Sanders 10B Electrostatic

Hello Bifwynne, and thank you.

I did a search of Audiogon forums before posting my question. I will absolutely take Ralph’s recommendations to heart.

I would like input for as many brands as possible as well as power requirement. I have zero experience with this speaker other than listening to it at shows.

Bombayalla,

I agree about Wolcott, I moved out of mine when service options dried up. They were good but other amps have come along since then.

A friend I spoke to today said there were tube amps designed for Sanders speakers. The brand is Western Reserve, I found a review at 6 moons but other than that I have not even heard of it.

Western Reserve appears to be stereo using four KT-88 per channel. I think a 250 to 400 watt designed for the new KT-150 would be another alternative.

Clio09
Albert, it may not be required for the 10B but how many 100 watt tube amps can drive a 1 ohm load?

Is the Sanders a 1 ohm load? If yes, do you know across what part of the musical spectrum?

What is your opinion on 200 + WPC tube amps? Say Audio Research REF 250W mono blocks or Atma-Sphere 200W mono blocks?

Do you think they are up to task for Sanders?

Bombaywalla,

Thank you for valuable response, appears 250 watts of tube power will be adequate.

Rcprince,
Yes, when I had Sound-Lab speakers I did run Wolcott amps with great success. Later on I bought VTL 750 and had them for many years.

What I’m hoping to learn is if Sanders is hard to drive and approximate power requirement.

Clio09
Albert, I would suggest taking a look at the Music Reference RM-200. Can drive a 1 ohm load

Wow, is that required for the Sanders 10B?

Hew
If you haven't done so as yet, I'd suggest that you talk with the man himself to get some ideas. My audio buddy just got Magtechs for his Maggies and was very impressed with how knowledgeable and forthcoming Roger was.

I've spoken to Roger at shows many times, definitely a passionate man about his speakers and they do indeed sound good even under show conditions.

My fear about asking advice on amps would be some bias toward his solid state design.

My friend is searching for tube amp option so I‘m hoping for real world experience from Audiogon members. I appreciate all the input so far, wish I had experience with these so this would not be necessary.

ivanj,

Thanks for advice but that was a couple of years ago.   The purchaser has moved on.

For what it's worth the ARC Ref 250 is no longer in my system but it was a great amp, better than many I've had here.   I do prefer my Allnic M3000 and M5000 but should disclose I work for them even though that position is seven years after my moving to the line out of love for the sound :-)