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OT: anyone know of a good high-current audio amp? [message #72262] Tue, 12 September 2006 10:21 Go to next message
ottawarocks is currently offline  ottawarocks   CANADA
Messages: 12
Registered: September 2005
Junior Member
I have an older pair of Acoustat speakers (electrostatics) that I simply
cannot find a replacement for. They sound fabulous, even after twenty-odd
years.

However, they present a challenge to the amplifier driving them: at some
frequencies, their impedance is as low as 1 ohm. That can mean serious
current flowing.

My current power amp is a PS-Audio, and even though it still sounds good,
the older electrolytic capacitors are starting to fail (they dry up). I have
had a few replaced already, but it's just a matter of time before the poor
thing fails altogether.

Anyone know of a decent (but not outrageously expensive) audio power amp? A
stereo unit would be best, but I can live with two mono ones. Would also
consider an integrated amp that can handle this low impedance (PS-Audio used
to make a fine integrated as well).

I figured I'd check with this bunch of audio-inclined folks first... thanks
for any input.

Daniel
Re: OT: anyone know of a good high-current audio amp? [message #72278 is a reply to message #72262] Tue, 12 September 2006 12:21 Go to previous messageGo to next message
DC is currently offline  DC
Messages: 722
Registered: July 2005
Senior Member
These have worked well into 2-ohm loads before, and may be
just the ticket.

http://www.qscaudio.com/products/amps/powerlight2/powerlight 2.htm

You may want to ask them about your situation in advance.

BTW, they sound terrific too.

DC



"D.P." <ottawarocks@netscape.net> wrote:
>I have an older pair of Acoustat speakers (electrostatics) that I simply
>cannot find a replacement for. They sound fabulous, even after twenty-odd
>years.
>
>However, they present a challenge to the amplifier driving them: at some
>frequencies, their impedance is as low as 1 ohm. That can mean serious
>current flowing.
>
>My current power amp is a PS-Audio, and even though it still sounds good,
>the older electrolytic capacitors are starting to fail (they dry up). I
have
>had a few replaced already, but it's just a matter of time before the poor
>thing fails altogether.
>
>Anyone know of a decent (but not outrageously expensive) audio power amp?
A
>stereo unit would be best, but I can live with two mono ones. Would also
>consider an integrated amp that can handle this low impedance (PS-Audio
used
>to make a fine integrated as well).
>
>I figured I'd check with this bunch of audio-inclined folks first... thanks
>for any input.
>
>Daniel
>
>
Re: anyone know of a good high-current audio amp? [message #72307 is a reply to message #72262] Wed, 13 September 2006 05:50 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Deej [1] is currently offline  Deej [1]   FRANCE
Messages: 2149
Registered: January 2006
Senior Member
The Alesis Matica 500 and 900 will both drive 2 ohm loads. There's a Matica
500 on EBay right now. The 900's come up from time to time as well.

Deej

"D.P." <ottawarocks@netscape.net> wrote in message news:4506eae6@linux...
> I have an older pair of Acoustat speakers (electrostatics) that I simply
> cannot find a replacement for. They sound fabulous, even after twenty-odd
> years.
>
> However, they present a challenge to the amplifier driving them: at some
> frequencies, their impedance is as low as 1 ohm. That can mean serious
> current flowing.
>
> My current power amp is a PS-Audio, and even though it still sounds good,
> the older electrolytic capacitors are starting to fail (they dry up). I
have
> had a few replaced already, but it's just a matter of time before the poor
> thing fails altogether.
>
> Anyone know of a decent (but not outrageously expensive) audio power amp?
A
> stereo unit would be best, but I can live with two mono ones. Would also
> consider an integrated amp that can handle this low impedance (PS-Audio
used
> to make a fine integrated as well).
>
> I figured I'd check with this bunch of audio-inclined folks first...
thanks
> for any input.
>
> Daniel
>
>
Re: OT: anyone know of a good high-current audio amp? [message #72315 is a reply to message #72262] Wed, 13 September 2006 06:43 Go to previous messageGo to next message
TCB is currently offline  TCB
Messages: 1261
Registered: July 2007
Senior Member
I had a Parasound amp that was rated to take static two ohm loads, I think
they advertised it as perfectly happy to work with electrostatic speakers.
I was using Magnepans at the time for my home stereo and they sounded great.
You can find Parasound gear reasonably priced because they're 'entry level'
audiophile and once most people have had them for a few months the suddenly
enter the 'tinfoil hat and $300 per foot speaker cable' set and start buying
tube power amps 'cause they feel dirty using the parasounds.

Every now and then I look in my bedroom where I currently have crappy bookshelf
speakers to lull me to sleep and think I should get a set of maggies. Then
I tell myself I make too much money because nobody needs sonics that good
in a bedroom. And then I go to Ebay and type in Magnepan to see what comes
up . . .

TCB

"D.P." <ottawarocks@netscape.net> wrote:
>I have an older pair of Acoustat speakers (electrostatics) that I simply
>cannot find a replacement for. They sound fabulous, even after twenty-odd
>years.
>
>However, they present a challenge to the amplifier driving them: at some
>frequencies, their impedance is as low as 1 ohm. That can mean serious
>current flowing.
>
>My current power amp is a PS-Audio, and even though it still sounds good,
>the older electrolytic capacitors are starting to fail (they dry up). I
have
>had a few replaced already, but it's just a matter of time before the poor
>thing fails altogether.
>
>Anyone know of a decent (but not outrageously expensive) audio power amp?
A
>stereo unit would be best, but I can live with two mono ones. Would also
>consider an integrated amp that can handle this low impedance (PS-Audio
used
>to make a fine integrated as well).
>
>I figured I'd check with this bunch of audio-inclined folks first... thanks
>for any input.
>
>Daniel
>
>
Re: OT: anyone know of a good high-current audio amp? [message #72322 is a reply to message #72315] Wed, 13 September 2006 08:28 Go to previous messageGo to next message
DC is currently offline  DC
Messages: 722
Registered: July 2005
Senior Member
Where would you actually put Magnepans in a bedroom?

I'm going to get a pair of powered Tannoy Reveals and put them
up on the walls and use a laptop as a music server. I love
classical music while I sleep.

Unfortunately, some sick b*stard at the station always plays
some horrible atonal "lamenation" on some war or another, and
I wake up in a panic at 3am...

DC

"TCB" <nobody@ishere.com> wrote:
>
>I had a Parasound amp that was rated to take static two ohm loads, I think
>they advertised it as perfectly happy to work with electrostatic speakers.
>I was using Magnepans at the time for my home stereo and they sounded great.
>You can find Parasound gear reasonably priced because they're 'entry level'
>audiophile and once most people have had them for a few months the suddenly
>enter the 'tinfoil hat and $300 per foot speaker cable' set and start buying
>tube power amps 'cause they feel dirty using the parasounds.
>
>Every now and then I look in my bedroom where I currently have crappy bookshelf
>speakers to lull me to sleep and think I should get a set of maggies. Then
>I tell myself I make too much money because nobody needs sonics that good
>in a bedroom. And then I go to Ebay and type in Magnepan to see what comes
>up . . .
>
>TCB
>
>"D.P." <ottawarocks@netscape.net> wrote:
>>I have an older pair of Acoustat speakers (electrostatics) that I simply
>>cannot find a replacement for. They sound fabulous, even after twenty-odd
>>years.
>>
>>However, they present a challenge to the amplifier driving them: at some
>>frequencies, their impedance is as low as 1 ohm. That can mean serious
>>current flowing.
>>
>>My current power amp is a PS-Audio, and even though it still sounds good,
>>the older electrolytic capacitors are starting to fail (they dry up). I
>have
>>had a few replaced already, but it's just a matter of time before the poor
>>thing fails altogether.
>>
>>Anyone know of a decent (but not outrageously expensive) audio power amp?
>A
>>stereo unit would be best, but I can live with two mono ones. Would also
>>consider an integrated amp that can handle this low impedance (PS-Audio
>used
>>to make a fine integrated as well).
>>
>>I figured I'd check with this bunch of audio-inclined folks first... thanks
>>for any input.
>>
>>Daniel
>>
>>
>
Re: OT: anyone know of a good high-current audio amp? [message #72330 is a reply to message #72322] Wed, 13 September 2006 11:51 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Deej [1] is currently offline  Deej [1]   FRANCE
Messages: 2149
Registered: January 2006
Senior Member
ROTFL!!!!........just repeat.....ommmmm...ommmmm........


"DC" <dc@spammersinthebedroom.com> wrote in message news:45082381$1@linux...
>
> Where would you actually put Magnepans in a bedroom?
>
> I'm going to get a pair of powered Tannoy Reveals and put them
> up on the walls and use a laptop as a music server. I love
> classical music while I sleep.
>
> Unfortunately, some sick b*stard at the station always plays
> some horrible atonal "lamenation" on some war or another, and
> I wake up in a panic at 3am...
>
> DC
>
> "TCB" <nobody@ishere.com> wrote:
> >
> >I had a Parasound amp that was rated to take static two ohm loads, I
think
> >they advertised it as perfectly happy to work with electrostatic
speakers.
> >I was using Magnepans at the time for my home stereo and they sounded
great.
> >You can find Parasound gear reasonably priced because they're 'entry
level'
> >audiophile and once most people have had them for a few months the
suddenly
> >enter the 'tinfoil hat and $300 per foot speaker cable' set and start
buying
> >tube power amps 'cause they feel dirty using the parasounds.
> >
> >Every now and then I look in my bedroom where I currently have crappy
bookshelf
> >speakers to lull me to sleep and think I should get a set of maggies.
Then
> >I tell myself I make too much money because nobody needs sonics that good
> >in a bedroom. And then I go to Ebay and type in Magnepan to see what
comes
> >up . . .
> >
> >TCB
> >
> >"D.P." <ottawarocks@netscape.net> wrote:
> >>I have an older pair of Acoustat speakers (electrostatics) that I simply
> >>cannot find a replacement for. They sound fabulous, even after
twenty-odd
> >>years.
> >>
> >>However, they present a challenge to the amplifier driving them: at some
> >>frequencies, their impedance is as low as 1 ohm. That can mean serious
> >>current flowing.
> >>
> >>My current power amp is a PS-Audio, and even though it still sounds
good,
> >>the older electrolytic capacitors are starting to fail (they dry up). I
> >have
> >>had a few replaced already, but it's just a matter of time before the
poor
> >>thing fails altogether.
> >>
> >>Anyone know of a decent (but not outrageously expensive) audio power
amp?
> >A
> >>stereo unit would be best, but I can live with two mono ones. Would also
> >>consider an integrated amp that can handle this low impedance (PS-Audio
> >used
> >>to make a fine integrated as well).
> >>
> >>I figured I'd check with this bunch of audio-inclined folks first...
thanks
> >>for any input.
> >>
> >>Daniel
> >>
> >>
> >
>
Re: OT: anyone know of a good high-current audio amp? [message #72353 is a reply to message #72330] Wed, 13 September 2006 16:38 Go to previous messageGo to next message
dc[3] is currently offline  dc[3]
Messages: 895
Registered: September 2005
Senior Member
Yeah, one of these einsteins actually said:

"That was an unusual-sounding work that explored the use of
parellel 6ths. Most people find it a bit hard to listen to
at first..." (this was at 2am!)

I needed a warm milk...

perhaps some Ovaltine?


heh

DC



"DJ" <animix_spam-this-ahole_@animas.net> wrote:
>ROTFL!!!!........just repeat.....ommmmm...ommmmm........
>
>
>"DC" <dc@spammersinthebedroom.com> wrote in message news:45082381$1@linux...
>>
>> Where would you actually put Magnepans in a bedroom?
>>
>> I'm going to get a pair of powered Tannoy Reveals and put them
>> up on the walls and use a laptop as a music server. I love
>> classical music while I sleep.
>>
>> Unfortunately, some sick b*stard at the station always plays
>> some horrible atonal "lamenation" on some war or another, and
>> I wake up in a panic at 3am...
>>
>> DC
>>
>> "TCB" <nobody@ishere.com> wrote:
>> >
>> >I had a Parasound amp that was rated to take static two ohm loads, I
>think
>> >they advertised it as perfectly happy to work with electrostatic
>speakers.
>> >I was using Magnepans at the time for my home stereo and they sounded
>great.
>> >You can find Parasound gear reasonably priced because they're 'entry
>level'
>> >audiophile and once most people have had them for a few months the
>suddenly
>> >enter the 'tinfoil hat and $300 per foot speaker cable' set and start
>buying
>> >tube power amps 'cause they feel dirty using the parasounds.
>> >
>> >Every now and then I look in my bedroom where I currently have crappy
>bookshelf
>> >speakers to lull me to sleep and think I should get a set of maggies.
>Then
>> >I tell myself I make too much money because nobody needs sonics that
good
>> >in a bedroom. And then I go to Ebay and type in Magnepan to see what
>comes
>> >up . . .
>> >
>> >TCB
>> >
>> >"D.P." <ottawarocks@netscape.net> wrote:
>> >>I have an older pair of Acoustat speakers (electrostatics) that I simply
>> >>cannot find a replacement for. They sound fabulous, even after
>twenty-odd
>> >>years.
>> >>
>> >>However, they present a challenge to the amplifier driving them: at
some
>> >>frequencies, their impedance is as low as 1 ohm. That can mean serious
>> >>current flowing.
>> >>
>> >>My current power amp is a PS-Audio, and even though it still sounds
>good,
>> >>the older electrolytic capacitors are starting to fail (they dry up).
I
>> >have
>> >>had a few replaced already, but it's just a matter of time before the
>poor
>> >>thing fails altogether.
>> >>
>> >>Anyone know of a decent (but not outrageously expensive) audio power
>amp?
>> >A
>> >>stereo unit would be best, but I can live with two mono ones. Would
also
>> >>consider an integrated amp that can handle this low impedance (PS-Audio
>> >used
>> >>to make a fine integrated as well).
>> >>
>> >>I figured I'd check with this bunch of audio-inclined folks first...
>thanks
>> >>for any input.
>> >>
>> >>Daniel
>> >>
>> >>
>> >
>>
>
>
Re: OT: anyone know of a good high-current audio amp? [message #72360 is a reply to message #72322] Wed, 13 September 2006 21:42 Go to previous messageGo to next message
TCB is currently offline  TCB
Messages: 1261
Registered: July 2007
Senior Member
I'm not the fastest dog at the track so maybe I'm missing some intense irony
here, but Magnepan sells a compact (for a planar speaker) set called the
MMG. Not that huge, can actually be wall mounted with some minimal effort.
Cost is between $500 and $600. So they could fit in my ghetto apartment bedroom
easily, but again I guess I'm missing something here.

TCB

"DC" <dc@spammersinthebedroom.com> wrote:
>
>Where would you actually put Magnepans in a bedroom?
>
>I'm going to get a pair of powered Tannoy Reveals and put them
>up on the walls and use a laptop as a music server. I love
>classical music while I sleep.
>
>Unfortunately, some sick b*stard at the station always plays
>some horrible atonal "lamenation" on some war or another, and
>I wake up in a panic at 3am...
>
>DC
>
>"TCB" <nobody@ishere.com> wrote:
>>
>>I had a Parasound amp that was rated to take static two ohm loads, I think
>>they advertised it as perfectly happy to work with electrostatic speakers.
>>I was using Magnepans at the time for my home stereo and they sounded great.
>>You can find Parasound gear reasonably priced because they're 'entry level'
>>audiophile and once most people have had them for a few months the suddenly
>>enter the 'tinfoil hat and $300 per foot speaker cable' set and start buying
>>tube power amps 'cause they feel dirty using the parasounds.
>>
>>Every now and then I look in my bedroom where I currently have crappy bookshelf
>>speakers to lull me to sleep and think I should get a set of maggies. Then
>>I tell myself I make too much money because nobody needs sonics that good
>>in a bedroom. And then I go to Ebay and type in Magnepan to see what comes
>>up . . .
>>
>>TCB
>>
>>"D.P." <ottawarocks@netscape.net> wrote:
>>>I have an older pair of Acoustat speakers (electrostatics) that I simply
>>>cannot find a replacement for. They sound fabulous, even after twenty-odd
>>>years.
>>>
>>>However, they present a challenge to the amplifier driving them: at some
>>>frequencies, their impedance is as low as 1 ohm. That can mean serious
>>>current flowing.
>>>
>>>My current power amp is a PS-Audio, and even though it still sounds good,
>>>the older electrolytic capacitors are starting to fail (they dry up).
I
>>have
>>>had a few replaced already, but it's just a matter of time before the
poor
>>>thing fails altogether.
>>>
>>>Anyone know of a decent (but not outrageously expensive) audio power amp?
>>A
>>>stereo unit would be best, but I can live with two mono ones. Would also
>>>consider an integrated amp that can handle this low impedance (PS-Audio
>>used
>>>to make a fine integrated as well).
>>>
>>>I figured I'd check with this bunch of audio-inclined folks first... thanks
>>>for any input.
>>>
>>>Daniel
>>>
>>>
>>
>
Re: OT: anyone know of a good high-current audio amp? [message #72364 is a reply to message #72360] Thu, 14 September 2006 00:14 Go to previous message
DC is currently offline  DC
Messages: 722
Registered: July 2005
Senior Member
In another life, circa 1980, I used to sell them. They were
pretty big back then. I did not realize they had a smaller
version, let alone one you could wall mount.

They always sounded really nice with classical.

DC


"TCB" <nobody@ishere.com> wrote:
>
>I'm not the fastest dog at the track so maybe I'm missing some intense irony
>here, but Magnepan sells a compact (for a planar speaker) set called the
>MMG. Not that huge, can actually be wall mounted with some minimal effort.
>Cost is between $500 and $600. So they could fit in my ghetto apartment
bedroom
>easily, but again I guess I'm missing something here.
>
>TCB
>
>"DC" <dc@spammersinthebedroom.com> wrote:
>>
>>Where would you actually put Magnepans in a bedroom?
>>
>>I'm going to get a pair of powered Tannoy Reveals and put them
>>up on the walls and use a laptop as a music server. I love
>>classical music while I sleep.
>>
>>Unfortunately, some sick b*stard at the station always plays
>>some horrible atonal "lamenation" on some war or another, and
>>I wake up in a panic at 3am...
>>
>>DC
>>
>>"TCB" <nobody@ishere.com> wrote:
>>>
>>>I had a Parasound amp that was rated to take static two ohm loads, I think
>>>they advertised it as perfectly happy to work with electrostatic speakers.
>>>I was using Magnepans at the time for my home stereo and they sounded
great.
>>>You can find Parasound gear reasonably priced because they're 'entry level'
>>>audiophile and once most people have had them for a few months the suddenly
>>>enter the 'tinfoil hat and $300 per foot speaker cable' set and start
buying
>>>tube power amps 'cause they feel dirty using the parasounds.
>>>
>>>Every now and then I look in my bedroom where I currently have crappy
bookshelf
>>>speakers to lull me to sleep and think I should get a set of maggies.
Then
>>>I tell myself I make too much money because nobody needs sonics that good
>>>in a bedroom. And then I go to Ebay and type in Magnepan to see what comes
>>>up . . .
>>>
>>>TCB
>>>
>>>"D.P." <ottawarocks@netscape.net> wrote:
>>>>I have an older pair of Acoustat speakers (electrostatics) that I simply
>>>>cannot find a replacement for. They sound fabulous, even after twenty-odd
>>>>years.
>>>>
>>>>However, they present a challenge to the amplifier driving them: at some
>>>>frequencies, their impedance is as low as 1 ohm. That can mean serious
>>>>current flowing.
>>>>
>>>>My current power amp is a PS-Audio, and even though it still sounds good,
>>>>the older electrolytic capacitors are starting to fail (they dry up).
>I
>>>have
>>>>had a few replaced already, but it's just a matter of time before the
>poor
>>>>thing fails altogether.
>>>>
>>>>Anyone know of a decent (but not outrageously expensive) audio power
amp?
>>>A
>>>>stereo unit would be best, but I can live with two mono ones. Would also
>>>>consider an integrated amp that can handle this low impedance (PS-Audio
>>>used
>>>>to make a fine integrated as well).
>>>>
>>>>I figured I'd check with this bunch of audio-inclined folks first...
thanks
>>>>for any input.
>>>>
>>>>Daniel
>>>>
>>>>
>>>
>>
>
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