DIY ESL III (based on an ER Audio Kit)

[jasonlky]

I thought I'd share my recent ESL build with you guys. Since its a kit, most of the hard work of testing and measurement has already been done for me. But if you ever wondered what goes into building the most accurate, dynamic and holographic speakers, the please visit My DIY ESL III page .

In case the message was not clear... these speakers are the great.

I will welcome any comments.

Jason

[shooter]

Very nicely built esl3, I built one of these several years ago, I felt the same way you did, they are very fast and very detail, also very directional, eventually I burnt a hole in one of the diaphram from playing to loud, they do sound a bit lean, I end up using some equalization and a subwoofer, haven't use mine in the last 18 month, I have move on to high efficiency open baffel speakers with set amps.

[jasonlky]

Originally posted by shooter
Very nicely built esl3, I built one of these several years ago, I felt the same way you did, they are very fast and very detail, also very directional, eventually I burnt a hole in one of the diaphram from playing to loud, they do sound a bit lean, I end up using some equalization and a subwoofer, haven't use mine in the last 18 month, I have move on to high efficiency open baffel speakers with set amps.

Thanks for the compliment.

Its a shame that you do not listen to it any more. Could the lean sound and directionality be due to placement. I guess if it was you would have tried all possible placements. If you no longer want the speakers, would you consider donating them to me? I'll pay for shipping, serious.

As for absolute low bass, I DIYed the Rythmik Audio Servo sub. Integration between the ESLs and the sub is easy.

On a side note, I am also building a pair of BLH based on Ron's Dallas III for the Fostex 206. Its destined to be used in my bedroom with a 3 watt SET. Heres a picture of my progress on that front.

[vitalstates]

Congrats Jason, looks like a good build.

I was totally beguiled by the sound when I did the HiFi World review some years back. I still occasionally listen to mine but I'm also into the efficient FR and SET sound so I don't listen to the stats exclusively.

Incidently, I have been a bit disappointed by the replacement acorns..or was.. until I heard them driven by a GM70 SET amp a few weeks back...glorious!!

Regards

Ed

ps check out the web site for a blow by blow account of the ESL3 build

[shooter]

Jason, I have not totally give up on the esl3 yet, I just have no time to repair the diaphram right now. BTW nice looking BLH, I am using Dick Olsher's diamond edition Basszilla, with Lowther DX4, ribbon tweeter and 15" woofer, with speed and detail like electrostatics, I am currently using a 5 watt amp with them.
Ed, Interesting you mention using GM70 set, I have use an 45w Antique Sound Lab 805 set to drive the esl3 with great result, but my 120w push pull tube amp has difficulty driving them, when playing very high volume the high frequency totally disappear, eventually it arced and burnt a small hole in it, I am not saying these speakers are fragile, my room was way too big for them or most home speakers for that matter, it was my fault to push them so hard.

[jasonlky]

Originally posted by vitalstates
Congrats Jason, looks like a good build.

I was totally beguiled by the sound when I did the HiFi World review some years back. I still occasionally listen to mine but I'm also into the efficient FR and SET sound so I don't listen to the stats exclusively.

Incidently, I have been a bit disappointed by the replacement acorns..or was.. until I heard them driven by a GM70 SET amp a few weeks back...glorious!!

Regards

Thank you for the compliment. Glad that the acorns worked out for you ....... but on GM70!!! Woah, thats way out of reach, well for me anyway.

Originally posted by shooter
Jason, I have not totally give up on the esl3 yet, I just have no time to repair the diaphram right now. BTW nice looking BLH, I am using Dick Olsher's diamond edition Basszilla, with Lowther DX4, ribbon tweeter and 15" woofer, with speed and detail like electrostatics, I am currently using a 5 watt amp with them.

I have not had a chance to liste to many OB type speakers, but I have read many good things about basszilla. How was the build process? I may try one if I ever get tired of the Dallas III blh.

[shooter]

The Basszilla is very easy to build compare to the esl3 and your back loaded horn.

[jasonlky]

I have created a new BLOG to document all my DIY projects, this ESL Project included. Please feel free to visit here

Jason