jmitchell59
Member
Anyone know of good sources of parts for ESS speakers, esp. the HEIL membranes?
ESS HEIL membranes
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Ess is back in business.
http://www.essspeakersusa.com/Replacement.html
....just got a pair ESS AMT Monitors (ones that have the rubber rolled surrounds).....best speakers I ever hope to own. They are now making this model again but the price is $3500.00 a pair.....dam inflation. They weigh 110 lbs apiece
http://www.essspeakersusa.com/Replacement.html
....just got a pair ESS AMT Monitors (ones that have the rubber rolled surrounds).....best speakers I ever hope to own. They are now making this model again but the price is $3500.00 a pair.....dam inflation. They weigh 110 lbs apiece
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Kahoona
Super Member
Yes What Dee said. Save them please. I had a pait of the big AMT Heil speakers with the AMT on top and the passive radiator on the back. Really fantastic speakers but you had to fuse the AMT's. They are still in use by a friend in PA and have just received their 4th set of surrounds.
Awesome speakers, and well worth the effort to bebuild and upgrade.
The reason they fuse the Heil, among other things is that they sound so clean, without compression, that you won't realize your are driving your amp into clipping, which well eventually send too much HF to the tweeter and fry it.
I had to replace a few diaphrams in my ESS PS1220's in the 80's-they were not fused, and could drive my 150wpc into clipping-didn't know it till the diaphrams melted.
Some bypass the fuse for sonic reasons-but they have a large enough amp, or are careful not to drive it to the clipping point.
Personally I have never heard a difference-but some probaly have better ears than be-so I choose to keep them fused-older a wiser now I suppose.:thmbsp:!
Most ESS, including the Monitors are fairly efficient, but they can soak up alot of power-I have found with my 2 pairs of AMT3's 200-250 wpc works well, and makes these speakers sign at all volume levels-and you don't need to worry about blowing fuses.
The reason they fuse the Heil, among other things is that they sound so clean, without compression, that you won't realize your are driving your amp into clipping, which well eventually send too much HF to the tweeter and fry it.
I had to replace a few diaphrams in my ESS PS1220's in the 80's-they were not fused, and could drive my 150wpc into clipping-didn't know it till the diaphrams melted.
Some bypass the fuse for sonic reasons-but they have a large enough amp, or are careful not to drive it to the clipping point.
Personally I have never heard a difference-but some probaly have better ears than be-so I choose to keep them fused-older a wiser now I suppose.:thmbsp:!
Most ESS, including the Monitors are fairly efficient, but they can soak up alot of power-I have found with my 2 pairs of AMT3's 200-250 wpc works well, and makes these speakers sign at all volume levels-and you don't need to worry about blowing fuses.
...here is a pic of their new flagship model (LD-10LR). similar to the Monitor but with a reduced 10" woofer. With a 10" woofer they were able to slope the sides. Their new speakers were just introduced a few weeks ago at the audio show in Vegas. Not sure if they are on the market yet.
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Update.....have been playing around with these beast for the last few days....below are my impressions:
....Best speaker I have had in house.....over 30 years and 100's of speakers. My favorite speakers in house (until now) have been the Maggies MG-1's
(w/rebuilt wires and crossovers - w/SUB). Unfortunately they are not quite in the same league.
- Magnapans and the ESS Monitors have one major thing in common ...and it's the reason they are my favorites......both are bipolar....sound radiates out
front and back.....live sound.
- Major reasons that ESS AMT - Monitors win out:
1 - NO need for "HIGH end" subwoofer - guarantee these will compete with a $1000.00 music subwoofer. Most of weight (110lbs apiece) and cabinet size is to provide for 12" woofer and 12" passive.....well braced, designed, and integrated. Supposedly goes from 30hz to 23khz + 3db
2 - Easy to drive (93db efficiency) with tube equipment and lower powered highend SS amps . I am driving them with a Musical Finality A170 amp....85 watts
per channel. My house is brick and neighbors house is Stucco.....after 1hr....complaint.....windows were rattling. Live music is "LIVE".....you are there!!!
Unfortunately so are your neighbors. Not for apartment dwellers.
3 - and MOST importantly....The Heil Air-Motion transformer uses revolutionary, and unique, technology that remains unsurpassed and is state-of-the art. The
key to the system is the design of its patented, double-sided diaphragm and its magnetic components that concentrate the sound unknown in conventional
transducers. The sound signal moves five times faster than the air-motion of a conventional cone driver.
......all I can say is.....you have to hear a pair and make your own appraisal. If in WASHINGTON DC area U are welcome to give them a listen. Zip is
20017. 5 blocks from a Metro station. if in the area...stop in.
_ _ PS - just found this out (prices):
... new Models- a new AMT, and Flagship (LD-10LR) with a dipole tweeter.
The LD-10LR is $3495/pr. ( like mine (Monitor) with a reduced 10" woofer (mine is 12")
and the AMT is $2495/pr. (Limited edition of the smaller pyramid version)
- The Heil Air-Motion transformer drivers are $399.00 apiece. Other replacement parts available.
- the new speakers probably won't be available for a few more months. They were introduced below:
ESS Labs., LLC "ESS WILL BE @T.H.E. Show 2011"
THE FLAMINGO LAS VEGAS
COME VISIT US IN ROOMS 4005-4007
ESS LABS WILL BE THERE FROM JAN.4 – JAN 9TH
PS - the version I have of the Monitors is their last revision.....with rubber surrounds and matching passive radiator without the magnet structure, but with the basket. No foam to worry about.
....Best speaker I have had in house.....over 30 years and 100's of speakers. My favorite speakers in house (until now) have been the Maggies MG-1's
(w/rebuilt wires and crossovers - w/SUB). Unfortunately they are not quite in the same league.
- Magnapans and the ESS Monitors have one major thing in common ...and it's the reason they are my favorites......both are bipolar....sound radiates out
front and back.....live sound.
- Major reasons that ESS AMT - Monitors win out:
1 - NO need for "HIGH end" subwoofer - guarantee these will compete with a $1000.00 music subwoofer. Most of weight (110lbs apiece) and cabinet size is to provide for 12" woofer and 12" passive.....well braced, designed, and integrated. Supposedly goes from 30hz to 23khz + 3db
2 - Easy to drive (93db efficiency) with tube equipment and lower powered highend SS amps . I am driving them with a Musical Finality A170 amp....85 watts
per channel. My house is brick and neighbors house is Stucco.....after 1hr....complaint.....windows were rattling. Live music is "LIVE".....you are there!!!
Unfortunately so are your neighbors. Not for apartment dwellers.
3 - and MOST importantly....The Heil Air-Motion transformer uses revolutionary, and unique, technology that remains unsurpassed and is state-of-the art. The
key to the system is the design of its patented, double-sided diaphragm and its magnetic components that concentrate the sound unknown in conventional
transducers. The sound signal moves five times faster than the air-motion of a conventional cone driver.
......all I can say is.....you have to hear a pair and make your own appraisal. If in WASHINGTON DC area U are welcome to give them a listen. Zip is
20017. 5 blocks from a Metro station. if in the area...stop in.
_ _ PS - just found this out (prices):
... new Models- a new AMT, and Flagship (LD-10LR) with a dipole tweeter.
The LD-10LR is $3495/pr. ( like mine (Monitor) with a reduced 10" woofer (mine is 12")
and the AMT is $2495/pr. (Limited edition of the smaller pyramid version)
- The Heil Air-Motion transformer drivers are $399.00 apiece. Other replacement parts available.
- the new speakers probably won't be available for a few more months. They were introduced below:
ESS Labs., LLC "ESS WILL BE @T.H.E. Show 2011"
THE FLAMINGO LAS VEGAS
COME VISIT US IN ROOMS 4005-4007
ESS LABS WILL BE THERE FROM JAN.4 – JAN 9TH
PS - the version I have of the Monitors is their last revision.....with rubber surrounds and matching passive radiator without the magnet structure, but with the basket. No foam to worry about.
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Forgot - for those interested in the Monitor revision history:
Four unpublished revisions took place on those AMT MONITORS. None of these four were labeled anything other than, AMT MONITOR.
Early versions were with silver AMT units, metalized capacitor films, bextrene woofer cones w/ open cell foam surrounds, and .75in styrene disc radiators on the aluminum rings w/ the same suspension.
1st mid-build revisions came with flat black AMT units, bextrene woofer cones w/ rolled-edge treated surrounds, and .5in styrene discs w/ open cell foam suspension.
2nd mid-build revisions incorporate a huge change to the radiator, they were made to reflect the same outer rolled-edge suspension of the bextrene woofer and updated to a conical bextrene passive. When this radiator was introduced, it attached to an entire cast woofer frame (less the magnet and motor structure) obviously. The inner coil area behind the dual dustcaps was sealed up with an inverted pulp disc.
Final build revision on the AMT MONITOR came circa 1979 when they utilized the SBR (styrene butadiene rubber) half-roll suspension on both the bextrene woofer and conical bextrene radiator. This final build was in production during the outphasing of the 1B towers hence the SBR suspension changeover, which the 1C line of towers took on exclusively.
Four unpublished revisions took place on those AMT MONITORS. None of these four were labeled anything other than, AMT MONITOR.
Early versions were with silver AMT units, metalized capacitor films, bextrene woofer cones w/ open cell foam surrounds, and .75in styrene disc radiators on the aluminum rings w/ the same suspension.
1st mid-build revisions came with flat black AMT units, bextrene woofer cones w/ rolled-edge treated surrounds, and .5in styrene discs w/ open cell foam suspension.
2nd mid-build revisions incorporate a huge change to the radiator, they were made to reflect the same outer rolled-edge suspension of the bextrene woofer and updated to a conical bextrene passive. When this radiator was introduced, it attached to an entire cast woofer frame (less the magnet and motor structure) obviously. The inner coil area behind the dual dustcaps was sealed up with an inverted pulp disc.
Final build revision on the AMT MONITOR came circa 1979 when they utilized the SBR (styrene butadiene rubber) half-roll suspension on both the bextrene woofer and conical bextrene radiator. This final build was in production during the outphasing of the 1B towers hence the SBR suspension changeover, which the 1C line of towers took on exclusively.
Lets not forget the AMT3 Rock Monitors!:thmbsp:
Glad to see another member aprreciating the Great heils- I agree, Mangenpans and AMT's have alpt in common-I prefer my AMT3's over mg SMG's, but still like each alot. For sheer dynamics nothing like a ESS Monitor with the Great Heil.
Your Monitors can benefit from a recap and rewire, and also proper sealing of the drivers and cabinets. Also check all the solder connections and traces for cold solder joints. I would also replace the resistors as well, as in my two pairs of AMT3's they appeared a bit flaky-cheap insurance. Exotic caps aren't needed-just one with tight tolerences.
The imaging can also be improved by installing foam blocks on each side of the Heil -this prevents the midrange frequencies from wrapping around the Heil and canceling each other. Also foam added to the top and bottm "v" voids is helpful.
Glad to see another member aprreciating the Great heils- I agree, Mangenpans and AMT's have alpt in common-I prefer my AMT3's over mg SMG's, but still like each alot. For sheer dynamics nothing like a ESS Monitor with the Great Heil.
Your Monitors can benefit from a recap and rewire, and also proper sealing of the drivers and cabinets. Also check all the solder connections and traces for cold solder joints. I would also replace the resistors as well, as in my two pairs of AMT3's they appeared a bit flaky-cheap insurance. Exotic caps aren't needed-just one with tight tolerences.
The imaging can also be improved by installing foam blocks on each side of the Heil -this prevents the midrange frequencies from wrapping around the Heil and canceling each other. Also foam added to the top and bottm "v" voids is helpful.
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AMT3lover
Member
Again? I thought they were back (some years ago) then gone again.
Anyway, it's good news and I wish them well.
I am going forward with my AMT3 refurbishing, but I would't mind a pair of brand new bookshelf speakers.
westend
Audiopile
I have no idea about the quality but Orange County Speakers and Simply speakers sell replacement diaphragms.
Here's the Heil AMT-1d in my new DIY build:
Here's the Heil AMT-1d in my new DIY build:
Diaphrams
Plenty of replacement diaphrams available. Some think the old are better then the new ones, and visa versa. can't comment on that- but I know All the Heils/AMT's I have heard sound great.
Keep 'em fused IMHO-I don't buy into the audible fuse thing- I did a quick experiment on one of my amt3's- could not hear any difference what so ever-a fuse is a small price to pay- better then a melted diaphram.
The ESS speakers play so clearly-if you are using a smaller amp- you might notn realize you are driving into clipping till a Heil dies.
My former ESS PS1220's with the smaller monopole Heil did this a few times (roomates/etc) diaphrams back then were only $10-still alot in 1987.
EL Seven has some good takes on the new ESS speakers.
Similiar take on the Magnepans- love my SMG's, but the AMT3's are a step or two better-a Magnepan with bass-alothough the SMG's do have usable response down to 40hz. I don't use a subwoofer with either-don't care for them.
The AMT3's work with all types of music very well as well.
I do recommend blocking of the sides of the AMT with foam blocks, as this will prevent midrange cancellation, and improve imaging and midbass response.
Plenty of replacement diaphrams available. Some think the old are better then the new ones, and visa versa. can't comment on that- but I know All the Heils/AMT's I have heard sound great.
Keep 'em fused IMHO-I don't buy into the audible fuse thing- I did a quick experiment on one of my amt3's- could not hear any difference what so ever-a fuse is a small price to pay- better then a melted diaphram.
The ESS speakers play so clearly-if you are using a smaller amp- you might notn realize you are driving into clipping till a Heil dies.
My former ESS PS1220's with the smaller monopole Heil did this a few times (roomates/etc) diaphrams back then were only $10-still alot in 1987.
EL Seven has some good takes on the new ESS speakers.
Similiar take on the Magnepans- love my SMG's, but the AMT3's are a step or two better-a Magnepan with bass-alothough the SMG's do have usable response down to 40hz. I don't use a subwoofer with either-don't care for them.
The AMT3's work with all types of music very well as well.
I do recommend blocking of the sides of the AMT with foam blocks, as this will prevent midrange cancellation, and improve imaging and midbass response.
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Those won't be in production anymore. Haven't actually been produced for over ten years.
You might be confusing the older MONITOR towers with the Concept CE-M (current builds on their way in a 90° flip version).
Actually @ CES 2010 a whole year earlier.
Hold on and i will find the pictures from 2010's "little disaster".
I'm sort of glad i wrote that i guess, as it's been quoted all over the place over the years, even on the bay.
VYNULADIKT
Active Member
QUOTE "I do recommend blocking of the sides of the AMT with foam blocks, as this will prevent midrange cancellation, and improve imaging and midbass response. "
Thanks Mojo, I tried that with my AMT 4's and the difference was just what I had been looking for. Thought I was going to have to build my own AMT 3's to get the midrange presence up to par. This really helped. Still might tackle a set of DIY AMT 3's someday. Or maybe luck into a sweet deal... always wishing.
Thanks Mojo, I tried that with my AMT 4's and the difference was just what I had been looking for. Thought I was going to have to build my own AMT 3's to get the midrange presence up to par. This really helped. Still might tackle a set of DIY AMT 3's someday. Or maybe luck into a sweet deal... always wishing.
