Just signed up. Funny, as original post was 21 yrs ago...
I have a pair of these ESS. Loved them for many years.
Curious how audiophiles think they compare to Contemporary units?
Brian/So Cal (818) 590-8642
ESS speakers "Translinear" Transstatic
These were speakers designed by California based company called ESS, that is, Electro Static Sound before they used the Heil Air Montion transformer. These models were current in 1970-1975. I am curious if any one still owns either of the above models, or has seem them listed on any of them listed in the used audio web sites. They were incredible speakers for their time,and sounded as good as many of so-called elctrostatics of today. They used good driver elements, for example, the KEF B-139 oval driver for the bass response.If anyone has knowledge of either of these above vintage speakers,please leave info on this Web page. Thank you!!
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I'm almost 42. Grew up with the ESS AMT sound. In fact, until the recent hostile takeover, I used to run ESS' social media for the Ricky Caudillo era. The latter are, by far, the best of the bunch. And I say that as an AMT lover. Commenting here because I'm interested in acquiring more RTR electrostatic panels, as it seems a few of you are selling. Btw, I'm powering my Transtatics with a 43wpc Linear Tube Audio tube amp. I don't suffer for power or transient attacks or deep, authoritative bass. Heading into 2023, these are my new reference speakers. |
I am listening to a 12 inch woofer and ESS AMT from an ESS Eclipse B122 right now. Finished the build about 2 weeks ago. Bill Holman Brilliant Corners sounds wonderful. Of course I don't have the budget constraints of a main line consumer speaker that these had when they came out I 1978. So, crossovers are much better in design, technology, parts and tolerances. These blend beautifully. |
Wow, this thread has been going for a while. I was looking for info on the ESS Tempest Lab Series ll. I was wondering what the red buttons on front and back are for. Anyway, I stumbled across a pair for a really good price and loved the sound so much I bought another pair. I've recently stripped the vinyl covering and added wood veneer. I think these are keepers. I've lost a lot of my high-end hearing and these tweeters more than compensate. So can anyone please explain the red burttons? The seem to be an overload protection or something?? |
@mynameislarry its a 1.60 A circuit breaker on your TLS IIs. --------------------------------- Glad to see you guys are enjoying your revitalized amt creations. I worked there early 1980s, and still fiddle with them a bit. Running scratch designed AMTs right now with my larger mono tube amps and a recently upgraded full Class A 50w solid state amp this weekend. All new crossovers, with really good parts, and pairing with really good woofers can open up a whole new world of sound. Keep it going! |
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