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 1 response by pmwoodward

I have owned stats for 14 years now, Beveridge and Martin Logan. I have made the switch over to tubes and am currently running a Decware Integrated SET @ 7W. Yes, 7W! Gets much louder than it has any right to, not to mention sounding infinately more engaging than the 150W SS amp it replaced. One factor to keep in mind is that most tube amps (Deware is a notable exception) like to drive higher impedance speakers.

Good luck, Paul