'Stats: Care, feeding, maintenance ?

[JohnK]

All,

I read on another thread here (and elsewhere) that some maintenance is needed for electrostatic speakers - dusting or some other cleaning of the stator. I see the recent ML speakers detect whether or not signal is being fed to them, and if not, turn the circuit off - which I'm guessing would help reduce some dust/dander build up.

But I also read that stators (or diaphragms?) eventually need to be replaced? Curious if that's more time oriented or playing time oriented. Is it a DIY job?

Of course if the time is long enough, there's a good chance they would be upgraded by the time the repair is needed.

Any other things to be aware of for people just getting into 'stats ?

[bzr]

Set -up & room treatment are the only two that I'd mention as once the speakers have settled down with playing time you wont get the true benefits from them without these two simple but sometimes not so easy to achieve things.

[iove75]

I've replaced both of my stators with instructions from ML. it's simple enough to do with ordinary tools.

[JohnK]

Originally Posted by iove75

I've replaced both of my stators with instructions from ML. it's simple enough to do with ordinary tools.

Thanks. What are the signs a panel needs to be replaced? Does it just stop working, or is there noise or some other degradation in sound?

I am considering a pair of used SL-3s, and if the signs are a gradual change in sound, it will be had to evaluate the condition because I won't have the "as new" sound as a reference.

[dtb300]

The highs will be reduced over time. Trouble is, like tubes, you really do not realize the reduction until you replace the panels - or shower them. People have replaced anywhere from 10-20 years on panels, depending on the environment.

I got 17 years out of my Sequel II panels, and I am at 12 years now for my CLS. But I plan on replacing the CLS panels this summer.

Monthly, I unplug my speakers when going to bed. I wake up and do a good vacuuming then plug them back in. Even with the shutdown circuit, it is recommended to vacuum on a regular schedule.

[JohnK]

Originally Posted by dtb300

The highs will be reduced over time. Trouble is, like tubes, you really do not realize the reduction until you replace the panels - or shower them. People have replaced anywhere from 10-20 years on panels, depending on the environment.

I got 17 years out of my Sequel II panels, and I am at 12 years now for my CLS. But I plan on replacing the CLS panels this summer.

Monthly, I unplug my speakers when going to bed. I wake up and do a good vacuuming then plug them back in. Even with the shutdown circuit, it is recommended to vacuum on a regular schedule.

Thanks dtb. I shall try to listen to a new pair of MLs as well. There are a lot of variables here I know but education is part of the process.

[dtb300]

Originally Posted by JohnK

Thanks dtb. I shall try to listen to a new pair of MLs as well. There are a lot of variables here I know but education is part of the process.

Even if the panels are old and weak, you can replace the panels for a small fraction of the original cost of the speaker. I believe SL3/Sequel panels run around $700/pair. When new SL3/Sequel cost $3k/$3.4k - So for $700 you get an almost new speaker.

[Mikado463]

Originally Posted by JohnK

I am considering a pair of used SL-3s.

a very good speaker indeed and as dtb (Dan-the-Bowler) stated even if you did need to replace your panels it's not going to break the bank. Also like Dan I give my M/L Spire's a monthly vacum.

[iove75]

Originally Posted by JohnK

Thanks. What are the signs a panel needs to be replaced? Does it just stop working, or is there noise or some other degradation in sound?

I am considering a pair of used SL-3s, and if the signs are a gradual change in sound, it will be had to evaluate the condition because I won't have the "as new" sound as a reference.

For me, it was more of a defect issue. It had a developed a tiny buzz and I heard some compression during loud passage, so I replaced both of stators. I swear I now have new speakers. I wouldn't worry about the wear and tear issues. Your typical "dome" or "cone" wears out too! Nothing to sweat.

[mraudio]

SL3 panels are $650 plus shipping. I just checked a week ago. I also vacuum mine every 2-3 months or so.

12-15 years seems to be the replacement period of ML panels. New panels will really make a difference.

My panels on my CLSIIA's were 19 years old and I thought they sounded great. I had to put in new panels after a tornado blew them apart and OMG! What a HUGE difference. Everything that I loved about the speakers just got better.