Electrostatic versus conventional speakers


I have never heard a pair of electrostatic speakers. With that being said, what are the pros and cons of electrostatics versus conventional speakers. I'm not in the market for speakers but am just curious

Are they superior to conventional speakers? If so, in what ways? Are they sensitive to tube versus solid state amps? Do they have issues with reliability? Etc.
hobbyist_and_reader

Showing 1 response by vegasears

I’ve got a pair of Acoustat Spectra 33 electrostatic speakers. I got them new in 1988 and still use they every now and then. They have a pin point soundstage and are very intimate. The listener’s sweet spot is tight, much smaller the box speakers. They will disappear into this huge wall of sound.

Now here’s why I don’t use them full time. It’s dynamics. The bass is where they leave me wanting more. I’ve tried subwoofers but cone speakers have trouble mating with such a fast speakers. Another down side is power, they like high powered, high current class A amps. If all I listened to was acoustic recordings they may never had been replaced but this old guy likes to rock.

I don’t think they are better than box type designs, they are just different. Mine have never given me any problems and I used them for 11 years.

If you ever get to Las Vegas Nevada look me up.