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 tekunda

May I join this discussion, since I am a proud owner of Martin Logan Prodigy ESL.
I have recently upgraded my amps and use now two Wolcott tube monoblocks for the panels and have adapted two bridged Bel Canto Evo 200.2 as monoblocks for the bass woofers. Now I have the best of both worlds: Giagantic mid range and treble, plus a bass which finally has body, but is not boomy.
If you cannot afford the Wolcott amps, I would definitely look into the new Bel Canto Evo 200.2.
I had the older version (which serves now for the bass) driving the whole Prodigy speaker and I was very amazed from the sound I got. And you can get a pair of the older Evo 200.2 for less than $3000 per pair here at Audiogon.
They have plenty of power (up to 800 watts, short term) in bridged mode to drive your speakers. I would not suggest just one Bel Canto stereo amp. They really only shine in bridged monoblock mode.