right of course about how out of phase pink noise should be presented. Also, to be frank, your system is not exactly state of the art and especially CD from the eighties until about the turn of the century might, when played through it, sometimes sound as you had described.
However, I would suggest, that before you start exchanging gear, I would check at your next visit to the specialist, if you've started to hear one sided. It may not, as Labtec suggests, be just your gear, it may well be your hearing, although age induced hearing difficulties generally lead to loss af hearing in the upper frequencies, not to perceived distortions. But again, I strongly suggest, to clear up this question first with a specialist, before you tear your stereo apart.
detlof
1,899 posts
 
If removing the equalisers from your system and reevaluating does not change your perception of the out of phase pink noise, you could perhaps also start looking at your room.
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