Review Of Custom ER Audio ESL IV Electrostatic Speakers

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BruceSB

Received my ER Audio ESL VI custom speakers on Wednesday.
Have been corresponding with Rob from ER Audio for a long time.
Here is the ER Audio link: http://www.eraudio.com.au/index.html
Noticed someone on their site (Gary) is making custom speakers, here is the link: http://www.eraudio.com.au/DIY_Speaker_Kits/ESL_IV_Kit/Gary_s_ESL_IV/gary_s_esl_iv.html
No problems in doing gloss iridescent electric blue, grey grill cloths and carpet sliders!
I was next in line after the export customer - and now they have arrived!
I have done a fairly comprehensive review which I have sent to Rob, who will no doubt post it on his site in due course.
Meanwhile I would like to make a few brief observations.
I have had my acoustat spectra 22s for 33 years and know them like the back of my hand.
I have been to countless HiFi shows, and over many years have been able to listen to virtually all of the various electrostats except for SoundLabs and JansZens, not mention all manner of horns, actives and everything else.
Have never heard a speaker that sounded better!!!
Until now!
These speakers certainly outperform my spectra 22s.
Heaps more mid range detail, wider soundstage and not as directional.
Thought the base was on a par with the spectra 22s but would expect it to improve as they run in.
My Quad 606 got pretty hot with the spectra 22s but now it is hardly warm!
Initially I just put them inside my spectra 22s positioning tape (you can see it in the picture).
Now I have have started to bring them further into the room and there is a further improvement.
Still scope for more experimentation!
The iridescent electric blue looks a treat and the speakers sound wonderful.
Bruce
Here are some pictures.
Sorry that two of the pictures loaded up side on - don't know to fix it.














SteveFord

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Re: Review Of Custom ER Audio ESL IV Electrostatic Speakers
« Reply #1 on: 19 Aug 2021, 09:21 am »
Those look great, how large are they?






BruceSB

Re: Review Of Custom ER Audio ESL IV Electrostatic Speakers
« Reply #2 on: 19 Aug 2021, 09:59 am »
Thanks for those nice words Steve.
Thanks for fixing those images for me also.
Height: 57.3 inches
Width: 21.1 inches
Depth: 15.3 inches
They are ideal for my Music Room which is: 12.7 feet long by 10.2 feet wide by 7.9 feet high.
It is possible to add a third panel but that is totally unnecessary for my (smallish) room.
The value for money is amazing also!!
Had initially considered a big name US electrostatic manufacturer but he would not ship to Australia!!
Glad, make that very, very glad that I did not go with him now!
Rob has some very special things going in these speakers,
Including 3.4 micron membranes, proprietary conductive coating and panel charging arrangement.
These are some very special speakers and I am very happy.
Bruce

SteveFord

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Re: Review Of Custom ER Audio ESL IV Electrostatic Speakers
« Reply #3 on: 19 Aug 2021, 10:18 am »
I couldn't get a sense of scale from the pictures.
They're the perfect size for that room and that blue powder coating looks great!

Dieterle Tool

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Re: Review Of Custom ER Audio ESL IV Electrostatic Speakers
« Reply #4 on: 19 Aug 2021, 01:11 pm »
Congrats Bruce, those are gorgeous. High praise too. I think a lot of us are familiar with the Spectra's and know what level of reference you are working with.

-Dieter

BruceSB

Re: Review Of Custom ER Audio ESL IV Electrostatic Speakers
« Reply #5 on: 28 Aug 2021, 04:17 am »
Rob has posted my fuller ESL IV review on his website.
Here is the link: http://www.eraudio.com.au/DIY_Speaker_Kits/ESL_IV_Kit/Bruce_s_ESL_IV_s/bruce_s_esl_iv_s.html
The New Zealand customer who was ahead of me in the queue has his review posted as well.
The ER Audio website is always worth checking out.
Bruce