Look no further than the iFi audio Pro iESL – this flagship energiser will have them singing in no time.
Imagine the audio equivalent of a Porsche engine of the flagship headphone world and you have the Pro iESL.
Electrostatics need high voltages to energise them to make sound. The Pro iESL is one such energiser and delivers the extra-high-tension voltage needed. The capacitor pack has around 35,000,000 kOhm insulation resistance, which means that self-discharge time (to 30%) is around 100,000 seconds or 27 hours.
It is one of the best energisers in the business (even if we do say so ourselves) and is compatible with all the great electrostatic brands – including Orpheus and Koss.
If you like electrostatics, then you like ‘big’ sound.
The Pro iESL won’t disappoint. Coupled with our more traditional flagship amplifier, the Pro iCAN (or any other, but we like ours), the Pro iESL lowers distortion, separates vocals, orchestras and instruments.
It opens up the bass and leaves you with a wide, structured soundstage.
And, we’ve got good news.
The Pro iESL can also be used with your flagship dynamic headphones thanks to a unique transformer-coupled-stage that can take them to the max.
Enjoy the pure luxurious, pleasure of flying high with your headphones – electrostatics or dynamics – with the iFi Pro iESL.
No more background noise, no more distortion. Just smooth, sexy, open audio.
Forget the Porsche – just go Pro.
The ‘Perfectly Matched’ headphone experience.
Both classic and cutting edge technology in 3 quality components delivers a perfectly matched listening experience – one-off Pinstripe Permalloy Core Transformer, a Bias Voltage Generator and the Capacitive Battery Power Supply.
Making a transformer with the wide bandwidth and low distortion needed in the iESL is very challenging. To attain this, the custom transformers use complicated hand-wound, multi-section windings with both vertical and horizontal sectioning.
They exceed the standards set by Siemens (Germany) and Peerless (USA). With a bandwidth of < 5Hz to > 60kHz (-3dB), transformers in the iESL far exceed the requirements of even the JAS High-Res logo.
So, what’s a capacitive battery power supply?
This means the battery is charged up to the required voltage and then the charger circuit is turned off completely, leaving the capacitor bank to ‘float’ at the required bias voltage.
An essentially perfect bias voltage source with no electronic noise whatsoever at any frequency as the headphones are, in essence, powered by the battery bank and not the mains!
These 1,000Volt rated capacitors are from Germany. The key is the very high insulation resistance and minimal current leakage, as any such leakage causes self-discharge.
The whole capacitor pack has around 35,000,000 kiloOhm insulation resistance, which means that self-discharge time (to 30%) is around 100,000 seconds or 27 hours. You are always listening on battery (not mains) power.
Good news for your flagship dynamic headphones.
The iESL has an ear-tingling transformer coupled-stage that is not found in other energisers.
We reckon its audio performance is unsurpassed. Each and every flagship dynamic headphone, when used through the iESL, enjoys a whole new level of smoothness and airiness.
Vishay MELF resistors – complex, costly but superior.
These metal electrode leadless face resistors have excellent accuracy, stability, reliability, and pulse load capability. They provide optimal power rating and pulse load capability. Nothing else comes close.
| Maximum Output voltage: | 640V RMS (16Ω/20V in) 320V RMS (64Ω/20V in) |
| Frequency Response: | 5Hz – 50kHz (-3dB) |
| Input Voltage (Pro iESL): | 5V – 9V/1A max |
| Input Voltage (iPower): | AC 85 – 265V, 50/60Hz |
| Power Consumption: | < 1W |
| Dimensions: | 213(l) x 206(w) x 63.3(h) mm |
| Weight: | 2.5kg (5.5 lbs) |
We’re working on it — check back soon!
This costs a ton of money. But the build and options are why I know its going to work for me for … ever? I am currently pushing my L700 and 207’s with my Aune S7 pushed through the balanced input. Lots of options for those crazy Electrostats that exist. Really a special unit.
The iFi people walk their own walk; they think and act quite differently and after several years in the audio game that’s very clear to someone up to date with their moves.
I was very impressed with the iESL. It benefitted dramatically from a lowering of noise which opens up the upper midrange frequencies to new and complex detail…the iESL is packed with value too. Any electrostatic headphone fan needs to grab one!
So much extra beauty breathed in the Pro iESL. Thanks to the Pro iESL, you can now enjoy equally superb sound quality through electrostatic headphones.
We can reach the new attraction of headphones that we have not noticed before!
Common trend with all of iFi’s products. They really hit the nail on the head with this product.
Pro iESL boasts contents that can be said to be the definite version of such a capacitor type headphone adapter. It is an item where you can enjoy the depths unique to condenser-type headphones.
With the recommended settings, everything is fine. There is a wonderful detail and distinct dynamics and most surprisingly, a comfortable musical balance.
What on earth is Tarasov from Salon AV on about?
The Pro iESL of course which also got the Expert’s Choice award!
The Sennheiser Orpheus HE90 are legendary headphones created in 1991 and limited to 300 pairs. They came with their very own valve amp and cost $16,000. Phew!
Founded way back in 1958, Koss now produce a wide range of headphones to cater for varying tastes. One of their most acclaimed creations is the ESP950, over electrostatic ear headphones which retailed at about $999.
When you see the Japan Audio Society (JAS) Hi-Res logo on a product it means that has this certification and conforms to the high standards for high resolution music put in place by the JAS consortium – to which the largest global electronics manufacturers and the biggest music labels have all subscribed.
