Electrostatic Amplification - Headphones and Speakers

[mcraghead]

Forgive me if some feel that this is slightly off topic, but I have a question that I can't seem to find an answer to by googling. I know that electrostatic headphones require an energizer amp and cannot use a regular headphone amp. However, electrostatic speakers don't seem to have that same requirement. Why can I use a regular amp for my Martin Logan speakers, but if I want to venture into electrostatic headphones I need an energizer amp?

 

[genefruit]

Forgive me if some feel that this is slightly off topic, but I have a question that I can't seem to find an answer to by googling. I know that electrostatic headphones require an energizer amp and cannot use a regular headphone amp. However, electrostatic speakers don't seem to have that same requirement. Why can I use a regular amp for my Martin Logan speakers, but if I want to venture into electrostatic headphones I need an energizer amp?

One is not required to have an energizer amp. One can use a regular amp and a transformer box like this - https://mjolnir-audio.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/DSC_0522-scaled.jpg

The step up transformer is in the speaker cabinet which acts in the same way a transformer box does with electrostatic headphones.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electrostatic_loudspeaker

a dedicated electrostatic headphone energizer behaves in a similar way.

 

[DonaldM]

The energizer sits in the feet of your electrostatic speakers, at least in e.g. the Quad Esl’s, probably the same with your Martin Logan’s. You energize the speaker via its transformer in the base of the speaker with current from the wall outlet.

 

[sander99]

And of course, with loudspeakers it is no problem to build the transformer etc. into the loudspeakers. With headphones you don't want the extra weight on your head, so it is more logical to put it in a seperate box. And from there it is a small step to use a special amp - that directly can deliver the required higher voltage signal - with the extra stuff for the high constant voltage included in there.

 

[mcraghead]

Thank you all for your replies. I appreciate you taking the time to share your knowledge.