Recommended amp(s) to push electrostats

[Wardsweb]

I'm thinking about buying one or two amps for my Martin Logan CLS pure electrostats in the den. I presently run a Carver A-760x with these. I know nothing about McIntosh gear other than their good reputation. What kind of minimum watts do need to be looking for? What kind of current capability do they have? What would you recommend?

Granted if I was rich the MC602 sure does look pretty, but alas, more amp than my wallet will allow for now. Maybe a MC2102 tube job - yea right!

[Number 9]

ESLs need volts not current.

I suggest you read some of the articles at innersound.net (which also makes amps BTW) which describe some of the unique charcteristics an amp driving ESLs must have.

Having said that, most of the Mac amps that use autoformers should mate very, very well.

If I recall, the ML CLS is not very effecient, but can't remember how much power they can take. Some of the oder high-power tube designs should be awesome ... however, I have not had any personal direct experience myself.
http://www.berners.ch/McIntosh/Images/MC3500_Front_01.jpg

The rare and expensive MC3500, would be my first choice (if I had the bucks),

[Wardsweb]

What about the 2500?

[grumpy]

OH Man Thats my dream amp :yes:

[CarlV]

I did a search for reviews and they don't seem to need a whole lot of power. Certainly a lot of SS McIntosh amps should run them fine. From Stereophile:
Description: Full-range, single-driver, electrostatic loudspeaker. Frequency response: 45Hz-22kHz ±2dB. Dispersion: 30 degrees horizontal, 4' vertical line source. Sensitivity: 86dB/1W/1m. Power Handling: 200W, 60V peak maximum. Recommended amplifier power: 80-200Wpc. Nominal impedance: 6 ohms (1986), 4 ohms (1987-1994). Minimum impedance: 1 ohm (1986), 1.6 ohms (1987-1992).
Link:
http://www.stereophile.com/printarchives.cgi?650

I vote a 2102 myself if I could afford one!

Carl

[Wardsweb]

Believe me if I had the money the MC2102 would be here now. Man, this is a pretty amp. Tubes and blue VU meters, what more could you ask for?

[Number 9]

Yup, all of the above should work. They have juice to spare and autoformers to smooth the impedance.

The real question is: how's about the lower power stuff?

For example, how much performance would you get from an MC240 or MC275 or solid-state MC2105.

I think you can probably get pretty loud, but given the low-effeciency of the CLS, probaly not head-banging loud. Just a guess.

[CarlV]

Tubes and blue VU meters, what more could you ask for?

That it sounds as good as it looks, and it does!
The SS match would be the 2200/2205 model which would have an honest 230 wpc. Wouldn't break the bank either.:)

Carl

[Wardsweb]

Yes, I think the 2205 is more in line with my likes and capabilites.

[House de Kris]

Originally posted by CarlV
I did a search... Nominal impedance: 6 ohms (1986), 4 ohms (1987-1994). Minimum impedance: 1 ohm (1986), 1.6 ohms (1987-1992).


Contrary to what Number 9 claims, any speaker that is 4 ohms nominal, 1.6 ohm minimum, is indeed a difficult load and will require an amp capable of better than average current delivery. Thanks for the info CarlV.

I'm guessing Number 9 read this article (http://www.enjoythemusic.com/magazine/manufacture/0702/index.html) and saw the section about "ESLs need volts not current" and stopped there. Had the entire article been read, the importance of current would have been learned.

That said, all the McIntosh amps mentioned would be wonderful.

[Number 9]

I stand corrected.

Though, the article I read was this one, which says pretty much the same thing to which you refer to.

http://www.innersound.net/esl800whitepap.html

[McIntosh-Chuck]

Any McIntosh amp with autoformers can do a good job on low inp. speakers like that, just because you can use the 2-ohm tap.

The MC275 and other tube amps will drive them, but you are correct, not to high levels, but they are VERY sweet.

still, there is nothing like clean power as ESLs will often reveal the harshness of some solid-state amps.

They say your first thought is the best, and in this case I agree,
the MC602 is the way to go.

[nsgarch]

Wardsweb -- please see my system on Agon under nsgarch. I've had the CLS's for years, first drove them with trioded (140W) ARC M300 Mk II monoblocks. Now system is all-Levinson, HOWEVER, I just swapped the 23.5 amp (one of the best SS amps ever except for the ML 20.6) for a new MC 275 Mk IV, and the magic is back! Plenty of power for the CLS's too BTW. Stats and tubes is the answer to everything ;--)

[dshoaf]

One of my current setups - they change for a number of reasons - is a set of Quad ESL63s. Currently, I've run them with an MC-225, MC-240 (restored for a friend), and a HK Citation II. They'll work with them all.

It does depend, however, on the size of the room and your listening habits, of course. The lower powered amps will run out of ommmmph faster, which would be expected. My Romper Room is my 1 car garage to give you an idea of what I'm working with.

I have no experience with MLs so can't comment there.

Hope that helps.

Cheers,

David

[Whitehall]

Saw at the Analog Room today a pair of Quad ESLs driven by a pair of replica Quad tube monblocks at 40 wpc. The Quad catalog showing that setup too. Didn't get to hear them though.

Now the Quad electrostatics are not the Martin-Logans but it gets you thinking that maybe raw current isn't the only answer.

If I had the MC275, I'd swap speakers to match the amp.