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Electrostatic Speakers

Hello Audiogon! Been around the forum scene for quite a while, and just joined this forum and thought I offer my thoughts on some equipment I just bought: speakers and the cables that came with it.

I couldn’t afford brand new speakers, and thought I’d try a different type speaker as opposed to my B&W 805 Diamond speakers. My dealer has loaned me Marten Logan Quest Z electrostatic speakers, as well as TARA Labs “The One” cables for this purpose. Right away I could hear a difference in sounds between the B&W and The ML. My B&W definitely have more punch to them, and the bass is quite remarkable. (this works great when I’m listening to my classic rock collection) What I found interesting was the way the ML speakers had a sound that seemed to encompass the whole room. Like a wall of sound (courtesy of Phil Spector) If you’ve never heard a good pair of electrostatic speakers, then I’d urge you to try and listen to some if you can. Really a whole new world out there. The cables that my dealer loaned me where TARA Labs. Though I’ve heard of them before, I haven’t really seen any advertising in any magazines showing off new models etc. I saw them in Stereophile Recommended components issues. I’ve always used Wireworld cables in my system before and do love them. I will say that I immediately heard a difference when I put the TARA Labs cables in my system. The high frequencies were insane to say the least. As a matter of fact, the Marten Logans with those cables really expanded when I put Dark side of the moon on (180gm vinyl) Anyone out there have any experience with electrostatic speakers?

-Brian J.
abcaudio
gslone
274 posts
 
You will hear a difference like you did with the cable, with more good clean power for your Quest Z. I have Martin Logan Aerius i driven by Threshold T series pre and power amp purchased new back in '98. The entire system is wired with Tara Labs RSC cable. I think Tara Labs and electrostats are a great match - to me they sounded better then all other cables I've tried. Nothing wrong with tube amps, I like them too, but I think you will need one with more power if really want to hear the full potential of your Quest Z. IMO, solid state amps with lots of good clean power work best with electrostats. Be sure to pull the speakers out at least 3 feet away from the front wall (the one facing you) and side wall.
nkj
130 posts
 
I have been a mostly electrostatic user for the past 30 years. Acoustat X, Acoustat transformer based, Dayton Wright,Quad USA Monitor, Quad ESL and now .. Beveridge Electrostatics.

There are definite trade-offs between electrostatic presentation and cone type drivers. The delicacy and presence of the 'stats are always difficult for me to give up. The power and pressurization of a room is mostly unmatched with conventional drivers.. either way personal preference comes into play.

I will agree with Atmasphere that the Sound Labs are probably SOTA in electrostatics today..never owned them but did have a chance to critically listen recently. While I think ML have come along way in integrating the woofer to the panels, my favourite ML is the original CLS.. no longer made. The more recent models are definitely easier for most to live with.

Good Luck.
lacee
811 posts
 
I've been a stat fan since the late 70's when I heard the original Acoustat3 with the provided servo tube amps.
Later I bought the medallion 3 panel versions and used a CJ M75A-1 amp.
Sold them, moved on to cones, had several good pairs but whenever I listened to my pals with the tubed Acoustats I felt something was lacking with my speakers.
So back to panels, first with ML Sequel, then Quad 63, then two pairs of ML CLS 11z, then stacked Quad 57's.
I tried some Tannoy Ardens, Grand Veenas, and then I found a pair of the original Acoustat monitor 3 with the servo tube amps.
I got the amps modded and updated, braced up the cabinets and fed them with dedicated power and good gear upstream.

This is closer to the "dream" sound that I've been chasing.

But, I've done a lot of room treatment, and tweeks to get to where things are sounding good.

I would agree panels won't work for everyone.
I have friends who have been loyal to the same pair since the middle 70's and others who flit from cone speaker to cone speaker on a monthly basis.

I've been happy to be back in the stat fold for a few years now and ,though they aren't perfect, nothing else is either.

Try some good solid state amps with the ML's.
I found a pair of Classe DR 8 in mono worked very well.
Tube amps not so well.
rleff
1,065 posts
 
Brian I just moved from Soundlab m2's to Nola KO's; so far only 1 weekend listening.
I am still playing with positioning of the KO's but I like what I hear thus far and I still have the nola blue thunder speaker cables to install as I am still running my transparent musicwave super's.
I would encourage anyone to at least try and hear a ESL speaker (especially the soundlab's) and see for yourself; ESL speakers are quite awesome.
vitop
221 posts
 
This is an old thread. but I love electrostats. I have heard the MLs but really only liked the very high end ones. Years ago a European company named Final Sound was selling electrostats in the US. They since have retracted to Europe. I ended up listening to theirs and bought them. Have had them for many years as they sound and look great. I ended up with a full home theater setup with center and rear also. I finally got the itch to try something different and went to conventional drivers but have been holding onto the Final Sounds. My wife likes the size of the new speakers more so am getting rid of the electrostats. Going to definitely miss them.
There really are not a lot of good electrostat alternatives any more. I still own a set of Apogee speakers are are some of the best speakers I have heard. I wish both Apogee and Final Sound were still around to provide some good alternatives.
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