Transparent Sound Solutions is an electrostatic speaker module supplier based in the Netherlands. It provides affordable, high-quality electrostatic speaker modules in various sizes that can be combined into 2.1 sound systems. The company's technology is unique in its safety features and ability to work with lower-cost amplifiers. It aims to serve as a supplier for other companies to design integrated sound systems for the mid-range price segment.

1. Transparent Sound Solutions
Company Background & Product Offer
Boele de Bie, managing director
May 2011
info@transparentsoundtechnology.com

2. Transparent Sound Solutions (TSS)
”Where Art and Science meet…”
• TSS is a electrostatic speaker module supplier based near Eindhoven, Netherlands.
– Its customers take care of system design, integration and sound characteristics.
As they like to keep their uniqueness, TSS will only serve a limited # of customers.
– TSS executes business management, R&D and design support, and acts as IP licensor; its managing
director has over 20 years of international experience in the CE industry, including managing large
OEM accounts. There is co-operation with a.o. Heliox Best for power supplies and amplifier matching.
– Manufacturing, quality & logistics are executed by NSA Apparatenbouw Eersel (a unit of VDL – a large
Dutch manufacturing conglomerate HQ-ed in Eindhoven) and its network of suppliers. This industrial
approach has enabled us to reach a very high product quality (reports available on request).
• The core value proposition:
– Affordable, great HD sound with ultra-thin speakers modules in small formfactors.
– Multiple sizes, to be combined with a sub-woofer, enabling 2.1 systems.
– Targeting the mid-range price segment, up from 1300€ retail for a 2.1 system.
– Industry leader in electrostats in terms of quality and costs, with a proven track record.
• Compared to other electrostats, the TSS technology is unique in several ways:
– The invertor technology adresses safety related issues (CE, UL/CUL approval).
– Higher impedance, enabling the use of cheaper and more popular amplifiers; a wider stereo image.
– Popular form factors, and pricing, allowing mainstream product designs & positioning.
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3. How does the technology work?
Invertor technology
A thin mylar diaphragm is stretched between 2
stator plates. In contrast to conventional
electrostatic speaker technologies, the electrical
current is going through the mylar. The stator plates
insulate the mylar, thus shielding the consumer
from potential shocks and therefore enabling UL
and CE approval. The stator plated are coated with
a polyester layer taking care of insulation.
Invertor Technology is a trademark of TST
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4. Creating transparent sound
• A lot of positive product reviews are available on the web:
– See for instance: http://issuu.com/finalsound
– Winner of CES 2006 award.
• A summary of the benefits; see the white paper for details:
– Ultra slim speaker
– Ultra Low distortion
– Transparency and life-like sound
– High-definition sound (a lot of detail)
– High Impedance resulting in lower power and lower-cost amplifiers
– Broad Stereo Image
– Excellent sensitivity on normal listening distance
– Much less affected by room reflections (against walls, ceiling and floor) resulting in a lower-cost for the
Home Theatre Installation.
– No safety issues: the Inverter principle results in a high degree of safety allowing the design to comply
with the UL and CE requirements
– The Inverter also needs smaller electronics, resulting in a flat and digital lifestyle design.
• Ready to be rolled-out into modern living concepts
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5. Comparison of benefits
• Electrostatic and Dynamic Speakers compared:
– Electrostatics are lighter and more responsive.
– Electrostatic speakers require no cabinetry, and are very flat
– Electrostatic speakers are directional, hence less room distortions
– Dynamic speakers require multiple drivers; small electrostatic speakers typically require a sub-woofer
– Electrostatic speakers create even sound across the entire frequency spectrum (no cross over effect)
– The sound is more pure, yet less dynamic and punchy; sound pressure levels are more even across a
room.
– With the right industrial set-up affordable pricepoints can be achieved.
• TSS speakers compared to traditional electrostatic speakers, thanks to the unique patents
used:
– A wider stereo image
– A higher impedance, enabling the application of lower cost and more popular amplifiers
– A safer construction, enabling CE and UL compliance
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6. Loewe Reference & Individual series©
Thin Diaphragm
Inside a Loewe Reference Stand speaker, you’ll find a membrane,
only about one tenth as thick as the human eardrum but 144 times
as large! It is framed by an electrode grille and has very small
displacement as it moves – therefore almost completely avoiding
distortion effects. This results in an especially clear and transparent,
authentic and lively sound.
Highest Sounds
Thanks to electrostatic technology, even sound connoisseurs will be
more than satisfied – even in the high tone area up to 40,000 Hz the
clearness of the sound and the rich nuances of the dynamics are
unmatched.
Lively Bass
With one active and two passive diaphragms and 800 watts of
power, the Loewe Reference Subwoofer guarantees an impressive
and lively bass experience throughout the room. Extremely low
sounds right down to 28 Hz are played, resulting in an authentic
home cinema experience – going straight to the stomach and the
toes when funk and soul music is played. Normally housing as big as
a cupboard is required for this – here a perfectly-formed cube just
43 centimeters wide is all that is needed.
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7. Specifications ESE modules
Model Typenumber ESE 1 ESE 2 ESE 3
Availability mockups available available March 2011
samples available available July 2011
products in production May 2011 Q4 2011
Frequency range (>=80 dB SPL +/-3dB) 190 Hz-20 kHz 210 Hz-20 kHz 220 Hz-20 kHz
Typical subwoofer crossover frequency 180 Hz 200 Hz 230 Hz
Sensitivity dB spl (2.83 V/1 m)* 88 87 85
Impedance nominal (Ohm) 4 4 4
Amplifier power minimum (W) 35 35 30
Amplifier power recommended (W) 50 50 45
Plug in AC/DC power supply 12 V, 300 mA 12 V, 300 mA 12 V, 300 mA
Power consumption in standby mode << 1 W << 1 W << 1 W
Dimensions panels (cm) (h x w x d) 89.4 x 16.4 x 0.9 61.5 x 16.4 x 0.9 44.6 x 16.4 x 0.9
Colours:
Diaphragm colour black black black
Rim and grille colour black black, silver black, silver
off-white off-white
Panel weight (kg/pc) 2.7 1.9 1.4 ESE2
technical specifications, delivery conditions and other information are subject to change without notice.
* at 4 m listening distance 6 dB loss (line source), versus 12 for dynamic speakers
• Typically our modules consist of an Electrostatic Speaker Element (ESE); a Power Supply Unit
(PSU: includes transformers, filters, automatic power switch-off and basic equalization); and if
needed customized parts such as connectors, cables and customer specific mechanical parts.
• If needed we can re-engineer to change the architecture or fine-tune the performance.
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8. Height options ESE modules
• Our modules can be used for AV and PC desktop use.
• They address all typical formfactors:
– Floorstander ESE1
– Large satellite ESE2
– Small satellite; cupboard and desktop ESE3
• Upon request we can engineer & manufacture dedicated formfactors.
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9. • The overview highlights the fit with any lifestyle.
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10. Listening tests guidance
Listening is believing. Based on extensive listening test results,
we would like to recommend the following:
• Start with ESE1 and a 2.0 setting, try other combinations after that.
• The choice of amplifier has quite some impact, we recommend a pure 2.0 ampifier
with a pre-out for the sub-woofer and sufficient current reserve. Popular amplifiers
would include the Denon PMA1510 AE.
• When using a sub-woofer, select the highest possible cross-over frequency,
preferably from 180 Hz upward.
• The choice of music is up to the listener, acoustical instruments and voice do most
justice to the qualities of the samples.
• Use Home Theater receivers in pure/direct stereo+sub mode. DSP’s totally alter the
sound characteristics, especially in multi-channel modes, but they can be a help to
off-set near-wall effects.
• Electrostats are dipoles. Keep a minimum of 15 cm distance from a wall, and
optimize the benefit of reflections by slightly tilting the panel.
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11. Frequency response ESE1
• ESE1, based on latest engineering samples.
• Listening samples available.
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12. Typical harmonics ESE1
• Based on production samples.
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13. Typical frequency response ESE2
• ESE2, based on latest engineering samples.
• Listening samples available.
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14. Typical harmonics ESE2
• ESE2, based on random pre-production samples.
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15. Typical frequency response ESE3
• ESE3, based on engineering samples, fine-tuning on-going.
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