I need a amp (Observations from a new guy)

Hello,

I had planars and electrostats (Martin Logans and Maggies, noticed the "s' at the end). I also own a Linkwitz Orion Plus.

At present, I have DIY 2A3 and 45 amps on duty driving Altec 604-8G's in open baffle. Nothing fancy, but much better sound that what I got with the power hungry transducers where I spent a ton (not a joke) of money on amplification and tweaks not to mention the time I spent researching and implementing the latest and the greatest. Like what they say, "you do not own the planars or electrostatic speakers, they own you!".

I also tried Sonic Impact T amp that I borrowed and was surprised by the results on my 604's. Maybe the T-amps can be your "for the time being" amp until you decide where to go next. But I would not recommend running your GPA (low end) full range on it (no crossover).

I have to disagree that the Maggies (Gunned or Myed) are at least as good as the Altecs/GPA's. My experienced led me to believe otherwise. My personal opinion, if the statement have some merit, then the Altec/GPA's does not have the correct XO or amp behind them. But I do understand that if someone have not heard an electrostat or a planar before, or had been using inferior two way box speakers before, then hearing planars/electrostats for the first time is like a revelation and that is where the long time allegiance to the speakers will start.

I agree that Bottlehead amps are pretty good and safe investment. Many users swear how good the amps sound too. If I am in your shoes, I will go with the Bottlehead in the future.

Now, here's one option for you to think about. Find a friend that has an AC heated (instead of DC) 2A3/45 amp configured correctly without hum and listen to your GPA's with them. Even on just simple open baffle with the XO of your choice, you will change your perspective about how your "Gunned" maggies sound.
Why 2A3/45 and not 300B? Because with your GPA's sensitivity, it will be unlikely to get away from audible hum using 300B with AC heaters.

Goodluck to your amp hunting!


Abe

Hi amandarae, I think it was your system I saw on youtube (s.e.t. attack). Very, very nice!! Did you build your own equipment racks? If so, Where did you find the threaded rod etc...??

Hello,

Out here where I live(Diamond Bar CA 91765), the threaded rods are available at "Contractor's Warehouse" store. Also, the local Lowe's store now carries them.

Yes, that's my system on YouTube. It evolved since but not much, and yes, I built all of the electronics except the CD player.

Thanks much for the nice words!

Abe