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Best tube amp for electrostatic speakers

For over 35 years I've almost exclusively used either ribbons or electrostats with solid state amplification and have been generally happy with the sound. Over the last several years, though, my hearing has become somewhat degraded and more sensitive to certain frequencies. The frequencies which seem to cause the most discomfort occur in the 1400 to 1900Hz range and come across as "bright" to my hearing. After researching this matter and having been given some expert advice, I've decided to pursue the idea of replacing my present amplification equipment with tube based gear.

The purpose of this post, then, is to solicit advice regarding the best approach to making this decision based on the following information: the current basic equipment is Shanling Solid state CD player, Peachtree Audio Nova used as preamp, two DBX 1531 EQ's to help compensate for age related hearing loss, Peachtree 220 amp, Silversonic T114 cable and Martin Logan Ethos speakers.

The listening area is our living room measuring 15 by 22 feet with my listening position 16 feet from the plane of the 2 speakers which are positioned 11 feet apart measured center to center. Located between the 2 speakers is an entertainment center which is about 9 feet wide. My listening interests are varied from solo guitar and light jazz to occasional orchestral music. I don't generally listen at high volumes and am not particularly interested in strong bass except for the rare action movie background.

Unless not advisable for some reason, I would like to keep the Peachtree Nova as a preamp because of the significant latitude for source connection and what seems to have a decent internal DAC. If this option would substantially defeat the purpose of the intended modification I would work around it. I can no longer deal with sounds that are "bright" which I now find uncomfortable but detailed sound is very important.

So, the questions are: is the move to tubes the best option and, if so, what might be some reasonably priced amps that could accomplish the goal. This, of course, would take into consideration room size, etc. for determining power requirements. If there are other more practical and less expensive options to consider, I would appreciate that advice as well.
128x128broadstone
lostbears's avatar
lostbears
537 posts
 

If you are serious about tubes, I would start with a tube DAC and then maybe a tube preamp. Both uses the smaller signal tubes. A tube amp uses the larger power tubes and they can take a bit more care and feeding.

That said, tubes and planar speakers can sound magical. I have owned tube electronics with some type of planar speakers since the late 1980s. I currently own Martin Logan SL3 speakers driven by an Audio Research Ref 110 tube amp and LS27 preamp.
stickman451
553 posts
 
Take a look at the Carver 350 Black Beauty mono blocks. The 350's use six KT-150's per side and can drive just about any speaker. The slightly older version of the Black Beauty's, the 305's uses six KT-120's per side. I use these amps on my Magnepan 20.7's and they sound fantastic! The 20's are a demanding load, but the 305's never seem to run out of power.
zd542
5,339 posts
 
"So, the questions are: is the move to tubes the best option and, if so, what might be some reasonably priced amps that could accomplish the goal."

There's no guarantee that tubes will help. They can be bright just like SS. I would focus on getting the right gear regardless of whether its tube or SS. Also, just getting something that sounds rolled off/warm, probably fix your problem. I think your issue is more of a timbre/refinement problem in the high frequencies. For example, a cymbal can often sound like a harsh noise, and not a cymbal. If you can correct HF problems like that, you should be able to listen to your system.
darkmoebius
900 posts
 
Wolcott "The Presence"(& later 220M/P280) amplifiers were supposedly designed specifically to drive difficult loads like electrostats.

Here is a Enjoy The Music review where The Presence are thrown at Sound Lab A-1's and their very difficult 40 to 0.8 ohms load. The also do well driving Apogees

Henry Wolcott passed away a couple of years ago, I think. But, you can still find the amps for sale used in great condition. They don't use any exotic tubes, just 6550's. and are supposedly bullet-proof
detlof
1,899 posts
 
Broadstone,

Thanks, I now understand better I think. I do have another question though. With piano at the higher register does the sound just become harsh or does it also break up, slightly distort? From what you say, the latter does not seem to be the case.
I have been using stators, like you, for over 40 years and have tried many forms of amplification, settling finally with Atma-Sphere, which contrary to the Wolcott mentioned above, never gave me any trouble. The Wolcott sounded great, but alas, my unit was anything else but bullet proof. VAC, BAT, VTL and Manleys are all good choices to my ears. 60 watts should do you fine. Peronally I don't think amps from Audio Research would solve your problem. If possible I would try before I buy. .
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