Salon HiFi 2010 - Paris - A to W - E for Elipson 4260

A collection of vintage Elipsons, amicably loaned by 'violet' from www.passion-elipson.com

ELIPSON
Emotion
Leon (Joseph, bien sur...)
Innovation
Professional
Sphere
ORTF (Office de Radio & Television Francais)
No compromise
This is how the new Elipson communication is structured, a good balance of nostalgia and revival.
The new 4260 is certainly a fine example of all these attributes, and I am sure, Joseph Leon would approve of the new design.
Interestingly enough, PHL Audio, and Philippe Lesage, are providing the main drivers of exceptional characteristics, as you would expect from a manufacturer of pro drivers.
So, the midrange is left to a 21cm (8") driver with a phase plug, and the bass to a 38cm (15") unit, both paper based and very high efficiency, as the final product has a 92db efficiency - not a small feast for a speaker that size!
The power capacity is a whopping 250Watts RMS ( real watts...you can read about the different ways of measuring power for loudspeakers on the PHL Audio website).
The tweeter is custom made from Scanspeak, a very well known Danish manufacturer.
Elipson had prepared quite an extensive demo on CD, although a turntable was also on hand for the vynil enthusiasts.
The sound was spectacular on jazz and percussions particularly, thanks to the 38cm and the tweeter.
On the only classical recording played, the orchestra sounded a bit dull and not full-bodied, but I guess, it was that particular recording.
On female voices, the 21cm gives its full delivery, smooth, precise, quick.
After only six pieces of music, overall the result was splendid and very much part of the Elipson heritage.
For a more thorough review, (and the story of another hifi freak...) I recommend you go to www.passion-elipson.com
I had an extensive chat with the mechanical designer of the 4260, a young man called Cedric Leon (sic!, and he is not related...) who was very enthusiastic about the product and clearly very happy to work for Elipson.
It was very refreshing to meet somebody from a much younger generation being as passionate as I was when I first heard the 4040 in the 70s...
Maybe he will have his own blog one day...
Browse through my collection of photos of the stand and the 4260s as well.
Another product that seems to be the next one to be revived is the sphere with the diffuser, using (maybe...) the coaxial driver used in the new Planets.
Can't wait to hear them!