faq - frequently asked questions

Here, in essay form, are Rick Beveridge's answers to a variety of common questions, including:

• What speakers can we build?

• What custom features are possible?

• How much will they cost?

• How soon can they be delivered?

At this time, we can build new speakers based on several models: 1, 2, and 2 SW.

The Model 1 is really the father of them all. Though it performed magnificently, it was never made available to the public. It was believed to be too large to be commercially marketable, so only one (prototype) pair was ever made. It was 36 inches wide, 21 inches deep, and 72 inches tall. It was driven by the same electrostatic panels as the 2 and 2 SW. Its bass range went lower than any of the speakers which followed. It played nicely all the way down into the low 30-cycle range.

My new Model 1 will have the same width and depth, but will be 90 inches tall. This increase in height, along with some other tricks, allows me to double the total driver area of electrostatic panels in the speaker. This produces a very significant increase in total power. Each Model 1 speaker will have its own dedicated amplifier which will stand beside the speaker.

The Model 2 series consists of the classic Model 2 and the Model 2 SW. Both the 2 and the 2 SW are the same size and shape as the original versions: 24 inches wide, 15 inches deep, and 72 inches tall.

I do not intend to produce sub-woofers at this time. There has been remarkable progress in sub-woofer design since we produced the sub-woofers for the original 2SWs. As this is now a highly specialized arena, I will leave it to others to compete in it. If a customer is interested in evaluating a particular sub-woofer for use with our speakers, we will be happy to assist.

The Model 1 goes down to about 30 Hz, the Model 2 to about 50 Hz, and the 2 SW to about 100 Hz. This is accomplished directly from the electrostatic speaker, without any crossovers or secondary drivers, so it retains the highest fidelity. None of these models need any bass reinforcement for solo guitars, string or jazz quartets, voice, etc.

To achieve higher sound pressure levels, the electrostatic speaker must be relieved from the burdens of the extreme lower frequencies. This does, however, reduce the system's extreme fidelity, with all of the presence and musicality which is possible with a single-source system. The most flexible approach would allow bass reinforcement when necessary, but retain the ability to be a single-source system at all other times.

Like their predecessors, the new Models 2 and 2 SW will have integral amplifiers, mounted in 6-inch tall metal chassis at the base of each speaker. Real progress has been made on the design of our amplifiers and this alone is responsible for the greatest single gain in the performance of our upgraded Beveridge speakers.

For all three models, the cabinets are still thin and light, relying upon comprehensive engineering, instead of brute weight, to control unwanted cabinet resonances. These cabinets, acting in combination with their lenses, and adhering to our original principles, are still the basis of the speakers' ability to reach much lower frequencies than the panels could ever accomplish if left open to the room.

However, from upgrading existing systems over the past few years, I have learned how to install stiffening braces on the inside of the cabinets. I use these same methods when producing new speakers. This stiffening cleans up the "fuzzy" bass of the originals, making the speakers much more articulate in the lower frequencies; in addition, it allows them to reach higher sound pressure levels. This is accomplished without adding any significant weight to the speakers.

Our electrodes are unlike any others. The same is true of our membranes. They are not constant charge. The transducers they produce have little in common with any other transducers.

I made my first electrostatic electrodes (aka stators) and transducers in 1958. I was 13 years old at the time and was helping my father. I have been studying electrostatic transducer designs ever since that time. Based upon my experience and understanding, I have chosen to use electrodes based upon the ones that we used in our original Models: 1, 2, 2 SW, and 3.

In my opinion, these electrodes produce transducers which are totally superior to any others I have investigated. This is true for both performance and longevity. After 25 years of operation, less than 20% of these transducers have needed service. Because my new production methods yield much closer mechanical and electrical tolerances, I expect my new transducers to perform as well, or better,

Regarding new acoustic lenses, both the design and fabrication methods have been improved. For the 1, 2, and 2 SW, the high frequency wave front is still the same full 180 degrees, but in each speaker, the amplitude front has been smoothed over. With our new lenses, a subtle amplitude "bump", which was present in the center of the wave front of our original speakers, is now nonexistent.

By not limiting my production to a single design, and gaining the benefits of custom speaker production, several variations can be made available. For instance, in order to accommodate rooms with higher ceilings, extra height can be added to the cabinets. This can be done in 2-foot increments for the Model 2 series and in 14-inch increments for the Model 1. There is no limit to this height increase. The sky (well, the ceiling) is the limit.

This capability to provide added height for rooms with higher ceilings will help the speakers adhere more closely to my father's sound distribution ideals. The very heart of the "Beveridge concept" is to produce a cylindrical wave front which distributes all frequencies from wall to wall horizontally and from floor to ceiling vertically. This added height of the speaker also makes room for additional transducer area, significantly increasing the total available power.

Semi-custom order production also allows for a much larger selection of wood and other finishes. I can offer everything from Ash (burl) to Zebra Wood. Piano-style lacquer finishes (e.g., Black or White), designer wallpaper, and other options are also available.

Years ago, Julie Andrews had her speakers covered with plate glass mirrors. When placed against a mirrored wall, they literally disappeared from view. In general, the use of a finish (or wallpaper) which matches the surroundings tends to make the speakers vanish from the room.

Another benefit of customized order production is that I can produce a pair (or more, for surround-sound applications) of speakers that are specifically designed and built to be mounted in walls. In addition to helping the speakers to be unobtrusive, this configuration would produce a room with the most ideal sound distribution possible. I am happpy to work with architects on custom designs and installations.

The price for any custom work will vary, depending upon the unique circumstances of each order. My price for a pair of standard height Model 2 or 2 SW speakers is $44,000. This price includes a wide choice of wood veneers or lacquer finishes in a specified color. This price also includes two power amplifiers. My price for an eight-foot tall version of either the Model 2 or 2 SW, with the standard choice of finishes, will be $55,000. Shipping and any applicable taxes will be extra.

My price for the basic (7 1/2 foot tall) Model 1, including the same standard veneers and finishes, as well as two dedicated amplifiers, is $88,000. Again, any exotic finishes and all shipping and taxes are extra. A 50% advance payment is made when a purchase agreement is reached; the remainder is paid prior to delivery.

My prices for any speakers that are designed and built for in-wall installations will vary according to specific requirements. They will be similar to those for the stand-alone models and the designs will be based upon those models.

At present, delivery can be promised within three months of the acceptance of an order. Special requirements or circumstances, such as the presence of a waiting list, may extend that time period. I will make a commitment for a specific time of delivery at the time a purchase is agreed upon.

An audition can be arranged to hear these speakers here at my shop. At the present moment, I can provide an audition of the new Model 2 speakers. I hope to be able to provide an audition of the Model 1 here within the next few months.

Reviews will be available after I can provide a pair of speakers to some reviewers. I hope to accomplish this sometime in the next several months.

I do realize that my approach to manufacturing is unusual. I have carefully considered these decisions, however, withe the goal of producing the best possible speaker systems. I have chosen not to compromise even the slightest bit of quality in construction or performance, in order to reduce the cost or the time of construction.

I am happy to put hundreds of hours into each system, in order to realize the performance which I know that they can achieve. I can, and will, make speaker systems for people who want the absolute best in acoustic performance and who can afford the cost, and the time, that it takes to build these unique and wonderful speakers.

I hope I have answered most of your questions. For more specific information, please feel free to call me at (707) 887-8494.