@soix I may be looking for something the speakers don't have? when reading about electrostatics, I expected that speed to come out as a crisper sound. I listen to mostly live- Dead, jam bands, blues and new grass. in the live experience. drums and cymbals are tight, they don't sound like thwacking on a cardboard box, cymbals ring and crash. I previously had B&W 683 towers, followed by ML 60Xti. dynamic drivers. my car has Focal separates- the inverted dome titanium next to a windshield is incredible for ride cymbals
from the non ESL speakers, I know the warmth of Adcom, the Rotel at 200w was a step up in control. a 160w Perreaux was cool. I also had a rogue cronus magnum iii that I tried when my CJ PV-12 needed too many repairs. Pretty certain that thw weakness in the rogue was the preamp. even Rogue said the RP-1 would be noticeable improvement. I did enjoy it, but it was time for achange. the Rotel I had in storage. I traded in the Rogue for the Vacuum HE1 MK3 (super clear, all balanced).
I like these ESL over the box speakers for their continuous soundstage. although a bit surprised by the narrowness of the sweet spot. not beaming, but can definitely tell when not on it. unfortunately, no good listening room in this house so no flexibility to optimize placement or room treatment. long 30' and narrow 13' room with picture window on one side and stone fireplace on the other where first reflection hits. and barely 3 ' from front of speaker to the wall.
punch from an electrostatic? I am happy with the bass response, I have a total of 6@8" drivers (two per ESL and two in the SVS micro).
I admit- went to a show and the big room had Neolith with two huge parasound monos. best sound I have heard. it was just such a relaxed presentation (vs strained) sounded very natural. I then bought what I could afford.
