[SteveFord]

Looks like these are coming to the US soon.
The price looks real good so I'm hoping there will be a local dealer so I can give a listen.

http://www.essenceelectrostatic.com/

[I.Greyhound Fan]

It looks like they are possibly rebadging Class D Audio's amplifiers and selling SVS subs.

[SteveFord]

They will need a sub, no doubt about that one.

[maplegrovemusic]

I think they are available from Underwood hifi as we speak .

[wln1111]

The electrostatic speakers were originally sold by Final Sound years ago.
http://www.enjoythemusic.com/superioraudio/equipment/1107/final_sound_1000i.htm

[John Casler]

If it is helpful, I have been working with Bob as an Essence Dealer for a while and he is finally able to ship product.

If anyone has questions, I would be happy to get answers for AudioCircle Members.

[SteveFord]

Good review and it looks like there has been a massive price drop which is welcome.
My question is how large is the sound stage?  It looks like the Model 1600 is what you'd compare the Magnepan 3.7 to.

[Russell Dawkins]

If it is helpful, I have been working with Bob as an Essence Dealer for a while and he is finally able to ship product.

If anyone has questions, I would be happy to get answers for AudioCircle Members.

In this May 2014 interview with Bob Rapaport:
http://www.hifianswers.com/2014/05/bob-rapoport-interviewed-howard-popeck/
...he mentions a third model I have seen no other reference to: the 1900 which is 1900 mm tall (6'3"), in addition to the 1200 ($3995) and the 1600 for $5,500. The 1900 is said to have a -3dB point of 38 Hz, vs 48 Hz for both the 1200 and the 1600.
Have you heard what the company's intentions are as to this model, John?

[John Casler]

In this May 2014 interview with Bob Rapaport:
http://www.hifianswers.com/2014/05/bob-rapoport-interviewed-howard-popeck/
...he mentions a third model I have seen no other reference to: the 1900 which is 1900 mm tall (6'3"), in addition to the 1200 ($3995) and the 1600 for $5,500. The 1900 is said to have a -3dB point of 38 Hz, vs 48 Hz for both the 1200 and the 1600.
Have you heard what the company's intentions are as to this model, John?

Hi Russell,

Bob told me that the 1900 is not yet available, and it  is planned for next summer.

[John Casler]

It looks like they are possibly rebadging Class D Audio's amplifiers and selling SVS subs.

According to Bob Rapoport, it is not a "rebadging", but Class D Audio is the OEM.  He stated that it uses the same platform, the front cosmetics are different, and higher quality parts are employed.

The ESSENCE model is not available through Class D.

[SteveFord]

John,
Where are these being made, do you know?  I don't see anything on the web site about it.

Nevermind, I just heard from Bob Rapoport at Essence and they're made in the Netherlands, not in the exotic Orient which I was afraid of hearing.  Good deal!