I am a fan of Final-Audio Electrostatic speakers. I have transitioned to the current models. Any others out there in audio land using the newest iterations? The M series.
Having owned Acoustat 2+2s and having heard multiple pairs of Quad ESL-57s if you think either of those speakers are competitive with today's best panel speakers (electrostatic, magneplanar, or ribbon) I would suggest you are either delusional or listen to an extremely limited range of music. They have their strengths, and the 57s in particular have a great midrange and spooky holographic soundstage, but they simply don't sound very good with quite a lot of music. But hey, whatever rocks your boat and your budget. Just stop claiming the technology hasn't improved over the last 40-50 years without having actually listened to other speakers.
Searching Carver Reference Lightstar* ~ brought me to this thread on Final
OK: I started a post this AM, seeking Opinion on replacing my Final Mains with Magnepans. << look for that thread for details, Because it involves More than just Final Sound’s.
I have an old Final Sound Surround system consisting of five panels. I don’t know the model number, as I bought it used. It sat for a few years because the Bias-supplies, (all in one central unit,feeding signal+power to panels via 3-wire speaker cables), Did Not Function. I had new Bias built to replace the bad ones, and have been using it for years, *^ driven by two Carver Amps, one of which is a Lightstar.
& round, & round I go...
The Quality Issues, Plus Considerations of Dealing with the Netherlands for products & repairs, etc... Has Me looking More Locally.
The time has come to address the misinformation and disinformation floating across the internet related to our company, Final Audio, manufacturer of world class ElectroStatic Loudspeakers (ESLs) from Netherlands, representing the culmination of 35 years of experience developing state-of-the-art ESL technologies. Our mission, "Where Art and Science meet to deliver the highest quality sound at the highest value"
FINAL’S HISTORY:
Early Years of FINAL (1989-2002):
Our founders, Maarten Smits and his brother Michiel Smits, from Netherlands, founded Final in 1989, developing their first hybrid speaker, the 0.3, (combining dynamic and electrostatic technologies) as Engineering graduate students. They are known for their innovative approach to electrostatic speaker design and the use of advanced materials and initially targeted the audiophile market exclusively in the 1990s.
In 2002, the company received a U.S. patent on a breakthrough technology that made it possible to create modular electrostatic speakers - separate the speaker panel from its transformer and audio electronics. This simplified the manufacturing process, lowered the cost of production, and expanded the market potential for high-definition electrostatic speakers into the rapidly growing area of home theater.
Acquisition in 2003, FINAL SOUND brand:
In early 2003, a group of former PHILIPS managers acquired FINAL and formed FINAL SOUND SOLUTIONS under the FINAL SOUND brand which has established itself as a full-line manufacturer of the world's lightest electrostatic speakers.
The Smits brothers left at the end of 2003 because they did not agree with the policy decisions of Ex-Philips management who wanted to grow FINAL SOUND SOLUTIONS quickly through cost cutting decisions that compromised product quality and reliability.
FINAL SOUND SOLUTIONS went bankrupt in 2012 leaving the US market with abandoned customers and no support.
However, the Smits, while working as industry consultants focused on developing advanced printing technologies, continued providing service and support from Netherlands for FINAL SOUND products out of goodwill and product enthusiasm, though they were not part of the FINAL SOUND company for decades.
FINAL AUDIO launch in 2017:
In 2017, FINAL AUDIO, the new company founded with Maarten and his brother, presented a newly developed line of electrostats with an all-new design ACRYLIC panels, TEONEX diaphragms and ULTRA WIDE BANDWIDTH transformers at the 2018 Munich High End Show.
FINAL AUDIO is currently operating from the Netherlands, actively pursuing sales in global markets and continues to enthusiastically support past FINAL SOUND’s global customers to this day!
FINAL AUDIO debuted in the US at AXPONA 2024 and then at THE SHOW SoCal 2024 and 2025.
HighResHiFi LLC, wholly owned by Ravi Velnati, is the sole Distributor of FINAL AUDIO ESLs for the US Market.
Ravi is a career Automotive Product Development Engineering Professional and a diehard lifelong planar electrostatic audiophile, responsible for launching, growing, and supporting FINAL AUDIO in the U.S. market.
Comprehensive product sales & technical support is offered in the US market by HighResHiFi LLC, Phoenix, Arizona.
The modular ultra-light weight design of the speakers makes them easily detachable, serviceable and / or replaceable.
To date, multiple pairs of all Final ESL models were sold nationwide, enjoyed by many happy and satisfied audiophile customers!
All US market FINAL and FINAL SOUND customers can contact HighResHiFi LLC at 248-520-8628 for product support and upgrades.
Wishing all of you happy listening and musical enjoyment from this wonderful hobby of ours for years to come!
You must have a verified phone number and physical address in order to post in the Audiogon Forums. Please return to Audiogon.com and complete this step. If you have any questions please contact Support.
