Final ESLs speakers and bad sound

[Gon0S]

Hello

I am encountering some problems with my ESL loudspeakers.

I own a pair of Final 0.4, driven by an Onkyo 939 amp.
I know it is not the best setup, but it was running really well, with a really good sound for years.
Two years ago, the amp had a power supply issue. It travelled almost 9 months through different audio experts in france and none was able to repair it... When I got it back, I decided to open the beast myself and noticed it was the solder points of the 220V transformer that were vaporized. I did some solding and the unit was working again fine. At this time, I already noticed that the sound clarity was really not as good as it was before. I thought it was because the loudspeakers did not work for a long time and hoped they will go better and better with use.
But after another yeay of small use, the sound is more and more bad. Almost no trebble, really low medium levels, and bass going really strong...

As I have more time now, after the new job, to flat moving and a baby, I am seeking a solution for this terrible problem : is it possible to repair them myself (change the 'foils' ?) ? Maybe it is only a matter with the amp ?

Do you have any idea ?

Thank you for reading me, and a really big thank you for any response.

Nicolas

[chinsettawong]

Have you tried using another set of amplifier with your speakers? That will confirm if the ESLs are bad or the amplifier is bad.

Wachara C.

[sycorax]

ESL panels are dust collectors. It is very important to go over the stators with a vacuum cleaner a view times a year. I use the vacuum cleaner every month on my panels.

First turn the power off for 24 hours so that the panel can discharge.

just my two cents.

[Capaciti]

Hi Gonos,

it sounds like the coating of the membrane lost its conductivity. What you describe is typical for that, means treble and mids get lost more and more.

I guess repairing on your own will fail, since final uses a specific membrane coating, which is not avaiable on the market.


capaciti

[a.wayne]

Is this something systemic with Final loudspeakers ? I have heard them now on 2 different occasions and each time the speaker was very dull sounding ..

[snoopy33]

The larger panels actually have two separate strips one handles lower one higher. In your case the conductive coating has gone on the upper and appears to be going on the lower as well.

Final Sound were warned that the conductive coating was unstable but being the company they were they didn't exactly care.

I have a pair of 400i's and the coating on both has vaporised in two years light usage!

It's fairly easy and cheap to do yourself but getting the panels apart looks like a right bitch as they are epoxed.

Twinstaticaudio.nl can repair them they charge 600 euro exc shipping. I'll be getting my 400i's done at some point

Regards, Andrew

Edit: I believe this is the guy that runs the company: http://www.diyaudio.com/forums/members/arend-jan.html