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Our ESL Input Transformers (Overview)
Don't Be Fooled by others that say
they have a full range Electrostatic step-up Transformer
One of
the most important factor in a
SINGLE ESL panel design is the esl step-up transformer which - at best - can
only produce SEVEN usable octaves of flat frequency response. The transformer designer
may choose which of the seven octaves he wants to build for.
Our Model 2.1 and 3.1 ESL have a usable frequency response of 175 Hz to 20 kHz with
the M299B step-up transformer and crossover. Both models could be used down to
50hz with a higher turns step-up transformer say about 200:1 ratio but this
step-up
transformer would then only be able to produce up to 6khz in frequency
response. I have personally bought both EI and Toroidal ESL transformers
that cost up to $300 each, and have machine wound many a
transformer. I have also measured and used over a hundred step-up transformers and NONE
with a single output winding will produce seven or more octaves of flat
response. Their only one way I know of (if you have another let me know) to
build a full range ESL you must use two step-up transformers or one transformer with two secondary
winding one for bass (about 200:1 ratio) and the other for midrange and treble
panels (at least 50:1 ratio) for a full range ESL. Next the ESL and or
speaker baffle have to be wide due to dipole cancellation (24 inches or wider or
the sides folded back)
to go below 100hz the laws of physics just can't be cheated.
There are
many more factors that that goes into each ESL design but the two mentioned above
are most important ones to
start with.
Electrostatic Transformers-Esthetics
We have also paid close attention to our ESL transformer. Our units are
manufactured with high grade M6 laminations and machine wound with high quality
pure copper wire. The core is varnished and oven baked to ensure quiet
operation-even at high ambient temperatures.
We have our ESL step-up transformers custom wound to our specs,
we are constantly improving and tweaking their performance. The ESL transformer is one
of the most critical components in an electrostatic loudspeaker. Our transformers are of EI the best M6 laminated design. We
can offer custom Toroidal designs and are about three times the cost.
Most importantly, our designs are "ear
tested". After a new design has passed extensive testing, it's got to
sound good too, before we will put it on the market! From Bach to rock, our ESL
step-up transformer maybe for you.
Our Interleaved Windings
The reason for our sparkling high frequency performance is the use of
interleaved windings between the primary and secondary. All windings are machine
wound with high quality pure copper wire. All models include multiple interleaved
windings to maximize high frequency response.
Turns Ratio
Our ESL step-up transformers will improve the output efficiency of your ESL. The
M299b transformer with a 100:1 ratio will have 6-dB more output then the M99
with a 50:1 ratio and 9 more dB for the M399 transformer. Based
on a flat frequency response from 100 Hz to
around 10 kHz and 1000 pf load (Model 2.1 12"x48" ESL panel) above that range
they will have about the same output efficiency.
Audiophile Electrostatic Step-up Transformers
M299B ESL step-up transformer 100:1turns ratio 1.75" M6 core $98.00 each
3.25"-d x 3"-w x 2.5"-h
The M299B has a 100:1 turns ratio, which
is best for ESLs
Designed for mid/high band, can be used down to 150 Hz crossover. Rated at 4500 volts
maximum output. Electrostatic loudspeakers require high voltages on their
stators to move the
charged membrane. Therefore a step-up transformer is needed to convert low
amplifier output voltage into the high voltage used in electrostatic
loudspeakers. The transformers are designed for impedance matching to drive a
electrostatic panels
capacitive
load used for mid size ESL panels with up to 60 mills stator to diaphragm
spacing.
 M399 ESL
step-up transformer 125:1 2.5" turns ratio 2.5" M6 core $125.00 each
4"-d x 3"-w x 2.5"-h
The M399B has a 125:1 turns ratio, which
is best for ESLs
Designed for lower mid/high band, can be used down to 75 Hz crossover. Rated at
4500 volts
maximum output. Electrostatic loudspeakers require high voltages on their
stators to move the
charged membrane. Therefore a step-up transformer is needed to convert low
amplifier output voltage into the high voltage used in electrostatic
loudspeakers. The transformers are designed for impedance matching to drive a
electrostatic panels
capacitive
load. Great for large size ESL panels with up to 125 mills stator to
diaphragm spacing or bass panels .
New
M99B ESL step-up transformer 50:1 turns ratio $58.00 each
The M99B has a 50:1 turns ratio smaller
version of the M299b designed for mid/high band use with a 225 Hz and up
crossover, used for smaller ESL panels with 30 to 60 mills stator to diaphragm
spacing. Rated at 3500 volts maximum output.
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