2. amps-preamps
  3. 190966-193203

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.    

hotrod6871

Showing 1 response by terry9

terry9
2,354 posts
 

@bdp24 Nice summary. I've owned planars since 1973 (Magnplanar Tympani 1a's). I've also owned SMG's, MGII, and MGIII. Also Martin Logan Prodigies, Quad ESL57, Quad 2805 and 2905. Current system is Quad 2805, 2905, Magneplanar DWM (x2), and DIY sub.

I currently drive everything with solid state, Quads with DIY pure Class A, DWM with Bryston. One thing that hasn't been mentioned yet is hot-rodding. Magnepan speakers can be immensely improved with better capacitors (film and foil) and with bracing (Mye stands or equivalent). Quads can be significantly improved with better power supplies (Electro-Static Solutions) and better step-up transformers (Plitron). Don't know about Eminent Tech - I would ask them - but remember that all hybrid systems have an integration issue, that is, integrating a cone with a panel. Some are more successful than others.

Good luck - it's a great journey!

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