Your favorite Electrostatic, Panel spkr

I have Janszen Valentinas (aka zA2.1). You can read REG’s review in TAS and several others if you want a good description of them. I like them for several reasons:

• typical electrostatic low distortion, high transparency
  
• fairly directional, less wall/ceiling interaction
  
• no backwave, so fewer acoustics problems
• compact size, not overwhelming visually
• full range and well integrated
• easy to place
  

I am quite happy with them and would recommend them to anyone who is looking for what they can give. What they do not provide is a huge soundstage, though they represent what’s on the record at a natural scale. Like many stats, their imaging will be best in the center seat.

Through the years, I’ve auditioned Sanders (great, but bigger), Muraudios (bigger soundstage and sweetspot, but more $$ and ugly IMO), Magnepans (sounded lifeless to me at low volumes), and MLs (years ago, but I found them too "wispy" sounding). I also owned Apogees, which were a lot of fun but far more colored than the Janszens.

Further to my earlier post, one of the things that made my Martin Logans outstanding was reducing the rake. The tilt works fine when standing, but when sitting the bass was heavy and muddled the sound. 

I've always been amazed with my Acoustat X speakers. Bought them new over 40 years ago. The direct drive servo amps takes the worry out of driving electrostatics. Only negative about these is the narrow sweet spot, but when set up right they are magic. Sadly new home does not have a proper listening room so they will soon be for sale as I will need something smaller. 

That is sad vtaoustatx. My first ESLs were oak Acoustat Xs with black grill cloth. They certainly opened up a whole new world for me. They were also beautifully made except for that stupid fiber board rear panel which I threw away. 
You really don't need a very big room for them. I used them in an efficiency apartment! Maybe you could convert one of the bedrooms:)
Let me know when you want to sell them!!

Mike

I have owned Magnepan 3.6 and now I have Innersound Eros mk 3 with Sanders Sound System’s modifications.  I always liked the transparency of planars.  Maggie’s were wonderful.  I discovered Roger Sander’s 10e speakers at the Denver Rocky Mountain Audio Festival.  The transmission line woofer kept up with the electrostatic panel.  Organ music shook the walls.  Very transparent.  Great imaging.  In the sweet spot, music comes alive.  So so very good.  Typically base is lacking in electrostatic speakers.  Not for 10e.  I was a grad student back then.  I could not afford Roger’s newest speakers, but I bought the next best thing.  Mine has the same panels as Sanders.  The woofer is a little less than the latest Sanders.