Final-Audio New Series electrostatics

I agree the devil is in the details and the technology chosen varies among manufacturers. While we can talk about stators, panels, diaphragms, and radiation patterns, all of which are important, one of the key pieces of the design that seems to be getting over looked are the transformers that convert the voltage. Peter Walker's original Quad ESL used excellent transformers, not sure how Quads current transformers stack up.

I have owned Acoustat Model 2s as well and will say that removing the transformer interface and using Acoustat's servo amps to directly drive the speaker made a big difference, and I will readily admit that the input section of that amplifier was not of the best design. In fact I was in the process of modifying mine with the help of Roger Modjeski, who designed a direct replacement tube input circuit for the Acoustat servos. However, the project was never completed due to his diminishing health and subsequent death. Unfortunately I was denied the opportunity to compare FINAL M5s to my QUAD ESLs (I have 3 pair including the 57QA: https://www.quad-musik-shop.de/en/p/esl57-qa-elektrostatics).

Roger Modjeski used to work for Harold Beveridge whose Model 2 and 2SW are somewhat legendary with their unique lens that allowed for amazing dispersion and soundstage realism. Unfortunately Beveridge was not much known for their reliability. However, Roger took what he learned, did additional research, and I am happy to say that after years of trying, I have finally figured out how to set up and use his design, featuring an all tube direct drive amplifier - no transformer interface. Personally, while other technology elements of the design are important, my feeling is in many case with ESLs the transformer is the weakest link. 

I agree with clio9 that the transformers (and associated circuits/parts) have a tremendous impact on the quality of sound through electrostats. In my many pairs of Acoustats I have Spectra’s, which of the Acoustats are more like Finals (electrically segmented) which were only available using transformer based interfaces, earlier interface driven models that aren’t electrically segmented (like the Model 3), and original direct drive servo amplifier driven Acoustats (Model X and the Monitors). Amongst my sets of those direct drive servo amplifiers I have fairly stock and highly modified amplifiers. Modern amplifiers can make those Spectras sing. The middle generation interface driven models can play extremely well. The direct drive amplifiers are magic.

A fellow I bought a pair of Spectra 33’s from had never heard the servo amps, but was a big electrostatic and horn lover. He actually ran Sound Labs for some years before switching back to Acoustats. Curiousity eventually got to him enough to buy a pair of very nice, highly modified servo amps to drive some Model 6’s. He was blown away by how great they sounded.

Those servo amps got some bad early press that was really undeserved. They are fine. Stock amps aren’t bad. The direct drive part is their magic. The later builds were better than the earlier ones, but with a little work they can be greatly improved. If you want to go crazy it’s kind of amazing how far they can be taken and there are folks out there still coming up with improvements. To me, the most amazing thing that stands out for Acoustats vs other electrostats is the panel reliability. The newest Acoustat panels are maybe 30 years old. The oldest are approaching 50. And nobody is rebuilding the panels. They just keep trucking. They are certainly NOT perfect panels. It’s easy to pick out things I wish were better, but it’s hard to argue against demonstrated long term reliability.

To bring this back around to the Finals — part of what got me to order a pair are some of the details that I think are going to make these long life panels. The teonex, the low bias voltage, and the process and coating used to deposit the conductive layer. I’m hoping these turn out to be as long lasting.

The arcing report above catches my attention. I’m hoping to find out more.

As said I have not recommended a Brand and only referred to a Brand, as it was already included in Posts prior to my own.

The Thread is not restricted to one Brand of Speaker from the earliest of Posts.

I know as well as anybody with a decent amount time behind them in using Audio Equipment that differences are easily able to be found in comparisons between designs. Substantial amount of time has been spent being participant as a contributor to creating occasions for comparing Audio Devices across different systems. I may have been blessed with hearing more manifestations of synergy than many others have been blessed with.

I stand by the statement made in relation to the latest superseded Quad ESL Models " I find it difficult to see where much more is on offer from other ESL Designs ", I did not say more wasn't on offer!  

Taking up a offer of a Listen would be great, but these Speakers are not seen to have a support in the UK, so extensive travel would be needed, maybe it could be looked into for when I next drive through mainland Europe.

The Whiskey - Wine - Beer thing is not my Cup of Tea, hence, the Substances have no connection to Sound and I am not relating to this analogy in any way. 

I do get being mildly intoxicated can create a sense of euphoria and possibly make a experience seem much more than it actually is, but is this mindset a good place to be when assessing sound and gathering info to be reported on to a wide audience?

Excellent, it was an analogy meant to reflect different flavors of sound!

Sense of humor varies by the individual as always!

@pindac 

Recommend contacting FINAL directly at final-audio.com for audition opportunities,

I know FINAL has multiple customers including very recent buyers in UK,

Cheers! 

@madtrader Arcing is one of the common problems with electrostatic speakers and modern designs, including Final Audio, typically include various protective measures to prevent that.  In the case of my M35s one of those protections is a fast blow fuse that is designed to blow when the speaker is being overdriven.  Unfortunately, my M35 was shipped with the wrong fuse.  Instead of the 1 amp fuse that apparently went into subsequent speakers, my speaker had a 3.15 amp fuse that permitted me to overdrive the speaker.  I only experienced arcing on two tracks played well above my normal listening levels and that was when I had the incorrect fuse installed.  Final has told me it shouldn't be a problem now that I am using a 1 amp fuse.  I generally listen around 75-85 dBC and at those levels I have never had a problem with arcing.  And I occasionally listen with peaks going into the mid 90's without any issue.  But if you are trying to achieve truly deafening levels I suspect no electrostatic speaker would be the ideal choice.  At Axpona two years ago I was listening to the $250K Borresen speakers after hours and they cranked those up to 105 dBC on a sustained level.  That was impressive but also fairly painful and I would never recommend listening at those levels LOL.