[eskamobob1]

I no longer see the iESL on iFi's website. Is it out of production or perhaps simply out of stock?

Oop

 

[robo24]

Sold off my TT2 which I was using and got a Ragnarok 2 which works just as well via XLR or speaker taps. Another option for those looking for a way to drive the iESL.

 

[deafenears]

I no longer see the iESL on iFi's website. Is it out of production or perhaps simply out of stock?

Out of production. It's mentioned many times, unfortunately. Hopefully they'll reconsider and release something like an iESL Signature version (which is also available in black).

 

[BlueEmperor]

I must say iESL is the best iFi device I ever used. Simply said the sound quality that I could achieve on my estats when connected to my DIY Purifi class D amplifier was the highest, even better than Carbon and BHSE.

@iFi audio I really hope there will be even better version in the future, those transformers must be super hard fo make I imagine but the sound quality I got with Purifi into iESL into SR-X9000 is just magic.

 

[BTD1]

I must say iESL is the best iFi device I ever used. Simply said the sound quality that I could achieve on my estats when connected to my DIY Purifi class D amplifier was the highest, even better than Carbon and BHSE.

@iFi audio I really hope there will be even better version in the future, those transformers must be super hard fo make I imagine but the sound quality I got with Purifi into iESL into SR-X9000 is just magic.

I have the iESL, and an amp with sufficient power, and the x9000s. What in particular is better using the iESL? I use the x9000s mostly with a Carbon CC, but I sometimes use the iESL. I don't know that I can articulate why one is better as I tend to listen at lower volumes than most. What exactly sounds better? Is the difference marginal are large?

 

[ThanatosVI]

I must say iESL is the best iFi device I ever used. Simply said the sound quality that I could achieve on my estats when connected to my DIY Purifi class D amplifier was the highest, even better than Carbon and BHSE.

@iFi audio I really hope there will be even better version in the future, those transformers must be super hard fo make I imagine but the sound quality I got with Purifi into iESL into SR-X9000 is just magic.

Black label iESL please!

 

[deafenears]

Black label iESL please!

Yes, this! Waiting for the iESL resurrection in black and that'll be my entry to estats.

 

[robo24]

I must say iESL is the best iFi device I ever used. Simply said the sound quality that I could achieve on my estats when connected to my DIY Purifi class D amplifier was the highest, even better than Carbon and BHSE.

@iFi audio I really hope there will be even better version in the future, those transformers must be super hard fo make I imagine but the sound quality I got with Purifi into iESL into SR-X9000 is just magic.

Really glad to hear this! Recently got the SR-009 and have been wondering about those very pricey Mjolnir amps and need some talking down to not spend more money I don't have when the iESL is excellent. Using Sonnet Morpheus (NOS R2R DAC) to Schiit Ragnarok 2, sometimes via Pendant SE as a pre-amp to give it some tubey flavor. I don't know what more I could want really (other than more bass but that's an 009 issue not the amp/energizer) out of this combo with the iESL. Glad I bought it when I did!

 

[BlueEmperor]

I have the iESL, and an amp with sufficient power, and the x9000s. What in particular is better using the iESL? I use the x9000s mostly with a Carbon CC, but I sometimes use the iESL. I don't know that I can articulate why one is better as I tend to listen at lower volumes than most. What exactly sounds better? Is the difference marginal are large?

In my personal opinion when I was comparing side by side my current setup vs carbon I got a slightly deeper headstage, more layers however it was a bit more diffused than on carbon, and overall the sound was a bit cleaner but those are very subtle differences and I would be just as happy with the Carbon.

Something to be aware of is that iESL sound with vary with different amps connected to it, I went through 3 iterations before being satisfied beyond carbon.
First setup - Yamaha A-S2200 into iESL - not terrible but I would definitely pick Carbon over it.
Second setup - Flux Volot via its headphone XLR output into iESL - much better than yamaha on par with Carbon for me.
And finally my current setup - Holo Serene preamp into DIY amp based on Purifi 1ET400A and Neurochrome input buffers into iESL - slight preference compared to Carbon, incredible clarity, power and staging.

Of course that's just my opinion and I might be biased since when you build something yourself you enjoy it more. Next step I'm saving for Holo May and will be building new Hypex Nilai500 amp when it releases.

 

[BTD1]

In my personal opinion when I was comparing side by side my current setup vs carbon I got a slightly deeper headstage, more layers however it was a bit more diffused than on carbon, and overall the sound was a bit cleaner but those are very subtle differences and I would be just as happy with the Carbon.

Something to be aware of is that iESL sound with vary with different amps connected to it, I went through 3 iterations before being satisfied beyond carbon.
First setup - Yamaha A-S2200 into iESL - not terrible but I would definitely pick Carbon over it.
Second setup - Flux Volot via its headphone XLR output into iESL - much better than yamaha on par with Carbon for me.
And finally my current setup - Holo Serene preamp into DIY amp based on Purifi 1ET400A and Neurochrome input buffers into iESL - slight preference compared to Carbon, incredible clarity, power and staging.

Of course that's just my opinion and I might be biased since when you build something yourself you enjoy it more. Next step I'm saving for Holo May and will be building new Hypex Nilai500 amp when it releases.

Great analysis. The bottom line is that the iESL is a well engineered piece of equipment and tends to be underrated.

 

[ThanatosVI]

Great analysis. The bottom line is that the iESL is a well engineered piece of equipment and tends to be underrated.

I don't think it's underrated. It received incredible praise and was sold out rather quick.

The reason it's not as prominent in conversations, is likely that it's not available anymore and only few have it

 

[iFi audio]

Yes, this! Waiting for the iESL resurrection in black and that'll be my entry to estats.

We'd have to first find a way to make it better. Black is a very special color to us

Something to be aware of is that iESL sound with vary with different amps connected to it,

That's true, it's a very transparent product.

I don't think it's underrated. It received incredible praise and was sold out rather quick.

Our iESL had a rather slow start, but new estat cans surely contributed to making it more and more popular.

 

[DougD]

Our iESL had a rather slow start, but new estat cans surely contributed to making it more and more popular.

True leaders often find themselves moving before and/or out-of-step with the masses. It's one of the risks.

As a person with a growing interest in the iESL who did not move quickly enough, I haven't heard anything that suggests much perception that product enhancements are needed. Just the iESL back in production again. Call it the iESL Phoenix.

 

[brams]

@iFi audio I'm a happy owner of an iESL, but have always wondered why it was only provided with a balanced output for dynamic/planar headphones and no single ended. Was it just due to lack of space on the front panel?

I'm assuming it's safe to use a balanced to single ended adapter as I have been using that to drive my single ended headphones without any problems.

 

[iFi audio]

Call it the iESL Phoenix.

If we'll ever use that name, you'll be the first one to know

Just the iESL back in production again.

If only this was as simple. We always have multiple products developed at the same time and certain strict timing and material frames we need to hold on to, so even if making yet another batch of this or that product might sound simple, it rarely is. However, we're aware that many folks would like to see iESL available again, so who knows!

Hope this helps, thanks!

@iFi audio I'm a happy owner of an iESL, but have always wondered why it was only provided with a balanced output for dynamic/planar headphones and no single ended. Was it just due to lack of space on the front panel?

That's a good question. I'd have to confirm this with our engineers, but most likely considering iESL's balanced bits a balanced output was the one to go and there was no space left for a 6,3mm out.