Final ESL 0.3 troubles

[pschlae]

Was tempted to buy Final 0.3 ESL on a local auction site - during a weak hour.
Now there are some troubles. The low frequencies are far too loud. After a search on the internet there are different suggestions, what might cause it.

The Panels are working, tested it with a 10-2000hz test tone. No distortion, just not loud enough. It's the European version, with built in power
cords, no external 12V power supply.

Are there any quick fixes for non very experienced diy's as I am.
Any help/suggestion is greatly appreciated.

Cheers

 

[CharlieM]

If you can find and post a schematic, that would be helpful in devising a troubleshooting procedure. Final uses an "inverted" charging arrangement so troubleshooting would be a bit different; although, same operating principles apply. Sorry I can't be more help but I have limited experience with electronics and no experience at all with the Final's arrangement. I read somewhere that the diaphragm coatings tend to deteriorate on the Finals over time. My guess would be either a weak diaphragm coating, a corroded bias supply/diaphragm contact, or a failed bais supply. Hopefully, someone more knowledgeable than I can post a diagnostic procedure.

 

[Mike Beck]

The conductive coating degrades over time. This causes the ESL panel to lose efficiency.
The stators are glued together with double-sided foam tape. Some have been able to separate the stators without destroying the diaphragm and re-apply conductive coating. The best thing to do is rebuild the panels with new film and conductive coating. ER Audio can provide instructions and materials you will need to rebuild the panels. Contact Rob Mackinlay: robmackinlay@iinet.net.au for details.

 

[tyu]

Essence.....is the new co.....there making this type ESL now.... look like the Final......Bob may can help you...............Essence Model 1200 Electrostats

Bottem of the page get there e-mail....you got nothing to lose....lot more than the panels could be the prob...bad cap or diode in the bias...bad tran.....good luck

 

[bolserst]

If you can find and post a schematic, that would be helpful in devising a troubleshooting procedure. Final uses an "inverted" charging arrangement so troubleshooting would be a bit different.

The Final 0.3 is one of the older models that does not use the "inverted" arrangement.
It uses the more traditional constant charge setup with a resistive diaphragm coating.
I have a schematic floating around somewhere…will see if I can locate it.

 

[Calvin]

Hi,

here could be the owner and service manuals of the Newton NSS0.3 if file size weren´t too large 🙁
If You don´t get the right answers from the above mentioned link, You may contact me.

jauu
Calvin

 

[pschlae]

Other idea, might be not the original woofer inside there. Anyone has a picture of the original woofer of the Final 0.3. There are some saying it's only about the speaker cables and amp. Connected a B&K ST-140, which should have enough power, not?

 

[bolserst]

here could be the owner and service manuals of the Newton NSS0.3 if file size weren´t too large 🙁

Attached are the schematic and compressed versions owner/construction and service manuals for the Newton NSS0.3
The schematic looks identical to the Final 0.3, although I seem to recall it had 8 stages in the voltage multiplier, not 6 as shown.

While they are available, you can download full versions here:
Download the Newton Sound Systems 0.3 owners manual for free - Hifi Manuals
Download the Newton Sound Systems 0.3 service manual for free - Hifi Manuals