Review: Acoustat Model 2 Speaker


Category: Speakers

To this day I remember the first time I heard Acoustat Speakers,they were the 1+1. Until that time I thought I had heard the best there was. But those Acoustats just literally blew me away. Thats tough for me to say being the jaded audiophile I am. However due to the 1+1 height of nearly 7 feet I just couldn't use them in the house I had at the time. What a disappointment that was. However a couple of year later the Model 2 came out. Same panels but this time mounted side by side instead of vertical. Now that I could use,in the house I had.

So the review here will be of the Model 2 Acoustats. I have never been disappointed in the sound of the Acoustats. I listen mostly to Jazz,Classical and Rock. The Model 2s always deliver the music with astonshing clarity,detail and depth. For me the most important aspect of a speaker is to deliver the music as close as possible to the orginal studio recording and the Model 2 truly excel in this area. In fact at times damn near startling in their presentation. I have as usual been searching for speakers that could truly out class the venerable Model 2. Have listen to every Planar speaker out there,and to this day have not found any to warrant replacing the Model 2. And for going on 20 years now that speaks volumes on these speakers.

The weakness of the Model 2 is that they need power at least 100 per channel.They are also dipole. You have to really tune them to the room their in. And once every few years the interfaces need to be serviced. Also if the rest of the system is not up to the task,the Model 2s are unforgiving.

Once a few years ago I did audition a pair of Martin Logans for a week in my home. The MLs were very good,but to my judgement the ole Model 2s were just as good.If the MLs had truly outclassed the Model 2,the I would have paid the $3,500.00 for the Martin Logans.

So the search continues in this field.

Specifications
Frequency Response:35-20K + or - 2dB
Sound Pressure Level:105 dB @ 15' in a 12'x18' room
Minimum Power Requirements: 100 Watts RMS
Nominal Impedance:4 Ohms
Power Consumption: 5 watts 120V60 Hz
Control:High Frequency Balance above 10K Hz
Dimensions: 58"x20"x3 1/2"
Weight:64 pounds each with interface.

Associated gear
Acoustat TNT 200 Power Amp,Acoustat MRP PreAmp,Denon DCM 370 CD Player,Denon DP 61 F Turntable.

Similar products
Magnepan,Martin Logans,EROS,Vandersteen,etc.

ferrari
I have a pair of Model 3's and have had them since 1985. I would not trade them for anything. I sure could use some new covers though. I even took a tour of the plant in Florida way back when.
I have a pair of Acoustat Ones, the smaller version of the 1+1 which includes a matching sub-woofer. Theses have been excellent however due to the size and age,I am now looking at replacing them. I haven't kept up with the latest technology but was wondering if selling them would be a mistake. I would be seeking a smaller speaker requiring less power than what is needed to push electros. Any suggestions...
First time on this forum. Good information on the replacement cloth cover kits, I will contact them. Now I have another question. I have an extra set of panels for my monitor 3s that I would like to get rebuilt. Anyone know of someone that does this. Used to be the Electrostatic Doctor would rebuild them, but he's trying to turn it into a DIY task, and I don't think this is a do it yourself project.
I have model 2+2 using Adcom 5800 amp hook up to a mixer. However, it doesnot have the clarity of my ESS Amt speaker. Any suggestion? Thank you