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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!!
sunnyjim

Showing 1 response by ds1058

ds1058
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I just came across this thread. I HAVE A PAIR of original ESS transmission line speakers; the ones that were made just before the Heil tweeter were added.
I purchased them in Toronto for $900 in 1970. I moved back
to NY in 1972 with the two speakers on the roof of my car. Going about 70 mph on the Thruway in the middle of the night they lifted off my roof rack, (I thought they were gone) and they did a perfect 180 degree flip (as seen from my rear view mirror) and landed on the side of road, sliding, with almost no damage. One of the speakers broke part of the top teak wooden panel, which I glued together again. Ten years later I replaced one of the Kef 9x12 oval speakers; the part cost me $125.00 in the 80's. My wife didn't like the size, and when one of the fuse housing broke I retired them to the attic. They are still there! and I think in good condition. I will post a photos when I set them up. I remember incredible sound playing Pink Floyd - Money.
What sold me on them originally was a cover shot of a stereo magazine with them competing with 10 foot Magnaplanars Monsters and coming in second.
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