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 lancelock

After hearing and owning a few different tube amps. I suggest having a listen to Linear Tube Audio transformerless amps. I have the ZOTL 40 driving my Janszen zA2.1 hybrid electrostat speakers and it's the best sound I've ever heard. I believe Upscale has them as well as Urban Hi Fi.
I would like to mention that my Linear Tube Audio ZOTL40 (David Berning designed) is absolute magic with my Janszen electrostats. If you can live with 40 watts or get them mono blocked for 80, I can’t recommend them highly enough. My Janszen zA2.1s are 87 dB efficient and I still have plenty of headroom.