No I get what you're saying, and you basically answered my question earlier about the Maggie's, I've heard they are power hogs before. And I was worried about under powering them and overheating the M-125's I do know ML ESL11's have a sub amp built in, but the ESL 9's do not, so stick with the 11's. But regardless I was thinking about possibly using a separate sub so that wouldn't matter. Overall it seems most everyone that has answered so far believes a 125 watt would be good on a ML but not so much on a Maggie. Unless anyone has other suggestions on speakers under 5K. 🤔
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 
thanks.
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I've been a stat fan for nearly 40 years. I find the pairing of electrostats and tubes to be magic. Electrostats are typically 91-92dB efficient, so you don't need a ton of power. You should have plenty and those VTAs are sweet. I'm not a fan of the ML ESL9, but the 13a and 15a, I like a lot. Mating your excellent amps with the ESL9 is like putting a Ferrari engine in a Chevy Malibu. Good luck. |
’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. |
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