2. amps-preamps
  3. 1024105702

What kind of power wakes up electrostatic speakers

Is it wpc, high current, both or what? I've been aud-itioning amps with the Final Electrostatic 0.3's (86 db sensitivity). The manufacturer suggests a minimum of 50 wpc to get them going. So far, I've tried a Nakamichi Stasis (150wpc) and an Electrocompaniet AW250DMB(250 wpc).With both,the speakers sounded dull, yet the Parasound HCA 3500 (250wpc & high current)made them sing sweet as can be.
Could somebody be kind enought to explain to me how this stuff works. I need to purchase an amp to drive the Final 0.4's (the big brother to the 0.3's). I'd love to know what
to look for.
I appreciate in advance your help. The source for this
was a Pioneer PD S95.
steakster

Showing 1 response by nealhood

nealhood
199 posts
 
The Innersound amp is not a switching amplifier. It is a classical class AB complementary symmetry transistor design. The original amplifier had the bias on the output stage turned up to run in class A. Later a revision was made that put the amplifier into class AB operation (lowered the bias currents) and some negative feedback was also added to keep things under control. With this revision the amplifier now runs cool at low power. Of course, as power increases losses due also so the unit will heat up.

The Innersound is an excellent design. A very well executed class AB amplifier. Arguably this amp tosses the guantlet for the law of diminishing returns.
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