Electrostatic speakers and low volume resolution


I've used electrostats almost exclusively for over 35 years and am just now questioning whether it is my somewhat compromised hearing (73 yrs old), the nature of that type speaker, or both that lead me to this question. At "normal" listening levels factors like detail, resolution, timbre, etc are excellent. At lower volumes, though, I lose these attributes. I realize that my age related hearing deficiencies could account for these loses but am questioning whether the nature of speakers themselves could be a contributor.

It's been awhile since I've used conventional speakers so my memory might be lacking but this didn't seem an issue when using them. The two that I owned and recall having the best sound to my ears were the JMLab Electras and the Jamo Concert Eights. My current speakers are the Martin Logan Ethos' which replaced the Odysseys that were in the system for 12(?) years.

For various reasons I need to listen mostly at reduced volumes, so, before I start looking to trade my Ethos' which I very much like, btw, for something like a good pair of stand mount dynamic speakers, I'm asking for input.
broadstone

Showing 5 responses by geoffkait

I understand Ultra Tweeters are still available. They produce only very high frequencies, just over 1 GHz. I used to have the Ultras in my system and even had the Deluxe Ultras in the same system.
The Ultras of course work quantum mechanically. Yes, I know you were afraid I was going to say that. Hence the over MHz fequency. The Ultras condition the air molecules and make the acoustic waves propagate more efficiently through the air, like a traffic cop in the city who makes the traffic run more smoothly and efficiently. In other words, even if someone already has super tweeters in his system, Townshends or whatever, the Ultras will improve that system, too.
Just to add that I'm not sure if the SteinMusic Harmonizer works similarly in principle to the Ultras but it might. The Harmonizer - at least according to what I've read - operates by "energizing" the air molecules in the room so that when the acoustic waves propagate across the room via the air molecules they move more efficiently because the air molecules got a jump start. Instead of just sitting there they had already started to move. Kind of like an Olympic runner getting a jump start on the field by beating the gun.
Nobody is suggesting that air molecules are charged at very high frequencies. They do however resonate when immersed in a very high frequency field of the correct frequency. That's how the molecules get jump started, I.e., moving. You can charge the air as it were using ionizers such as the one I sell, but many others, too, you know, like negative ion room purifiers.