Welcome! Need support, you got it. Or share your ideas and experiences.
Return to Planar Speaker Asylum
212.102.45.23
I would like to see if there are any Acoustat owners out there who may have been staying quiet. Of the many different versions manufactured over the years of production, they are still a tremendous value in electrostatic speakers. The Acoustat X with the built-in servo tube amp drive units were the first ones I heard, and I recently was able to listen to the more recent Spectra 2200 and 4400 models driven by Berning electronics. I still enjoy my 1+1's.
Any Acoustat users out there? Give us a shout out!
Follow Ups:
and still kickin'!
Don't swing by this forum as much as I used to. There is a Facebook group for Acoustat owners that's kinda fun.
Finally an Acoustat thread!
The absolute biggest bargain in electrostatic speakers.
I have run Spectra 22 as my main speakers for 10 years. Had the interfaces rebuilt by a local tech who replace all the parts other than the transformers and the wiring. Had the bias raised up to over 6KV, which makes the speakers sound better and easier to drive (I use a Rogue Audio Stereo 90 tube amp). Although the panels are very durable, the interfaces are over 30 years old and most have low or uneven bias so need rebuilding. I'm sure Mr. Esposito does a fine job, but any competent tech should be able to do the job.
I have done the "hair dryer treatment" twice since I have had them and they are due for it again. Makes them sound clearer and quicker. The "potato sack" fabric they originally came with really kills the high frequencies. They sound much better without them, just remove the thousand staples at the top and roll them down and you will see what I mean. I run mine naked in the basement, but others rewarp them in more acousticly friendly fabric like spandex.
Not looking to change them out, but have toyed with the idea of two subs using the 100hz toggle on the interface. They would have to be really good subs to mate with the 22s, and would probably cost way more than I spent for the speakers and rebuild. If I had Spectra 33s, with the extra panel doing nothing but bass, I would not even consider subs.
Long live Acoustat!
Mendel, for subs that work great with your Acoustats, look into the GR Research/Rythmik OB/Dipole.
Hi BDP24.
I have looked at the GR research/rhythmic dipole subs. They would be perfect, but I'm not very handy and am not sure I could build the enclosures. Do they sell a ready made one I could buy? Does anyone sell a complete dipole sub to match electrostatics?
Mendel, Danny Richie has a guy making excellent H-frame flat packs for the OB sub, which he will assemble and even finish for those who either can't or don't want to. His Audiocircle "handle" is Captainhemo, and some of his builds are pictured on a few GR Research forum threads.
I connected one Audiogon member with the Captain, who had a pair of the subs finished in a wood veneer to match his loudspeakers. Beautiful! I don't know what the cost to assemble and finish is, but a pair of the flat packs is $600, I believe. The design is excellent (I bought a pair), CNC cut 1.5" thick MDF.
Thanks again for the info BDP24!
But can 12 inch woofers keep up to stat panels ?
Mendel, each OB/Dipole has a pair of 12" servo-controlled woofers, powered by a 370 watt plate amp. They play louder then do my QUAD ESL's, but of course the QUADS don't play as loud as do Acoustats.
Bought them new in 1984, never used them for many years, finally found a room big enough for them, they really came to life, they will equal or exceed anything I got :) Al
Ah, and a pair of Infinity RS-1b's. I had a pair for awhile, bought from Brooks Berdan (his personal pair). Good in their time, but I think the Eminent Technology LFT-8b is superior, assuming you add a pair of subs. The LFT-8 has a single 8" woofer, the RS-1b has six 8" servo-feedback woofers in each separate bass tower.
BDP24, The bass towers are total crap with those 8" bass drivers, their muddy and heavy sounding. IMHO
Totally agree, IA. The RS-1b has other problems (relating to the EMIM and EMIT drivers, and the x/o), and is imo an over-rated loudspeaker. Give me a full range ESL or magnetic-planar with subs anyday!
BDP24, I totally agree with you, I just didn't want to make them look that bad, the xo is a disaster :)
Al
I don't like to get personal, but I consider Infinity's Arnie Nudell an over-rated loudspeaker designer. HP and the other TAS writers made him into a superstar, but that wasn't their lone case of misjudgment. ;-)Another problem in the RS-1b was the very poor mechanical design and construction of the m/t wing OB baffle. It was so poorly attached to it's base that the wing was free to swing in the breeze. There is NO structural bracing, none.
Edits: 09/23/20 09/23/20
I used to have an Acoustat Booklet that had user comments and several reviews of the various Acoustat models pre Spectra. I now have a link I wanted to share with anyone who may be interested in this little gem.
file:///E:/Users/My%20Pc/Downloads/Acoustat%20Review%20Booklet%20(searchable%20pdf)%20(1).pdf
Hey, how you bean, frijole?
Glad to see you didn't thin your herd too much. Somehow I'd gotten the idea you were going down to just a couple of pair.
Next time you get a run down to my neighborhood, you're welcome swing by and listen to the servos. Just give me enough warning to get everything warmed up properly.
And don't forget to enjoy the music.
Good Morning, blgtrio, et Al:Since you've had such and extensive collection of Acoustats, wanted to ask what may be the lowest wattage solid state amp that would work with the 1+1s. What I've read, is that they are probably the most difficult to drive of the Acoustat models. I have an YBA YA-201 which provides 100W into 8 ohms (but as you know, Acoustats are not benign impedance loads) and a ClassDaudio SDS-250/258 that provides 125W at 8 ohms but not sure if they are running out of steam (as I hear distortion occasionally) or my source/DAC is casuig it. Am going to reconnect my TNT-200 just to check.
Too bad I'm not in your neck of the woods as I would love to hear some of your Acoustats to get a better grip on what it's like to have a better upstream system can do/sound with them. Also noted your listings a while back for the two-three Acoustat you had on sale here on the Asylum. They were very good deals - glad they found new homes.
Thanks.
Sincerely,
Kingsley.
Edits: 08/31/20
Hi Kingsley, nice of you to post on this thread. It's also nice to see some interest here on the forum regarding Acoustats. I'm not familiar with the 2 amplifiers you mentioned. I do know that either Acoustat amp the TNT120 and TNT200 will drive the 1+1's very well. I have also had good luck with a Perreaux 2150B (200wpc) and a Threshold S/300 (150 wpc). All these are 8 ohm specs. My 1+1's are a more current model with the improved coating on the diaphragm and the Red Medallion interfaces. Both of these upgrades allow the 1+1's to be driven more easily. I would use your TNT200 amp which should mate well with the 1+1's. If you want to improve the sound of your TNT200 send it to Roy Esposito in Florida to do the upgrades and modifications. He works by appointment (usually a six month wait). He prefers to be contacted by email, then he will schedule an appointment. You can send it so it arrives a week before he starts to work on it.
Here is Roy's email address if you choose to contact him.
acoustat.service.usa@gmail.com
make sure you use all 3 periods
Hi blgtrio:Yes would be nice to have more traction on this particular thread. The closest is on diyAudio with Acoustat Answer Man, Andy Szabo - that forum is more about the panels, connections, bias, interfaces, mods, etc. Not so much about the components/systems feeding them.
Thanks for Roy's contact info. Have e-mailed Andy in days gone by about the TNT amps/preamps. Didn't send my TNT200 off to him at the time as it would have been a bit of an outlay being in Ontario, Canada (and not much better now as the exchange rate is still on the low side). Had a very good local tech work on it and the TNP preamp - some parts were replaced and a couple of parts upgraded (e.g., binding posts and main RCAs) - still wasn't cheap but probably a less that shipping it to the USA.
The TNT200 is a (very) good amp for driving them and my Model 3s. The TNP has too much gain and in my particular case, I need to use the -20dB toggle to lower it to be able to use the volume control (which is the very good Alps Black) but still can't go beyond 11-12 on the dial before it gets too loud.
Have also used a Muse Model 100 and that is a good amp pairing also. Have you found there to be a big enough difference between the TNT120/200, Threshold, Perreaux, audio quality wise? Which of these was your preferred one? I understand you probably favour your tube amps overall versus the S.S. ones. Would love to use higher powered tube amps but the room is on the small side and tubes heat it up too much (which is mostly okay in the cooler/colder months) but there is also the heat from the preamp and source components to take into consideration.
Thanks for your input/taking the time to respond. :o)
Sincerely,
Kingsley.
Edits: 08/31/20
Hi again Kingsley. It is actually BLG trio not bigtrio. A lot of people make the same mistake. I actually like my Jeff Rowland model 6 monoblocks and JR model 2 second to my VTL tube amps. The Threshold and Perreaux are tied for 3rd and the Acoustat TNT120 runs very close behind. I know this picture shows the TNT200 which I sold a few months ago. I am now using the Perreaux on my model 3's upstairs in my living room.
Edits: 08/31/20 08/31/20
Sorry blgtrio. Corrections made.
Nice setup. Interesting that the TNT120/200 came in last even after the work done by Roy. (Yes, I know, some amps have reached their potentials even after being worked on/modded.) Well you're in a higher snack bracket to enjoy the fruits of system rotation.
Thanks.
Sincerely,
Kingsley.
Hello to all. I am a huge fan of Acoustats. Since 1986 I have owned 3 pair of 2+2's, 3 pair of 1+1's, model 3's, 4400's, 66's, and Model 6's. I have had numerous upgrades to the interfaces and bought a TNT120 and TNT200 that were upgraded by Roy E. as well. I also am using Jeff Rowland model 6 monoblocks and a JR model 2 and a pair of VTL Deluxe 225 tube monoblocks using Yugoslavian KT90 tubes which sound incredible. I still have model 6's, 1+1's, 2 pair of 2+2's. The model 3's are upstairs in my living room. I know there are supposedly better Electrostatics out there today but none of them have the reliability of the Acoustats. At one point when I was acquiring as many models as I could find I had 16 panels per channel that could play at the same time, the sound had a density and soundstage width and depth that you had to hear to believe. I also want to say I have made some great acquaintances and friends since owning and corresponding with many people on the various forums that feel as strongly about these wonderful speakers as I do. Some pictures I wanted to share. Anyone in the Washington DC or Baltimore area or has business that brings them close to Hagerstown, Md. is more than welcome to come and take a listen. Lots of fun
What a great invitation. What a thrill. Should have told me when the Nats played the WS. Thanks! 2+2 is my all time favorite speaker. It looks like you have the COSMOSTATICS in the mix?
Hi Utley, I sold a pair of 2+2's to a guy in Nanuet, NY which I delivered. I also sold a pair of 1+1's to a guy who drove down from Poughkeepsie, NY he picked them up at my home in Md.
Edits: 08/30/20
Back when they were current products I bought a pair of 2+2s along with the Acoustat amp and preamp. An audio pal was friends with an Acoustat dealer and he got me a good price for the set.
I probably didn't know much about set up for dipole speakers at the time and may not have allowed them the space they prefer. Anyway, I was never able to get them to sound the way I expected so I ended up selling all those components.
Since then, after learning a little more about dipoles, I wondered about subsequent models, such as the Spectra series. But I never had the chance to even see a pair, let alone hear them.
I suspect I might have really enjoyed them when set up correctly.
"The only cats worth anything are the cats who take chances. Sometimes I play things I never heard myself." Thelonious Monk
Has anyone talked with Roy about converting their TNT 200/120 amps into monoblocks? That would be interesting...
On a separate note, I would like to give a shout out to E-Stat for his very informed responses to my original post, as he helped get this thread rolling.
I'm on Roy's waiting list to convert my TNT200 into a monoblock with a switch. I'm still looking for another unit, if anyone knows where I can get another TNT200 I would be most great-full.
In an audio store in Chicago. Salesman had to drag me out of there. When the time (and income level) were more suitable, they were out of business. Got a pair of maggies instead. But I always wonder what a pair of these would sound like in my home.
Which Maggies did you get?
My first high end speaker was the Acoustat Model 3 bought used from the Audio Doctor! Anybody remember his hillbilly newsletters? I loved the hand written low tech mailers!
I later had the Spectra 33'S which was very good also. I had the opportunity to listen to the Monitor 4's with Direct Drive amps and thought they were great! If I didn't have Beveridges the Monitor 4's would be on my short list.
I just purchased a pair of Spectra 33's. Waiting for my TNT200 to come from CA so that I can send it to Roy Esposito for a rebuild. These are my first electostats, been a Maggie person for over 20 years. A friend of mine once had a set of Spectra 11's, the imaging was great, but that sub in the box was just awful, but I did like the imaging. I wanted to try something different, so when I saw a set on Audiogon, I had to get them, I'm curious how the optional Acoustat sub that came with these speakers sound like. There is an Interface, (MK2123) that passes a signal to the sub, which switches at 100hz...These panels are wider than my 3.6 Maggies but 6 inches shorter. My Maggies never needed a sub, all the Bass I could ever want being pushed by Classe CAM350's. With that being said, I'm on the lookout for another Acoustat TNT200 Amp, I want to have them setup as monoblocks. If anyone has a lead on an amp, I looking for one...These are the speakers I just purchased. The picture is from the PO and are not representative of being in my home. I've not had time to set them up. The electronics are also from the PO which I did not purchase.
Edits: 08/30/20
You may find you don't miss the sub with those 33's.
Live with them for a while without the sub and see what you think.
I've never heard any full range electrostats in person I have tons of experience with the Maggies that I've owned, 2.6r, IIIA's 3.6, none needed any subs, so I'm hoping that's the case with the Spectra 33's.. :)
In 1976, Jim Strickland and Bob Reiman flew a pair of the Model X to Atlanta for Dr. Cooledge, aka JWC of The Absolute Sound, to review. The good doctor invited a couple of us from a local shop to meet them and hear the new product. JWC had Dayton-Wrights at the time which are responsible for my lifelong passion for full range stats.
The owner of the shop picked up the line following that enjoyable evening! I purchased a pair for myself a year later.
They were subsequently updated to the Monitor 4 and eventually the dual transformer interface replaced the servo amps. In 1982, I replaced them with 2+2s that enjoyed a number of upgrades over the next twenty three years including new OFC wire panels, Red Medallion interfaces and custom spandex socks.
While I currently use Sound Lab U-1PX stats in the main system, I purchased a pair of 1+1s about ten years ago which ended up in the HT system. I had Roy Esposito update the interfaces along with his "Air" mod and likewise replaced the socks with more transparent spandex. While they don't have the bass response of the larger models, I find they image better.
They are currently idled awaiting a major kitchen and family room remodeling project. That will give them a more spacious environment with better room dimension ratios. I'll be using Magnepan CC1s as surrounds along with a pair of powered subs.
We're three months into the project with another one to go. I'm dying to hear how they will sound in the new space. :)
and had to sell them when moving. An old friend took them and still has them. Or at least he had them because he started a lighting company for cruise ships and has been out of work for quite a while.
I'll have to check in with him. They were awesome with the Bryston I had.
Cheers!
"Bass is the place..the rest is filigree and lace" Doug Sax
Thank you for sharing your experiences with the speaker and it's rich history. I read many reviews by JWC over the years. His insight and methodology as a reviewer were very helpful in determining the character of a unit. The X with it's servo tube amp is the one which captivated me initially. I was living in southern Oregon at the time and selling hifi gear for a competing shop when I happened across them. Being a student at that time, I wasn't in a position to buy them, however, the aural memory of that experience stuck with me. More recently, a good friend of mine had acquired five (5!) pairs of Acoustats, from which I purchased my 1+1's. He prefers to drive his units with an ARC tube preamp and a Berning 2100 hybrid amp and it produces very satisfying music. I would have liked to meet Dr. Strickland and the others at Acoustat just to say 'Thank You' for designing and manufacturing such amazing and reasonably priced products.
I am replying to an older thread, however, after looking at E-Stat's great room construction for his 'stats I was wondering how he arrived at the room dimensions, as he seemed very pleased with the results. It would be great to read his thinking on this.
Also, other's comments and adventures with Acoustat's are welcome, as well.
I read many reviews by JWC over the years. His insight and methodology as a reviewer were very helpful in determining the character of a unit.
I cannot begin to tell you how much I learned about music, audio and the art of critical listening from the good doctor. His writing skills are exceptional and music collection massive. With classical, there was never a question of "Do you have [fill in the blank]?" Which of many do you want to hear? Want some Panufnik? Berio? No problem! I met him when I was 18 at a local HiFi shop (where I later worked part time in college). He became a good friend and mentor. I spent many a Sunday afternoon listening with him and participated in some of his reviewing sessions. They always included a legal pad as he took notes while playing music on a DUT. He also introduced me to his friend Harry who became another mentor. Hearing HP's systems is another discussion altogether. Dumb luck put me in the right places at the right time.
You may be aware JWC is a long term baritone in the Atlanta Symphony Chorus and was largely responsible for bringing Telarc there. He got me the opportunity to participate in the two day recording session of The Firebird in 1978 as "official timer" for the musicians. Meeting Renner, Woods and Dr. Stockham and witnessing their craft for that 21 year old was an amazing experience.
Being a student at that time, I wasn't in a position to buy them, however, the aural memory of that experience stuck with me.
I purchased mine at 20 but was able to buy them under salesman accommodation for about $1100. Still a lot of change for a college student, but it was an easy decision for me to make.
He prefers to drive his units with an ARC tube preamp and a Berning 2100 hybrid amp and it produces very satisfying music.
I'm also a fan of ARC preamps and have owned several since 1981. I used an SP-9MKIII driving VTL MB-450s (still use those) when driving the 2+2s. Yes, they really liked having nearly 500 watts per channel of tube power. System circa 2003:
I would have liked to meet Dr. Strickland and the others at Acoustat just to say 'Thank You' for designing and manufacturing such amazing and reasonably priced products.
Indeed, they have proven to be nearly bullet proof speakers that changed a few of the qualifiers that once were levied against electrostats - unreliable, finicky, lack of bass response, cannot play loudly, etc. While I find that Dr. West's creations better them in many ways, I nevertheless continue to appreciate the 1+1s.
My wife knew what she was getting into when we married in the mid eighties as I had the 2+2s. Shortly afterwards, we finished the basement of the home I had at the time, moved them there and since then have always had a dedicated space for the main system to live. But she tolerated the introduction of the 1+1s in the family room for the HT - for which she spends more time enjoying. With the remodeling project, we went to lengths to minimize the wire and component maze. There's a new hidden closet where the largish Emotiva five channel amp and Oppo Blu Ray player will live. Only the Emotiva processor and cable box/DVR will be visible on a floating shelf below the TV monitor. All wiring will go through hidden chases through the wall and floor. Power and signal for the speakers will use floor mounted boxes behind the speakers. The Maggies in the rear have speaker wire available on wall and post.
While a lot of progress has since been made, here is an earlier pic of the space where the monitor and 1+1s will live:
Thanks for sharing your personal history of audio and nice pics!
Thank you for sharing about Dr. Coolidge. It's not surprising that his keen insights into how audio equipment should perform come from a solid background as a musician. Also, it would be very informative learning about what you gleaned listening to HP's reference systems.
Your new construction looks like it should be perfect, and we look forward to reading about it as the room comes together.
I was an Acoustat dealer from almost the beginning to the very end.
Jim (Strickland) and I became very good friends along with David Hafler.
I sold and installed a lot of Acoustats back in the day.
I currently run a pair of fully modded/updated Acoustat 2+2's and still have a pair of really nice Model 3's.
HUGE Acoustat fan here...
Has anyone used Acoustat's amplifiers or preamplifiers with their Acoustat speakers, and if so, what did you think of the combination?
I have Spectra 22s, TNT-200 amp and MRP-1 preamp all updated by Roy Esposito and couldn't be happier. Still kicking myself for not buying another TNT-200 I saw on eBay for $400 last year.
Was previously using Aragon 4004 Mk 2 and CJPV10BL but now I am Acoustat committed, should be set for life.
I will let you know hopefully sometime this year. My TNT200 will be here next Thursday and I'm on Roy Esposito's waiting list for a rebuild. I don't know what shape the amp is in, the person I purchased it from is a contractor and was given a bunch of audio gear due to his clients remodel. When it gets here, I'll plug it in to see if it works. I just purchased a set of Spectra 33's which came with the optional Acoustat sub, they appear to be in pristine shape. One thing I'll note over my 3.6 Maggies, these things are built like a tank. One Spectra panel weighs more than both of my Maggie panels..
Edits: 08/29/20
Let us know how it comes together. Thanks!
I'm a big fan of before pics. Gives us all a chance to imagine what we would do.
/ optimally proportioned triangles are our friends
By the way, I would like to hear how your remodel project turns out. Please keep us posted.
I've got directly driven Monitor IV's. Some pics in my gallery.
I plan to be buried with them.
There isn't a better value in electrostatic speakers that I know of, price vs. performance and durability. I know of people using large VTL/Manley tube amps, Moscode and Berning hybrids, and Threshold/Krell/SandersSound/Coda solid state amps, just to name a few. Most users say that the beefier the better, but like other speakers it depends upon how large a room you're placing them in.
I haven't listened to the Monitor Four yet, however, I imagine it improved upon the already good X model in significant ways.
FAQ |
Post a Message! |
Forgot Password? |
|
||||||||||||||
|
This post is made possible by the generous support of people like you and our sponsors: