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Help with Acoustat Model 1 + 1

I recently bought a pair of Acoustat Model 1 + 1 with Hafler Mk121 transformers. I foolishly bought 'em without testing, and of course, the transformers were near-DOA, but I was able to get 'em repaired and the speakers working. However, I'm struggling with the following and would very much appreciate your counsel:
1. Am I best served leaving the transformers plugged in? Do they need to stay charged? They seem like an electrical fire waiting to happen.
2. I've been testing the speakers with a 150w/ch 80s HK integrated; high voltage/high current, but still need to crank the amp up to get decent volume level. Is it possible I'm underpowering even at 150w?
3. The Acoustat passive sounds marginal; will I encounter any special difficulty trying to integrate a modern powered sub?
Thanks in advance for your insights.
loomisjohnson

Showing 2 responses by rrog

rrog
1,958 posts
 
Hi, Acoustat and all other electrostatic speakers I know of should be plugged in all of the time. They take a while to sound their best after being unplugged.

I am not familiar with your HK amplifier, but I know electrostatic speakers are hard on amplifiers and very few solid state amplifiers sound good with electrostatic speakers. Your least expensive solution will be a used Acoustat TNT 200. This is a 200 watt per channel amplifier designed for driving Acoustat speakers.

Acoustat 1+1 did not come with a subwoofer and in my opinion does not need a subwoofer when powered by an appropriate amplifier. The 1+1 should have plenty of bass on its own. The Model 1 came with a subwoofer.
rrog
1,958 posts
 
You don't need JL-3s to drive your 1+1s. A pair of Quicksilver Silver 90s will do just fine. One of the best amps I have heard on Acoustats is the TNT200. It was designed by Acoustat for Acoustat speakers and it sounded better than my Levinson driving 1+1s.
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