ESS TRANSSTATIC-2: The Hybrid Electrostatic Visionary

The late 1970s had audiophiles and engineers pushing hard on high-fidelity reproduction, and Electro-Static Sound (ESS) was building loudspeakers to match. One of its odder products was the ESS TRANSSTATIC-2, a hybrid that paired an electrostatic panel with dynamic drivers. It came out in 1978. The idea was to get the speed, transparency and low distortion of electrostatic panels while dodging their usual problems - limited bass response, low sensitivity and narrow dispersion.

The Quad ESL-57 and the KLH 9 sold better. The ESS TRANSSTATIC-2 still found a niche among listeners who cared about innovation and sonic purity. Today it is a good example of a transitional era in audio engineering, when people were trying radical ideas to get closer to perfect sound.

Technical Specifications

Specification	Detail
Model	TRANSSTATIC-2
Manufacturer	ESS (Electro-Static Sound)
Year Introduced	1978
Type	Hybrid electrostatic / dynamic loudspeaker
High-Frequency Driver	Push-pull electrostatic transducer panel
Midrange Driver	5.25" dynamic cone (fiberglass composite)
Low-Frequency Driver	Dual 8" dynamic woofers (ported enclosure)
Crossover Type	3-way passive network
Frequency Response	35 Hz – 20 kHz (±3 dB)
Sensitivity	86 dB (2.83V/1m)
Nominal Impedance	8 ohms (compatible with most amplifiers)
Recommended Amplifier	50–200 watts per channel
Dimensions (H×W×D)	44" × 14" × 18" (112 cm × 35.5 cm × 45.7 cm)
Weight	68 lbs (31 kg) per speaker
Finish Options	Walnut or black ash veneer

The TRANSSTATIC-2 employed a push-pull electrostatic panel for the high frequencies—a design where two stator layers sandwich a thin, electrically charged diaphragm. This configuration reduced even-order harmonic distortion and improved linearity compared to single-ended electrostatics. Positioned above a sealed midrange chamber and a large bass-reflex enclosure, the panel delivered exceptional transient response and an airy, holographic treble.

Below the panel, a 5.25" midrange driver handled the critical vocal and instrumental frequencies, while two 8" woofers in a tuned ported cabinet provided deep, articulate bass extension. This hybrid approach allowed ESS to sidestep the weak bass and low efficiency that plagued pure electrostatics, making the TRANSSTATIC-2 more practical for real-world listening environments.

Sound Characteristics and Performance

The sound of the ESS TRANSSTATIC-2 is best described as transparent, detailed, and dynamically expressive. The electrostatic panel gives the upper registers real clarity - cymbals shimmer with natural decay, strings show lifelike bowing texture, and vocals have an almost startling presence. Many dynamic tweeters of the era broke up or turned harsh at high volumes. The electrostatic driver produces virtually no breakup or harshness, even loud.

The dynamic cone handles the midrange, and it is smooth and well-integrated. It is not as ethereal as the electrostatic top end. It avoids the colorations common in paper-cone drivers of the time, thanks to ESS’s use of a fiberglass composite material. The dual 8" woofers give a solid foundation, with bass that is tight and well-controlled. It is not as deep or room-shaking as what larger dedicated subwoofers deliver.

One of the TRANSSTATIC-2’s standout qualities is its soundstage reproduction. The open, panel-like dispersion of the electrostatic section makes a wide, three-dimensional image with precise instrument placement. Listeners often report a “you are there” quality, particularly with well-recorded acoustic and jazz material.

The hybrid design has a cost. It doesn’t fully replicate the “disappearing act” of full-range electrostatics. The transition between drivers is generally smooth, but it can show itself in complex passages, especially if the crossover is not optimally aligned.

Notable Features and Innovations

The TRANSSTATIC-2 showed ESS’s engineering philosophy: combine the best of multiple technologies to achieve balanced, high-fidelity performance. Key innovations included:

Push-Pull Electrostatic Panel: A rarity in consumer speakers at the time, this design reduced distortion and improved power handling.
Modular Cabinet Design: The speaker’s cabinet was divided into acoustically isolated chambers to prevent inter-driver interference.
External Power Supply Option: While the standard model used passive operation, ESS offered an optional external bias supply to enhance panel stability and longevity.
User-Accessible Crossover: The crossover network was mounted on a removable panel, allowing for tuning and component upgrades—a feature appreciated by DIY enthusiasts.

ESS also put effort into build quality, using real wood veneers, precision machining, and hand-wiring techniques that reflected the high-end ethos of the late 1970s.

Common Issues and Maintenance

Like many vintage electrostatic hybrids, the ESS TRANSSTATIC-2 needs attentive care. The most common issues include:

Diaphragm Degradation: The ultra-thin Mylar diaphragm in the electrostatic panel can deteriorate over time, especially in humid environments. Cracks or sagging lead to distortion or arcing.
Stator Corrosion: Oxidation on the metal stator grids can affect performance. Cleaning with isopropyl alcohol and a soft brush is recommended.
Crossover Component Aging: Electrolytic capacitors and resistors in the crossover may drift in value or fail after 40+ years. Replacing them with modern audiophile-grade parts can restore performance.
Bias Supply Failure: If the speaker uses an external bias unit, the high-voltage circuitry may need servicing.

Owners are advised to keep the speakers in dry, climate-controlled environments and to power them on gradually using a variac to avoid sudden voltage spikes.

Current Market Value and Collectibility

The ESS TRANSSTATIC-2 is a rare and underappreciated gem in vintage audio. Few units were produced, and even fewer survive in working condition. As of 2024, working pairs in good cosmetic and sonic condition typically sell for $1,200 to $2,000, depending on provenance and restoration quality.

Collectibility is growing among enthusiasts of hybrid and electrostatic designs, particularly those interested in the evolution of planar technology. It is not as well known as the Quad ESLs or the later MartinLogan electrostats. It is an ambitious, transitional design that bridged two worlds.

Restored units with upgraded crossovers and refreshed panels are increasingly sought after. Some owners pair them with modern tube amplifiers or Class A solid-state gear to highlight their strengths.

Conclusion and Legacy

The ESS TRANSSTATIC-2 was never a mainstream success, and it was never meant to be. It was a statement of intent - a fusion of electrostatic purity and dynamic practicality. Many manufacturers at the time were refining conventional cone drivers. ESS chose to experiment and hybridize.

It has flaws - modest sensitivity, maintenance demands, and a complex design. Its strengths in clarity, speed, and imaging remain impressive even by today’s standards.

A pair in good condition is worth keeping running. With proper care, the ESS TRANSSTATIC-2 can still deliver a listening experience that is engaging and technically interesting.

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