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
06-28-10: Admranger
Weseixas, do they have to be 4-5' from side walls too or just rear walls?

We:

2ft from sidewalls and typically 4-5 feet min from rear wall.

The rear wall is more critical , so if you do not have the 2 ft from the sidewall a bit closer with some toe-in can work, of course listening distance plays a factor here 2 .

regards,
Admranger ,

give both the ML and the Maggies a listen , IMO the Maggies win hands down and is better priced. Setup will be similar with distance from the backwall, etc ....

Regards,
Proper room treatment will let you have them closer to the rear wall( ie-baffles or heavy drapes).