How to choose the right amplifier for your electrostatic loudspeakers?

 

Let’s start with a very simple answer. Some listeners will appreciate their own sound.
Well, do what makes you happy. Buy a big equalizer and any amplifier where you can put your hand.
As long as it meets your holy grail, it’s fine.

 

Some other folks strive to get a result that emulates the sound, dynamics and spatial representation of real

instruments and ensembles. The challenge is to find the right match between an amplifier and the

electrostatic loudspeakers to realize your dreams.  Although you will never really find the holy grail, it is

possible to create a very convincing illusion of a real stage with real voices and instruments.

 

To find the right match, you need some advanced listening skills and a lot of experience with live music.

You can never paint a Rembrandt or Van Gogh if you’ve never seen one. You need a clearly defined goal to strive for.

There are some laws of physics which might be helpful to find the right match. It is possible to succeed by building combinations with a bunch of available amplifiers. Trial and error could be useful here. Never forget that the

interaction between loudspeakers, the loudspeaker cables and  the amplifier form your system’s core.

If you do not have a lot of experience in building systems, ask your dealer.

 

Also be aware that amplifiers show some very rude basic characteristics.  Class A does not have crossover

distortion and the sound has some minor warmth. Class AB can show some distortion at lower sound

levels and also has crossover distortion. Class D has a tremendous drive in the lower frequencies.

While class G is free of distortion during low signal levels.

 

Tube amplifiers are strong in creating a huge soundstage. Some do have a warm sound and some are

very neutral.  These broad characteristics will barely tell you how an amplifier really sounds and what

will exactly happen during the interaction with your loudspeakers. During listening tests with

Final models we had very convincing experiences with some class D amplifiers, but also

combinations with an awful sound. The Final Model 15 did a wonderful

job with the revered QUAD II tube amplifiers.

 

Suppose you’re a music lover and your goal is to build a system that will sound close to ‘reality’.

What to listen for? The sound of your system should be as natural as possible. No exaggerated low

frequencies or sizzling and sharp sounding highs. A violin does not sound as sharp as a razor blade.

The sound should be rich in harmonics with a very nice tone. The balance between the

frequencies (lows, mids and highs) should be very even.

 

Don’t forget the role of loudspeaker cables. Some cables in the market will change

the natural tonal balance for worse.  Nice for a party, but not convenient for

serious listening to classical music or jazz.

 

Also try to listen to detail, dynamics and the soundstage. Amplifiers will make serious differences within

these important areas. Real instruments do have a huge dynamic range. The best advice is to listen to live

music. Preferably to acoustic and non amplified music. Listen to voices, a cello, a flute, a harp, a sax, a piano,

a Steinway Grand and to percussion. Maybe you do have some of these instruments at home.

Try to build a mental map around these sounds. Try to compare these sounds with your hifi-system.

 

Does your system sound like a real trumpet or vibraphone?