[Miiksu]

This is my assumption, but I was very curious.
Just wanted to test the 4-pin XLR output on the front versus the bypassed speaker taps with an adapter I have.

Probably it does not? Because you can still change the ohm setting and you get different results every setting. Best is to test each setting. It has a big impact on tonality. I just did measurement not long ago and every setting behaved differently and I also heard it very differently. It kinda softed lower, middle or upper.

My rookie measurements. I don't even know how to understand those measurements.

 

[BassicScience]

Does using the output binding posts on the back of the iFi iESL bypass the iESL's transformers and other hardware?

Yes, Quoting from the iESL manual:

While the iESL Input selector is OFF, or any input except loudspeaker is selected, the loudspeaker input is linked to the loudspeaker output and disconnected from the iESL circuitry.

FWIW, I've found the XLR front output (which does not bypass the transformers) to slightly degrade the sound versus using the speaker output in pass-through mode, but it's not a massive difference, IMO.

 

[Miiksu]

Yes, Quoting from the iESL manual:

While the iESL Input selector is OFF, or any input except loudspeaker is selected, the loudspeaker input is linked to the loudspeaker output and disconnected from the iESL circuitry.

FWIW, I've found the XLR front output (which does not bypass the transformers) to slightly degrade the sound versus using the speaker output in pass-through mode, but it's not a massive difference, IMO.

Thank you. I didn't clearly understand the question. But on my system 24 ohm setting is best. But I don't understand how the bass degrades when you use headphone output. Have you tested all the ohm settings? Distortion with different frequencies may get your brain to think otherwise.

 

[BassicScience]

Thank you. I didn't clearly understand the question. But on my system 24 ohm setting is best. But I don't understand how the bass degrades when you use headphone output. Have you tested all the ohm settings? Distortion with different frequencies may get your brain to think otherwise.

I didn't specifically say the bass degrades, but I see no reason to put transformers (which are never perfectly linear) in the signal path unless it's necessary to do so. And when driving Susvara from my speaker amp, it isn't. It might make sense to insert the iESL (on a high impedance setting) if I were driving lower impedance, higher sensitivity planars from a speaker amp with too much gain, but my amp's gain is adjustable down to 12 dB, which obviates the need even for that.

When driving estats, I tend to set the iESL's impedance at 24 ohms as well, mostly as a matter of practicality. Higher impedance settings are more linear, but I already have to set my power amp at a high gain when driving estats through the iESL, and I don't want to effectively reduce its power by presenting it a higher impedance. I've found the differences between gain settings are audible, but rather subtly so. FWIW and YMMV.

 

[Miiksu]

@BassicScience Ah now understand. I'm using a tube power amp. I agree that too much current at lower ohms makes a volume pot difficult to use. I have triode mode also that gives half the power and can use pre-amp at high gain. But I prefer the ultralinear sound. It has a more warmier relaxed bass but cleaner highs.

 

[RogueCrusher]

Pro iESL turned out a late bloomer and partially because how popular e-stats got in recent years. We did a small batch recently and some distributors may still have a unit or two, so if someone wants a brand new iESL, they still can be found. Thanks!

Hi, any direction as to a distributor whom I may try to obtain an iESL from?

 

[BassicScience]

Hi, any direction as to a distributor whom I may try to obtain an iESL from?

You responded to a post from about nine months ago. At this point, the chances of finding a new unit within the distribution network is essentially nil. Your best bet is to monitor the Head-Fi classifieds, eBay, Hifi Shark, etc., for a used one.

Just for grins, I did a google search and Audio Advisor shows the iESL "in stock". I'm rather skeptical that's accurate, but it doesn't hurt to ask. If it's a mirage, see my advice above.

 

[ThanatosVI]

Hi, any direction as to a distributor whom I may try to obtain an iESL from?

iESL is out of stock for years now and only available used if at all.

I've been looking for it for a long time, until I now won't need it anymore

 

[goldwerger]

They come up in the classified rarely, every few months (one did a couple of weeks ago, since sold). They sell out instantly, so just be ready to pounce..

 

[iFi audio]

Hi, any direction as to a distributor whom I may try to obtain an iESL from?

Hello, as others have said it's probably best at this point to look for used, but you can also take a look at our new iCAN Phantom here...

https://ifi-audio.com/products/ican-phantom/

Cheers!!

 

[ErikCopenhagen]

Hello, as others have said it's probably best at this point to look for used, but you can also take a look at our new iCAN Phantom here...

https://ifi-audio.com/products/ican-phantom/

Cheers!!

Just found an iESL on eBay from Bulgaria, so I look forward to receiving it - and driving it with a Benchmark AHB2 amplifier…

 

[iFi audio]

Just found an iESL on eBay from Bulgaria, so I look forward to receiving it - and driving it with a Benchmark AHB2 amplifier…

Glad to hear you've found one, I hope it works out well for you!

Cheers!!

 

[ErikCopenhagen]

Glad to hear you've found one, I hope it works out well for you!

Cheers!!

Thanks! I’ve benn looking for one a long time, so fingers crossed…

 

[etc6849]

@BassicScience

Supercharged ifi Pro iESL... Had to 3D print the headphone jack. Going to eventually case mount this and try making my own board to produce the bias voltage. Using the iFi iESL to provide the bias voltage for now though. I'm not sure where this tops out at as I only tested it to 2kV for 15Hz and above. 10Hz can get to 1.4kVpp with a clean looking waveform.

 

[etc6849]

Just in case someone else wants to try it, at their own risk of course and only if they are comfortable doing it... This is where I grabbed the positive and negative bias voltage from... white is the negative, and blue is the positive.