2. amps-preamps
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Best amplifier for Acoustat 2+2 electrostats for holographic sound, or change speakers?

I seek your opinion on how to improve the holographic sound out of my current system, which has the Acoustat 2+2 full range electrostatic speakers, solid state Sound Spectrum Technologies (SST) Ampzilla 2000 SE monoblocks (300 wpc, high current), and 2 preamps - a solid state SST Thoebe 2 and a SAS Audio Labs Reference 11A tube hybrid (which I am using currently).  Sources are a Yamaha PX2 turntable with Hana Umami Blue cartridge, Eastern Minimax tube phono stage, a Musical Fidelity A5 CD player (as transport) thru an Audio Mirror Tubadour IV SE DAC and an Eversolo DP6 server.  I also have a Moscade Saturn active subwoofer.  Room treatments include dispersion panels behind the Acoustats, bass traps at the corners and some DIY absorption panels plus miscellaneous isolators on the equipment.  Cables are a mixed bag  with nothing very expensive. The listening room (my study) is 22' x 13' x 8'. 

I listen to jazz and vintage rock.

I can't afford to remake my system and like the sound of the Acoustats but want the sound field to extend more beyond the panels and the imagery to be better defined.

I have read that a push-pull tube amp could result in a more holographic sound.  What should I look for in terms of tube amp design and power output?  Can you recommend any specific amps? 

The alternative is to change speakers, one big issue being selling the Acoustats, which because of the 8' height are a challenge to ship.  The other is selecting from the hundreds of speaker choices. 

My budget is limited - I don't want to spend more than $1K over what I'd realize in selling either the amps or the speakers and I'd buy pre-owned.  I live in the Atlanta area.

Appreciate your suggestions.  Thanks!

 

lorenc1
tweak1
3,544 posts
 

A million years ago (mid 90s) I had 2 + 2s. I used both the interface and eventually their servo amps, which are amazing, but back then they had red glowing tube issues that scared the pants of me. Someone does update them and is said to make them totally stable. Do a search and you'll be rewarded

ghdprentice
6,389 posts
 

@tomic601

 

+1 yes, I missed that. Often planar require much more reflection than dynamic speakers… it would be easy to have overly dampened the rear walls. Also, like all planar these need vey precise positioning. 

bdp24's avatar
bdp24
9,446 posts
 

 

Roger Sanders makes one version of his solid state amp specifically for ESL’s (the other for magnetic-planars---Magnepan and Eminent Technology).

 

jafox
1,447 posts
 

Also, like all planar these need vey precise positioning. 

This statement is not applicable to the big Soundlab speakers.  "Careful", yes, "precise", no. They can be near or far from the side walls.  They should be 2-3 feet from the back wall or corners or some bass peaks will occur in some rooms.  Slight relocation will reduce this dramatically with care.  But never never never, insert an "equalizer" between the pre and amp or you will lose much of the magic you worked so hard to achieve.  They can be 6-8 feet apart, 10+ feet apart, 10-14 feet from the listener, or as an incredible experience, the user can sit a couple feet in front.  There is no need for the listener to shift their head to find the "sweet spot".

lorenc1 OP
11 posts
 

Thanks, all, for the thoughtful responses.  To answer pindac, I am looking for 1) more immediacy and a bit more dynamic response of the various instruments and if possible, pushing the soundstage more forward (didn't mention that before).  I realize that the source recording has a lot to do with what is reproduced and a bad recording isn't going to be transformed into a life changing audio experience by the system, no matter what the quality of the equipment is.

I currently have 2 sets of amps and line stag preamps, so I can sell one of the sets for maybe $3k for a purchase.  It seems, though, that the resale value is always lower than what I hope for.

I also am wondering if I should look at other speakers, particularly open baffle designs.  The drawbacks of diving back into the speaker arena to me are 1) selling the Acoustats because of their size and vintage, and 2) the gazillion choices that I can read about but not audition.


 

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