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Using tube amp with electrostatic speakers.

Moons ago I started similar discussions and thought I had been given enough good advice not to approach the subject again. Here goes anyway. I've used Martin Logan electrostats for well over 30 years with quite a few different amps but have recently switched to a tube amp and dynamic speakers with which I am very satisfied.  It consists of the Cary Rocket 88R amp and Serie Reference 3 speakers. 

My brother was visiting last week and was so impressed with the sound that he decided that he might want to try a tube amp also (probably the same one as mine).  However, he is using a pair of SL3's that I gave him years ago and I'm concerned primarily about the current requirements of the Martin Logans as well as other concerns that I'm not thinking of.  I don't want him spending money on something that may not bring him improved sound so would appreciate more advice to pass on to him.  He currently uses a Rogue Audio SS amp with his SL3 speakers and, to me, it sounds very good. 
jimbreit

Showing 2 responses by ivanj

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ivanj
35 posts
 
McIntosh equipment and ML’s are both sold by the same retailers, is that the reason for the question? My friend was a huge, enthusiastic McIntosh dealer until they went with Magnolia/Best Buy. Due to his kindness I have tried various McIntosh amps on various electrostatics. I know that the McIntosh amps are not a good match for (full-range) electrostatics beginning with QUADs. The OP should find out if they offer another solid state amp with lots of current to drive the electrostatics. You might stay away from Levinson amps too.

Yes, the Classe’ 45 watt VHC amp should drive electrostatics well. Bravo with sticking with a great amp! Reich is a brilliant designer.

Unfortunately the Martin Logan’s "curvilinear" membrane is a fundamentally flawed design. That, among other reasons, is why they have to offer a 5 year warranty.


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ivanj
35 posts
 
tomcy6:

Here is Dick Olsher on "Curvilinear" diaphragms from Sterophile:

"A truly curved diaphragm (à la MartinLogan) can have wide horizontal sound dispersion, but the problem is its limited linearity at low frequencies, where large excursions are required. When the diaphragm is pulled forward, it is stretched, increasing tension. When pulled back, its arc of curvature decreases, which causes it to lose tension. This difference in tension in the two halves of a push-pull cycle severely limits the linear excursion range where distortion will be low. What's a poor designer to do?"

Read more at http://www.stereophile.com/content/sound-lab-1-electrostatic-loudspeaker#KSGYY7hMRcYqtpsY.99



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