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What kind of power wakes up electrostatic speakers

Is it wpc, high current, both or what? I've been aud-itioning amps with the Final Electrostatic 0.3's (86 db sensitivity). The manufacturer suggests a minimum of 50 wpc to get them going. So far, I've tried a Nakamichi Stasis (150wpc) and an Electrocompaniet AW250DMB(250 wpc).With both,the speakers sounded dull, yet the Parasound HCA 3500 (250wpc & high current)made them sing sweet as can be.
Could somebody be kind enought to explain to me how this stuff works. I need to purchase an amp to drive the Final 0.4's (the big brother to the 0.3's). I'd love to know what
to look for.
I appreciate in advance your help. The source for this
was a Pioneer PD S95.
steakster

Showing 2 responses by pls1

pls1
432 posts
 
I owned Acoustat IVs for many years. Anyone interested in electrostats should visit this site:

http://www.audiocircuit.com/

It contains all the original information on virtually every electrostat ever made. It includes a copy of the original paper "The technology of full-range-element electrostatic loudspeakers" by James Strickland, President of Acoustat Corporation.

This paper includes a discussion of the interface and amp requirements. It also shows the impedance curve for the Acoustats which dips to 3 ohms.
pls1
432 posts
 
Bear and Sean, the paper I referenced on that website shows the impedance curve for the specific MK 121 interface as well as the details of its implementation. The impedance is below 6 ohms except for the frequency band between 500 and 4000 Hz.
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