Review: Acoustat Model 2 Speaker

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

I worked for an Acoustat dealer during the companies heyday. I thought I'd supply a little perspective on how the models evolved. The first products with the transformer interface were the Model 2s followed by the 3s and 4s which I owned. (One would be wise to avoid the older models withe the direct drive tube amps built in the amps, not the panels tended to self destruct spectacularly and often.)The more panels there were the efficient the speakers were however the more panels put together did influence the imaging and coherence the speaker had. The model number tells the number of electrostatic panels. I owned the 4s for several years and they were incredible. Next came the 2+2, 1+1, 3+3, and 4+4s. This series of speakers were just a couple of inches shy of 8 foot tall, which gave you a true line source. The 2+2 sounded much better than the 4s and didn't dominate your listening room like the Model 4s did. The model 4+4s sounded incredible indeed but with the noted tradeoffs. The speakers themselves underwent several upgrades for instance the panals were wired with low oxygen content copper which increased the high frequency response significantly and contributed to the sense of speed and attack the speakers had. Next were the Medallion transfromers for the interface box on the back of the speakers, this was also a significant upgrade. In an effort to increase the efficiency and increase the bass impact, Acoustat mated subwoofers with the speakers and thus produced the model 1s and maybe a couple of more models with the subs, as I recall they did a much better job integrating the subs with the panels than any other manufacturer I've heard has done, but the sweetness was the all electrostatic designs which were virtually bulletproof and Acoustat claimed that the panels themselves never failed. One of the best choices for preamp and amps you can make is the Acoustat TNP and MRP preamps, the TNT 200, and the TNT 120 amplifiers. The amps were deisgned for driving the Acoustat speakers and at the time just trounced anything else we had in the store when driving the Acoustats which included Audio Research, Conrad Johnson, Perraux, PS Audio, and several others.
The best sound we had in our store was with 2+2s, the TNT 200 amp, and the legendary Audio Research SP-10 wired with Fulton Gold interconnects and speaker wire. Even today, I compare systems I've owned and heard to this sound, and most cannot compare.
Unfortunately Acoustat ran afoul with a certain reviewer for the Absolute Sound, that I believe was unfairly critical of the design and owners of Acoustat. It was soon after this that the company had financial problems and Jim Strickland and his partner went there seperate ways disolving the company. Hafler hired Strickland and took over the TNT design, while the rights to the speakers themselves were sold I believe to an Italian firm, but I've never heard that they ever produced the speakers again?
I believe that like the demise of Apogee, the dimise of Acoustat was an incredible loss to hour hobby. I've listened to many electrostatics since, which includes Martin-Logan, Quids, Sound Labs, and another I can't recall, none of them have the sound that the Acoustats had.
Hope this helps those who were curious.
Sgr

Looking for user and service manuals for Acoustat 22/2200 or 33/3300 speakers

Looking for good amp to drive Acoustat 22 properly, other than the TNT-200...any ideas