FINAL M5 Hybrid Electrostatic Speaker Demo Event

Ravi began his demo of the M5 Hybrids with the well recorded relaxing track “Why Worry” by Dire Straits. Immediately I sensed the wide expansive sound stage projected by the M5 Hybrids. The delicate textures of the electric guitar filled up the entire room. These speakers were perfectly matched for Greg’s 30’ x 20’ audio room. They sounded way better than what I heard at Ravi’s expansive living space with 25’ high ceilings. Matching the size of the electrostatic panels to the size of the room plays an important role. The electrostatic panels need sufficient space (at least 3’, ideally 5’) between the back wall behind the speakers and the speakers to make the Dipolar radiating sound come to life. These line sources are designed to energize the entire space where you are no longer confined to a single sweet spot. Here were some other notable tracks that sounded wonderful on the M5 Hybrids.

  • Avalon – Roxy Music
  • Exodus – Bob Marley & The Wailers
  • Woodstock – Tierney Sutton
  • Welcome to the Pleasuredome – Frankie Goes to Hollywood
  • From the Beginning – Emerson, Lake & Palmer
  • Chopsticks – Jeff Lorber

Electrostatic speakers sound different from conventional cone drivers. A good analogy would be a floodlight compared to a spot light according to Ravi. Dipole and Bipolar speakers sound different than open baffle designs. For someone accustomed to hearing front firing cone drivers, it takes a while to get comfortable with the sonic signature of electrostatic line sources. To get the best imaging and soundstage, one must experiment with adjusting the toe in and the distance from the back wall. The M5 Hybrids offer stunning clarity, resolution and spaciousness all throughout the stated frequency range of 45Hz to 40kHz and beyond. I did not feel any need for additional bass. They are a steal of a deal for $5,500 a pair with passive subs and would work in rooms sized between 15’ x 20’ and 20’ x 30’. Ravi being the sole distributer of FINAL speakers in the US can offer these panels at an extremely competitive price. There is no dealer markup. They cost much more in Europe. The M5 Hybrid is the best-selling speaker in the FINAL family. Keep in mind that you must pair them with a power amp capable of handling impedances down to less than 1 ohm to get the best performance. Tube amps and receivers could drive them but all the high-frequency air would be lost.

Here are some of his upcoming shows:

  • Southern California – THE SHOW, June 2025
  • New York Show – October, 2025
  • Las Vegas Show – January 26, 2026