What kind of power wakes up electrostatic speakers

Arrrgh - sorry for posting again, but I deleted a paragraph to rewrite it and then accidentally posted instead.

What I wanted to say was that there are a number of tube amplifiers that also work quite well with electrostats (some of which I sell), and there are a few that don't. It seems to me that the most critical factor is the quality of the output transformers - "budget" or high watts-per-dollar tube amps usually don't work well with electrostats. OTL's often work quite well - I got good results with the Berning amp mentioned, though in the end I chose to carry a different brand. Also, very high current and/or Class A solid state amps generally work quite well.

Hi Duke: As usual, your response(s) are informative and to the point. My question to you is, what specifications should us 'stat fans look for in an amp? The 'current' rating should be ..... or above? The 'voltage' capability should be....or above? TIA.

I can't speak from personal experience, but some seem to like the "Sim" gear with stats.

Back about 15 years ago ( WOW, was it really that long ago ??? ), J. Gordon Holt found that the only two SS amps that he had tried that could drive Acoustat's well were the Acoustat TNT-200 and a Threshold. I will second that nomination and also add Perreaux to the list. Whether or not any of these amps are to your personal liking in terms of sonic characteristics may be another story though. Sean
>

The Acoustat TNT-200 has been upgraded and is now the Hafler 9505 DIABLO. It was designed by Jim Strickland who designed all of the Acoustat products made in USA. I have been using a 9505 to drive my Acoustat 2+2s for several years and have no complaints. Don