InnerSound Eros Mk.III electrostatic loudspeaker Manufacturer's Comment

Manufacturer's Comment

Editor: While there will always be strong opinions about certain approaches to audio design, the laws of physics cannot be circumvented. Accordingly, only a speaker that minimizes room interaction can produce accurate transient response, three dimensional holographic imaging, and flat frequency response when you consider it within the context of its own interaction with the room. We are pleased that LG recognized the Eros Mk.III's unique ability to offer these outstanding qualities and are confident that serious audiophiles will recognize them too.

On the subject of bass response, our other design mandate was to create an electrostatic speaker that unlike a full-range electrostatic, had virtually no limitation in achieving realistic output levels and deep bass response. After considering many design approaches Roger and his design team determined that a hybrid approach was the only practical way of meeting these objectives in a reasonably sized package.

We were then left with the perennial challenge of seamlessly integrating these two disparate technologies. We found that the solution required transmission line loading, a proprietary, low-mass SEAS woofer with a patented magnetic damping system, direct coupling of the woofer to a high-power high-damping factor amplifier, and the use of a sophisticated electronic crossover.

For those readers interested in achieving the ultimate in low bass response, look for our soon to be released "Nemesis Subwoofer System" incorporating a 24" woofer in a 12' transmission line. Larry and John, we promise not to ask you guys to carry this beast up the stairs!

We are pleased that JA's measurements of the Eros Mk.III validate our design goals: a true reference speaker offering flat frequency response, low distortion, and wide dynamic range. While its "sweet spot" is admittedly smaller than those of some speakers, Roger Sanders set out to design a speaker that had no equal. Although Roger holds the distinction of inventing the curved electrostatic speaker, he discovered after years of research that a curved panel could never provide the level of refinement and accuracy that he had set out to achieve. The Eros Mk.III is the culmination of Roger's lifetime of study regarding electrostatic speaker technology and design. Again, the choice to limit dispersion was a conscious one. Science will tell us that designing speakers is a series of tradeoffs. Accordingly, for its intended purpose (that of a true reference for serious listeners), there is no way to produce such a speaker by making the listening room a significant part of the equation.

We also wish to clarify a few items mentioned in the review: The buzzing sound observed by Larry Greenhill was later found to be a grain of sand—its origin unknown! There was never a problem with the actual speaker. We also wish to point out that, properly set up, the Eros' high-frequency response extends to 27kHz and beyond. In support of that objective claim, we offer the following subjective statement from an unsolicited listener, which recently appeared on Audio Asylum: "The Eros disperse treble just fine. Off axis they still sound better than most speakers. In the sweet spot they are in a world of their own."

We believe that the combination of Innersound's "Ultrastat" panel technology (patent pending), transmission-line woofer system, and electronic crossover amplifier offers our customers previously unobtainable performance at a very reasonable price.

In closing, we wish to refer to a comment Stereophile made about the Quad ESL-989, also Followed-Up on in the May issue: "Something like the Quads must be heard first, ideally in your home." As far as we know, InnerSound is one of the few manufacturers that offers its customers a "totally risk-free" 30-day home trial. We invite you to listen for yourself (preferably in stereo).

We thank Larry Greenhill, John Atkinson, and Stereophile for an excellent review.—Gary Leeds, CEO, Innersound LLC

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