ESS tepest model 9

[bookasan]

I found a pair of ESS Tempest Model 9 speakers for $75.00
I looked on Ebay and only found a different ESS model going for pretty big bucks.
The Tempest model 9's appear to be late 60's or 70's, very heavy and seem like they are of high quality.
Anyone have any info on these?

 

[Don C]

I am not quite sure about the ESS numbering system. Unlike other makers, the price seems to be higher as the numbers go down. In my experience, ESS speakers provided great sound for their price point. The first really good speakers that I ever had were ESS Tempest LS-5s That was a two way system with a 10 inch woofer and a small Heil tweeter, there was also a 10 inch flat passive radiator on the back. I bought them new in 1978 or so. I really liked those speakers, unfortunately, they were stolen in 1979. If you get the rear of the speakers three or four inches from the wall, the passives do a good job of reinforcing the bass. I have a pair of Performance series PS-8 sitting here now, from a yard sale a few weeks ago. These have vinyl covered cabinets instead of the Walnut veneer of my old Tempests, and they use an 8 inch woofer with an 8 inch passive on the back, and the same tweeter as my old ESSs. Of course they have bad foam rot too. These will be parted out on eBay due to the crappy beat up cabinets.

 

[Wireworm5]

I have a pair of Ess model 10 speakers. The woffer on one is torn. Bought them in 79 they're all that's left of my first system that got stolen.