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Using tube amp with electrostatic speakers.

Moons ago I started similar discussions and thought I had been given enough good advice not to approach the subject again. Here goes anyway. I've used Martin Logan electrostats for well over 30 years with quite a few different amps but have recently switched to a tube amp and dynamic speakers with which I am very satisfied.  It consists of the Cary Rocket 88R amp and Serie Reference 3 speakers. 

My brother was visiting last week and was so impressed with the sound that he decided that he might want to try a tube amp also (probably the same one as mine).  However, he is using a pair of SL3's that I gave him years ago and I'm concerned primarily about the current requirements of the Martin Logans as well as other concerns that I'm not thinking of.  I don't want him spending money on something that may not bring him improved sound so would appreciate more advice to pass on to him.  He currently uses a Rogue Audio SS amp with his SL3 speakers and, to me, it sounds very good. 
jimbreit
oregonpapa's avatar
oregonpapa
4,867 posts
 
I used a pair of Ralph's 60 watt mono blocks to drive my Acoustat Four's for a few years. Under powered for sure ... but oh my God, that mid-range!! To die for! 

The Atmosphere amps were on loan from a friend and I ended up using an ARC Classic 60 to drive those speakers. Still under powered with better bass. The speakers are long gone, and the Classic 60 is my spare amp ... just in case. :-)
9159cuc
1 posts
 
Hi, I do have the Sl3 and used a Dared DV200 monoblocks and that speaker never sounded so good but the amp has to be re-tube every 1 ~1.5 years and it so painful because it uses 6 kt88 per monoblock. I still have it tho. I used the Krell FPB300 with no problem but a subtle inferior in the highs. There is nothing like a powerful tube amp on electrostatic speakers.

michaelrg's avatar
michaelrg
7 posts
 
I  am running Martin Logan Spires with a Mystere tubed pre amp and Moscode 402 AU hybrid amp and am very happy with the sound.
davidclarke
43 posts
 
I am running 2) Benchmark AHB2 in mono on my QUAD  ESL-2912s.  Love it!  Even 1 AHB2 in stereo did a super job but that bit more power puts it over the top.  Could be the best amp speaker combo I have ever heard.
bdp24's avatar
bdp24
10,488 posts
 

Erik, Music Reference’s phone number is still the Santa Barbara one (805)687-2236, which will go to Roger’s voice mail. His email address is [email protected]. Wish I could join you! I miss the Bay Area, having grown up in Cupertino/San Jose, coming into San Francisco for gigs, and to go to The Fillmore and Tower Records. Very expensive to live there now! Is Village Records in Mill Valley still around? Used to be a great store for Roots Music.

Roger has opened an Audio Engineering school in Oakland (I believe, though it may be Berkeley), wanting to pass on his electronic expertise to younger designers and audiophiles. The Music Reference model (with prices) page on the website lists the ESL speakers, and a bunch of new, low-power amps. OTL’s, Single Ended, etc. Roger is a really creative and knowledgeable tube amp designer.

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