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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 1 response by nordicnorm

nordicnorm
313 posts
 
I was running a 30W (class A) tube amp when I upgraded my speakers to Martin Logan Spires.

While I could get sound out of them, I couldn't really make them sing. And no, my days of listening to rock-concert level sound pressure values are long behind me.

I first upgraded to a 205 W pro amp (Soundcraftsmen PCR800) which resulted in an incredible improvement over the tube amp. I've since upgraded to a pair of Soundcraftsmen monoblocks that are capable of 900 W at 4 Ohms.

Is 900 W complete overkill? The extra power isn't about playing my system loud - it's about better instrument separation and definition at low volumes.

While there are tube amps out there that can efficiently drive ML's, they tend to be in the upper price range.

I find that the best combo for ML's is a tube preamp, coupled with solid state monoblocks.

YMMV. 
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