" The Epos Acoustics ES14 loudspeaker system was conceived with one aim in mind: the reproduction of music in the home. It seeks to guide the listener away from the mechanics of music reproduction and towards the music itself.
It makes a virtue of basic simplicity and elegant engineering. It is a masterpiece of clear thinking and purposeful engineering, its task unhindered by peripheral trivia and worthless gimmicks. "
Design IntentionsFew loudspeakers have undergone as much painstaking development, and fewer still incorporate so much advanced thinking and precision engineering. The intelligent application of technology is the ES14's hallmark. Engineering with a purpose, not engineering as an end. Epos differs from many loudspeaker manufacturers in its total commitment to designing and building its own unique state-of-the-art drive units. Epos loudspeakers are not restrained by the indifferent design and poor performance of many bought-in drive units. Epos drive units are designed and built to exacting standards.
Such is their precision and so capable their performance, that Epos loudspeakers can dispense with the complicated electrical crossover and equalisation networks which bedevil most manufacturers' products. Epos drive units need no corrective signal manipulation and remain in complete control no matter how complex the music.
The absence of complex electrical circuitry pays handsome dividends in bringing the loudspeaker into tighter contact with the driving amplifier and significantly reduces the complexity of the amplifier's role. Both amplifier and loudspeaker function to better effect and bring a greatly increased sense of transparency and focus into play.
The 200mm bass driver and 26mm treble driver are of Epos Acoustics' own design and manufacture. Both units incorporate the most advanced design thinking and stand head and shoulders above the common run of drive units. The bass driver employs a highly stable plastic cone and synthetic rubber surround, while the tweeter employs an aluminium-alloy dome. The units are engineered so as to integrate properly with one another without the need for extensive electrical correction circuitry. Cabinet Finish Black ash, mahogany or walnut wood veneer with black textured drive unit frames. Power Requirements
The ES14 presents an extremely easy load to the driving amplifier, even under the most demanding dynamic conditions. It requires, nevertheless, a competently designed amplifier to achieve its full performance. An amplifier rated at between 25 watts and 100 watts into 8 ohms will generally be found suitable. Impedance 8 ohms nominal. The impedance does not fall below 7 ohms and contains insignificant reactive components. Positioning
The ES14 will give its best performance in most rooms when placed about 250mm - 500mm (10"-20") from the back wall and at least 500mm (20") from the side wall. Rigid floor stands of about 350mm - 500mm (14"-20") height should be used. The stands must be placed firmly on the floor and the loudspeakers placed firmly on the stands. Any movement of the loudspeaker cabinet will be reflected in reduced clarity and definition. Excessive movement will also reduce the impact and solidity of bass reproduction. Open frame stands of light and rigid construction are generally found to work best with the ES14 and the dedicated stands are available from your dealer. Further benefit can be gained by arranging for minimum contact between the stands and the loudspeakers. Spikes or small cones are ideal for this purpose.
Facilities for bi-wiring are provided on the ES14. Two pairs of high quality solid brass terminals allow separate cables to be used to connect the bass driver and tweeter to the driving amplifier, bringing enhanced control resolution.
Auditioning the ES14 is available from a small number of enthusiastic and competent retailers who are at pains to demonstrate and sell complementary and sympathetic equipment. It is most important to realise that combinations of the 'best' or the most highly-rated equipment do not necessarily make good systems. The advice of a good retailer is invaluable if money is not to be wasted on unwise combinations of equipment. The ES14, like any other piece of precision equipment, needs to be used correctly to achieve its intended performance. A judgement made of the loudspeaker with unwisely chosen partnering equipment, or in a poorly set-up system is no judgement at all.
When listening, judge the loudspeaker on its ability to provide you with enjoyment from the music. Do not try to analyse individual aspects of the loudspeaker's technical performance such as its tonal balance or frequency extension. Judge its ability to let you follow individual instrumental parts within a piece of music. Judge its ability to integrate the various instruments into a pleasing and harmonic ensemble. Ask yourself the question 'Do I enjoy listening to this loudspeaker?' at frequent intervals. Whether you enjoy listening or not is infinitely more important than any question of frequency response, tonal balance or colouration.
Power Handling 100 Watts speech and music
Frequency Response 50Hz - 20kHz
Impedance 8 ohms Nominal
Sensitivity 87dB/1 watt/1 metre
Finish Black Ash, Mahogany or Walnut wood veneer
Dimensions 488mm(H) x 226mm(W) x 290mm(D)
Weight 11kg
An acoustically transparent foam grille is supplied
|
