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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

Showing 4 responses by mofimadness

mofimadness's avatar
mofimadness
4,933 posts
 
"The issue I find with ML is they are disjointed in the bass as they transition to the bass driver - it sounds like a system with a subwoofer."

Having personally owned probably 20 different Martin Logan models, that was somewhat true of the older models, although it never bothered me. With the new Vojtko crossovers, this really isn't a problem anymore. These new models are as seamless as any other speaker out there...IMHO anyway.
mofimadness's avatar
mofimadness
4,933 posts
 
@Mofimadness
Are you still a dealer?

No, sorry I am not anymore.
mofimadness's avatar
mofimadness
4,933 posts
 
Your Cary Rocket 88 amp is really way too little power to drive those Quest Z speakers properly.

I would recommended a higher powered amp for sure. As long as you aren't listening very loud or trying to fill a large room with music, you'll be okay, but if you are thinking about keeping those speakers, you'll need to invest in a bigger amp.

Thanks Al for the info and as usual you are correct.
mofimadness's avatar
mofimadness
4,933 posts
 
I was a Martin Logan dealer for many years along with being an Acoustat dealer from the start to the end of that company. I also sold Audio Static and Magnepan, (Maggies are planar magnetic, not electrostatic).

I have personally owned well over 50 different pairs of "panel" speakers from the above mentioned and Quad, Sound Labs, Monsoon and a few others.

I am a panel lover...period. I have owned a lot of other speakers, but always keep or come back to either electrostatic or planar magnetic speakers.

Panel speakers are just like any other speaker. You either love them or hate them. They have their pros and cons. For "me" they just sound right. YMMV
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