A pair of ESS Model 9 speakers arrived this past week as I wanted to hear what the HEIL Air Motion Transformer sounded like with the tube amp.
I was not disappointed in the clarity and accuracy of the tweeter. It is in essence an electrostatic tweeter which creates a real "Air" about it. Paired with a tube amp and its clarity these little 2 wayspeaker with 8 inch woofers really shine. These speakers are pretty efficient so they match well with a Single Ended Tube amp.
The bass notes are a little lacking due to the cabinet size but the sound stage depth and imaging suggest that you are listening to a much larger speaker. Mid range and the highs are pleasant with absolute clarity that electrostatic drivers can do.
The cabinets in this pair are solidly built with a real oak veneer, this pair has seen some "Wabi Sabi" nicks and and bumps, but that tells me that they have been well enjoyed in the past. this pair has already seen a re foam by the previous owner.
On Solid state equipment these speakers do not shine as well as they do on the tube amp, something the previous owner never got to hear.
A new set of caps might be in order and I will open them up to see if they went cheap on the inside of the box.
Over all rating on these are as follows:
Match well on tube amp: *****
Match well on solid state: ***
Depth of imaging: ****
Spacial imaging: ****
Build Quality: ****
I was not disappointed in the clarity and accuracy of the tweeter. It is in essence an electrostatic tweeter which creates a real "Air" about it. Paired with a tube amp and its clarity these little 2 wayspeaker with 8 inch woofers really shine. These speakers are pretty efficient so they match well with a Single Ended Tube amp.
The bass notes are a little lacking due to the cabinet size but the sound stage depth and imaging suggest that you are listening to a much larger speaker. Mid range and the highs are pleasant with absolute clarity that electrostatic drivers can do.
The cabinets in this pair are solidly built with a real oak veneer, this pair has seen some "Wabi Sabi" nicks and and bumps, but that tells me that they have been well enjoyed in the past. this pair has already seen a re foam by the previous owner.
On Solid state equipment these speakers do not shine as well as they do on the tube amp, something the previous owner never got to hear.
A new set of caps might be in order and I will open them up to see if they went cheap on the inside of the box.
Over all rating on these are as follows:
Match well on tube amp: *****
Match well on solid state: ***
Depth of imaging: ****
Spacial imaging: ****
Build Quality: ****
In the interest of accuracy....the Heil AMT is not an electrostatic driver...not even close. The technology involves a diaphragm formed into "pleats" which accelerates high frequencies by literally squeezing out the air. The AMT has enjoyed a revival of late, particularly in the world of professional studio monitors. Manufacturers like Adam and Emotiva have integrated the Heil design into their studio monitors with outstanding results.
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