Electrostatics and tubes


I am looking to get some new to me speakers,  I've been looking at options and would really like to try a set of planars "electrostatics".  I have read or heard somewhere that as far as speakers go they tend to be inefficient (85 to 89) vs.90+(db) on the Klipsch or Dali's I've been tossing around as a standard speaker option. I guess my question is would I need to worry about any over heating issues. I plan on using plenty of power with a set of VTA, M-125's to power them. I am looking at a lower budget set maybe Martin Logan ESL 9's or Magnepan 2.7i .    Just wondering I would hate to over heat a few hundred dollars worth of tubes if I don't need to.   ¯\_(ツ)_/¯  don't roast me to bad I cry easy wink  thanks.    

128x128hotrod6871

Showing 2 responses by steakster

Electrostats are typically 91-92dB efficient, so you don’t need a ton of power.

’Typically’ is not a term that should be used for electrostats. They’re all different.

The important specification to look for is the impedance curve - not the db sensitivity. Is the curve relatively flat - or is it jagged? Some stats go down to 2 ohms or less - which very few amps can drive - either tube or solid state. Many variables to consider - including room placement, to account for the backwave.

OP: Be sure to do some research first. Many stats have a very narrow sweet spot. When leaving the listening chair, the presentation falls apart if you’re somewhere else in the room. After owning a pair for 5 years - with 2 subwoofers, I was happy to move on.