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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 oregonpapa

oregonpapa's avatar
oregonpapa
4,867 posts
 
I used a pair of Ralph's 60 watt mono blocks to drive my Acoustat Four's for a few years. Under powered for sure ... but oh my God, that mid-range!! To die for! 

The Atmosphere amps were on loan from a friend and I ended up using an ARC Classic 60 to drive those speakers. Still under powered with better bass. The speakers are long gone, and the Classic 60 is my spare amp ... just in case. :-)
oregonpapa's avatar
oregonpapa
4,867 posts
 
bdp24 ...

In an earlier post, I mentioned that I used a pair of "loaner" Atmosphere 60 watt mono amps for a couple of years to drive the Acoustat Four's I used to own. Then I switched to an ARC Classic 60.  The ARC produced better base, the Atmosphere took the honors in the mid-range. Both amps were under powered for the Acoustats. 

On night a friend brought over two of Frank Van Alstine's 250 watt solid state amps with one of Van Alstine's bridging devises. We used high quality IC's to hook everything up.  

We sat in total amazement when those hundreds of watts started driving those huge electrostatic panels. At the time, the room size was about 25 x 40 ... and the room was totally filled with non-distorted sound. No matter how high I cranked the volume control, the speakers and amps went right along with the program.  Haven't heard anything like it ever since. I have to admit, I sometimes pine for that system. 
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