Counterpoint NPS + Soundlab Electrostats

they [the NPS] have a low damping factor I don't think they would control that big panel very well especially in the bass frequencies.

Hello Somut,

I have no first-hand experience with the Counterpoint NPS amplifiers, but don't see the low damping factor mentioned by Mejames as a serious concern in this case. With many speakers that might be an issue, but the Sound Labs work pretty well with low damping factor amplifiers. You see, in the bass region the Sound Labs have an unusually high impedance (forty ohms ballpark), so a high amplifier output impedance (low damping factor) isn't as detrimental as would otherwise be the case. In fact, Atma-Sphere MA-1 and MA-2 OTL tube amps work very well with Sound Labs, and they have very low damping factors.

If I understand correctly, the amplifier in question is a hybrid rated at 100 watts into 8 ohms and 200 watts into 4 ohms. Power-wise that's a bit on the low side for driving a pair of Sound Labs, but depending on your listening habits may well be sufficient.

By the way, I remember well the lovely little Celestion SL6. Superbly engineered little speaker.

Best of luck to you,

Duke

I have heard Natural Progression series amps but not with Soundlabs - on Martin Logans instead, which I expect present a less-benign load to amps than Soundlabs do. I heard the monos, which are 150W into 8 ohms rather than 100W/8ohms. I thought the Counterpoints were wonderful - excellent detail and control. If they hadn't been already sold to someone else, I might have gone for them.