Matt's system

[Jwg1749]

Hi Matt, no apology is needed, actually your sharing and quality writing/review is much appreciated

I just realised now that your review/audition was on the Magtech and not the ESL, am I correct?

if my understanding is correct, then this would indeed be intriguing, because the Magtech is designed to drive magnetic speakers, contrary to the ESL which is specifically designed to drive electrostatic speakers. and that leaves me wondering, if the Magtech performs this good, then how will the ESL amp or even better, ESL monoblocks do?!

Cheers!

Yes, it's the Magtech I have on loan.

It's true that the Magtech is marketed as a power amp for conventional magnetic speakers, but according to the manufacturer the Magtech at 500WPC is really just a more powerful version of the ESL (400WPC): it has all the ESL's capability to drive 'statics: "The Magtech amplifier also uses the same advanced technology that makes the ESL amp able to drive the most difficult loads without performance-degrading, protective circuitry" (from the Sanders website). In other words, the same output design, with 20 transformers, plus a bit of extra current. The Magtech has one other clever trick: its regulated PSU.

As you say, there's a monobloc version of the ESL; there's also a monbobloc version of the Magtech. I'm sure both the ESL and Magtech monoblocs sound amazing with some ML CLX Arts or MG 20.7s in a big room. But the stereo Magtech seems to be more than enough for the Montis in my 27sqm room.

It's also pretty good value for money in the UK at £3500. The US price is $5500. Very often in the UK we don't pay the true exchange rate for goods imported from the US.

If you're interested, it's worth looking at the ML owners' forum, which is where I first found out about the Magtech.

Matt