Poll For Electrostatic / Planar Speaker Users

[Barry]

Had a few statics, a pair of 57’s a good few years ago which were lovely. Then a couple of models from ER Audio, which I bought from Colin Topps who used to be the U.K. agent for them many moons ago. I still have their top model, the Acorns, a long term project for which is to drive with them some direct coupled GM70 valve amps, though a trip to a previous Owston unfortunately damaged one of the panels which I have yet to repair - been mucking about with active OB’s ever since..

Nick Gorham threw together a prototype 813 direct coupled amp for that Owston ( because I had several pairs) which sounded amazing, in many ways still the best sound I’ve ever heard from a sound system. Definitely the way to get the best from statics IMO.

I believe Tim de Paravicini did something similar with a pair of Quad 57s, though I don't remember which output valves he used. Makes a lot of sense: direct coupling of the anodes of the push-pull output valves to the stators eliminates two transformers at a stroke. Wouldn't need much power, but the anodes would have to run at about 2kV.

[YNWaN]

I can hear the appeal of electrostatic speakers but, for me, their strengths have never outweighed their limitations. Also, I’m really not a fan of dipoles as such (not all electrostatics have been dipoles).

[Lawrence001]

What are hybrid ribbon speakers classed as??

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[Barry]

What are hybrid ribbon speakers classed as??

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Planar, as are hybrid electrostatic speakers.

[Ninanina]

Thanks for adding the new option, that makes sense

I'm actually quite surprised how many people are using, or have used, electrostatic/planar speakers

[struth]

Planar, as are hybrid electrostatic speakers.

got trad drivers too tho

[montesquieu]

Had a couple of pairs each of 57s and 63s, have several times gone to hear but chickened out of buying 989s and 2905s (wider frequency range, but I don't think they have the magic of the oldies) ... heard a few pairs of Maggies at shows, not sure they are really my kind of thing ... warming to Apogees, for all their idiosyncrasies as I've always liked them any time I've heard them (though I suspect it takes dedication at Justin's level to get the best out of them) ... loathe and detest the hybrid Martin Logans with their 10ft tall violinists and midget cellists (though do like the CLS).

All of my (actually fairly lengthy) electrostatic ownership experience is therefore with Quads ... and what do what they do well, they do fantastically well ... however, some things they don't do well at all.. The wife's not a fan as she refuses to sit in the (typically very small) sweet spot so really needs a room-filling dynamic driver (Tannoy fitting the bill nicely) that doesn't do weird things if you aren't in the directly radiated area. I suspect I won't have another pair.

[Barry]

got trad drivers too tho

Well yes - that is what is meant by 'hybrid'. But the traditional driver is usually the bass driver.

Not all electrostatics were planar (dipole) though: the Alex Shackman mid/tweeter wasn't, nor was the American Electro Static Sounds (ESS) speaker which used electrostatic tweeters. Both used a conventional cabinet.

[walpurgis]

Not all electrostatics were planar (dipole) though: the Alex Shackman mid/tweeter wasn't, nor was the American Electro Static Sounds (ESS) speaker which used electrostatic tweeters. Both used a conventional cabinet.

I believe Jenszen from the US used an enclosure too.

[Barry]

I believe Jenszen from the US used an enclosure too.

Yes you're right - I had forgotten about the Jenszen unit.