Electrostatic's and Sensitivity - Page 2

VictorG · 3rd February 2004, 08:20 PM

Thank you for clarification SY. I am going to let the real EXPERTS answer from here on out. My expierience with estats is more practical.

David M · 3rd February 2004, 08:27 PM

Building a basic ESL is not very difficult or expensive. The expensive part is the transformer and the amp to drive it.

The speaker itself is really just a few layers of inexpensive materials. Believe it or not, aluminum window screen works quite well if it is properly supported.

The transformer needs to be about 1:50. You can rewind an EI type or wind a toroid. Both Hammond and Plitron make suitable finished transformers (among others). I suspect the Plitron is best but it is very expensive and I have no experience with it. In general, look for transformers designed to step down a tube amp's voltage. Just use it backward--the transformer won't care it's just a hunk of wire.

The amplifier needs to be able to push a lot of amps to keep the transformer fed (it transforms the current into the volts you need). It also needs to be able to handle a very capacitive load with very broad ranging impedances. I'm not sure a gainclone will have what it takes.

All that said, I have to agree with others that an ESL may not suit your application. They are big and need lots of room behind them. can you mount speakers on the walls behind you instead?

To learn more these two sites are very helpful:

http://www.quadesl.com/quad_ref.shtml
http://www.audiocircuit.com/9041-esl...t/9041IMAI.htm

Good luck!

ps. Sander's book is very helpful for it's rules of thumb but don't take his explanation of the physics to seriously.

3rd February 2004, 08:20 PM	#11
VictorG diyAudio Member Join Date: May 2003 Location: Albuquerque	Thank you for clarification SY. I am going to let the real EXPERTS answer from here on out. My expierience with estats is more practical. __________________ Stewie: You there, fetch me the wall street journal. You two! Fight to the death!

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
Show Printable Version Email this Page	Search this Thread: Advanced Search

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
driver sensitivity vs system sensitivity	bvan	Full Range	12	5th November 2007 07:57 PM
Sensitivity match in a 3-way system? all of equal sensitivity? or bass is 6db more?	rhythmdiy	Multi-Way	5	5th November 2007 11:33 AM
Using electrostatic CRT's	Simpleton	Parts	1	22nd June 2005 10:08 PM
Electrostatic suited amp	fr0st	Solid State	4	14th February 2004 06:50 AM
Electrostatic Shields	Gumboots	Tubes / Valves	5	21st August 2002 02:48 AM

New To Site?	Need Help?
Register to Participate Search Privacy Statement Contact Us	Frequently Asked Questions Did you forget your password? Mark Forums Read


	Please consider donating to help us continue to serve you. Ads on/off / Custom Title / More PMs / More album space / Advanced printing & mass image saving

3rd February 2004, 08:27 PM	#12
David M diyAudio Member Join Date: May 2003 Location: Vancouver	Building a basic ESL is not very difficult or expensive. The expensive part is the transformer and the amp to drive it. The speaker itself is really just a few layers of inexpensive materials. Believe it or not, aluminum window screen works quite well if it is properly supported. The transformer needs to be about 1:50. You can rewind an EI type or wind a toroid. Both Hammond and Plitron make suitable finished transformers (among others). I suspect the Plitron is best but it is very expensive and I have no experience with it. In general, look for transformers designed to step down a tube amp's voltage. Just use it backward--the transformer won't care it's just a hunk of wire. The amplifier needs to be able to push a lot of amps to keep the transformer fed (it transforms the current into the volts you need). It also needs to be able to handle a very capacitive load with very broad ranging impedances. I'm not sure a gainclone will have what it takes. All that said, I have to agree with others that an ESL may not suit your application. They are big and need lots of room behind them. can you mount speakers on the walls behind you instead? To learn more these two sites are very helpful: http://www.quadesl.com/quad_ref.shtml http://www.audiocircuit.com/9041-esl...t/9041IMAI.htm Good luck! ps. Sander's book is very helpful for it's rules of thumb but don't take his explanation of the physics to seriously.

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)