What are the advantages of electrostatic versus floor speakers w/wo external drivers?


Are electrostatics considered the next level with a corresponding price bump, or just an alternative technology?

I've had floor standing speakers with tweeters and midranges on top of the box and others with all drivers inside it and found the only difference in listener positioning if you are right in between the speakers changing a record, the speakers with internal drivers are missing something.

The electrostatics I'ver heard have had sub woofers, which I guess would require an extra amp and crossover, and for a big enough room may be an ideal option. They seem to have a bigger, more open and detailed sound, but that may have been caused by the room size.

Just planning for the future....
sokogear

Showing 1 response by kennyc

Very different technologies: compared to cone drivers, electrostatic speakers:

Advantages:
Very fast, transparency, clarity, realism

Disadvantages/differences:
Requires a lot of power
Takes up a lot of space 
Has subpar/poor/non-existent bass/sub-base because tech cannot push enough air
Subwoofer integration very difficult/disappointing- matching fast electrostatic w slower cone subs 

However, I believe Magnepan is working on a project “Magnepan for Condos” for matching their electrostatic w a different custom fast subwoofer- preliminary concept sonic reviews were really positive