LE1
braun LE1
braun LE1
The LE1 is the most beautiful and pioneering speaker design by designer Dieter Rams, which appeared on the market towards the end of the 1950s. The Lautsprechereinheit 1, model designation LE1, is an absolute rarity. Through braunaudio vintage you can obtain the iconic electrostatic speakers in perfect technical condition with the accompanying amplifier, radio receiver and turntable and the Kangaroo hifi stand as shown here above.
electrostats
The massive front with the curved metal grille combined with the slim stands made of nickel-plated tubular steel defines a highly aesthetic design and thus also visually corresponds to the absolutely natural and clear spatial music reproduction of electrostatic speakers. The design of the Braun LE1 with its clear form language has lost none of its freshness to this day and in a historical context is undisputedly the inspiration for the design of today’s Apple computers.
The massive front with the curved metal grille combined with the slim stands made of nickel-plated tubular steel defines a highly aesthetic design and thus also visually corresponds to the absolutely natural and clear spatial music reproduction of electrostatic speakers. The design of the Braun LE1 with its clear form language has lost none of its freshness to this day and in a historical context is undisputedly the inspiration for the design of today’s Apple computers.
clear design
Electrostatic loudspeakers with a foil that is set in vibration by high frequency were a technical innovation that was significantly developed by Peter J. Walker at the English loudspeaker manufacturer QUAD in the course of the 1950s and later produced in series under the designation ESL-57. Braun’s marketing department recognized the potential of this new type of music reproduction with its rectangular diaphragm surface and licensed QUAD’s technology, which was already more mature at the time, in 1959.
Technical data LE1: WHD 83 x 77 x 32 cm. Power supply 220/110 Volt 50–60Hz. 2 woofer systems, 1 midrange system, 1 tweeter system. Metal frame light gray, front perforated metal plate graphite. Foot frame steel tube nickel-plated. Transmission from 45 – 18000Hz. Power handling 15 watts into 15 ohms.
klares design
Technical data LE1: WHD 83 x 77 x 32 cm. Power supply 220/110 Volt 50–60Hz. 2 woofer systems, 1 midrange system, 1 tweeter system. Metal frame light gray, front perforated metal plate graphite. Foot frame steel tube nickel-plated. Transmission from 45 – 18000Hz. Power handling 15 watts into 15 ohms.
Electrostatic loudspeakers with a foil that is set in vibration by high frequency were a technical innovation that was significantly developed by Peter J. Walker at the English loudspeaker manufacturer QUAD in the course of the 1950s and later produced in series under the designation ESL-57. Braun’s marketing department recognized the potential of this new type of music reproduction with its rectangular diaphragm surface and licensed QUAD’s technology, which was already more mature at the time, in 1959.
Braun LE1 loudspeaker and Studio 2 (CV 11, CS 11 and CE 11) Illustration: Braun 1959 catalog
staging
The puristic presentation of the stereo systems in the Braun product catalogs from the 50s and 60s is one of the inspiring insights for vintage enthusiasts. In this catalog image, the LE1 with the Studio 2 is presented soberly and unpretentiously, clearly following the ‚less but better‘ principle. Absolutely timeless, iconic, still understandable and comprehensible today.
Electrostats are optimally placed in larger rooms in relative proximity to a wall, whereby the spatial hearing and the outstanding reproduction quality is best played out and experienced.
staging
The puristic presentation of the stereo systems in the Braun product catalogs from the 50s and 60s is one of the inspiring insights for vintage enthusiasts. In this catalog presentation, the LE1 with the Studio 2 is presented soberly and unpretentiously, clearly following the ‚less but better‘ principle. Absolutely timeless, iconic, still understandable and comprehensible today.
Braun LE1 loudspeaker and Studio 2 (CV 11, CS 11 and CE 11)
Illustration: Braun 1959 catalog
In this catalog presentation, the LE1 with the Studio 2 is presented soberly and unpretentiously, clearly following the ‚less but better‘ principle. Absolutely timeless, iconic, still understandable and comprehensible today. Electrostats are optimally placed in larger rooms in relative proximity to a wall, whereby the spatial hearing and the outstanding reproduction quality is best played out and experienced.
amplifying
For the operation of the electrostats were recommended either the legendary Braun studio 2, consisting of the components CS 11, CE 11 and CV 11, the Braun CSV 13 or the powerful Braun CSV 60, all of which are tube amplifiers with special connections and high-impedance outputs for the LE 1. Optimal is the CSV 60 with 2 x 30 watts output power with the receiver CE 16 and the turntable PCS 5. Provided that the vintage amplifier and the speakers LE1 have undergone a careful revision of the sophisticated technology, nothing stands in the way of the original musical high enjoyment.
Technical data CSV 60: WHT 40 x 11 x 32 cm, output power 2 x 30 watts sine wave (mono 60 watts), frequency range 20 – 30,000 Hz, inputs: turntable, tape recorder, radio receiver, microphone. CE 16: WHT 20 x 11 x32 cm, fully transistorized radio receiver for medium wave, FM mono and stereo. Both devices sheet steel painted light gray, front panel aluminum.
amplifying
For the operation of the electrostats were recommended either the legendary Braun studio 2, consisting of the components CS 11, CE 11 and CV 11, the Braun CSV 13 or the powerful Braun CSV 60, all of which are tube amplifiers with special connections and high-impedance outputs for the LE 1. Optimal is the CSV 60 with 2 x 30 watts output power with the receiver CE 16 and the turntable PCS 5. Provided that the vintage amplifier and the speakers LE1 have undergone a careful revision of the sophisticated technology, nothing stands in the way of the original musical high enjoyment.
cabling
The CSV tube amplifiers have special outputs for electrostatic loudspeakers. With a 4‑pole cable the loudspeaker signal is led parallel to the mains voltage directly from the amplifier to the loudspeakers. This is actually not a good idea under today’s safety aspects, especially since there is no protective earth conductor on the amplifiers and the LE1. Therefore it is recommended to do without this special wiring and to run the speaker cables and the power supply separately. For this purpose, there are corresponding 2‑pin DIN speaker jacks with the necessary 15 ohms for the LE1 on the back of these amplifiers.
cabling
The CSV tube amplifiers have special outputs for electrostatic loudspeakers. With a 4‑pole cable the loudspeaker signal is led parallel to the mains voltage directly from the amplifier to the loudspeakers. This is actually not a good idea under today’s safety aspects, especially since there is no protective earth conductor on the amplifiers and the LE1. Therefore it is recommended to do without this special wiring and to run the speaker cables and the power supply separately. For this purpose, there are corresponding 2‑pin DIN speaker jacks with the necessary 15 ohms for the LE1 on the back of these amplifiers.
turntable
The Original Braun turntable model PCS 5 is an impressive piece of craftsmanship. The tonearm has elaborate adjustment options for perfect record playing comfort and has been equipped with a tonearm lift for manual operation. Technical maintenance in a qualified workshop ensures that the PCS 5 turntable will function as it did on the first day, and will continue to do so for decades to come. Needles can be reordered. When this stereo is then positioned on a Kangaroo sideboard, the innovative spirit of the 60s is definitely evoked.
turntable
The Original Braun turntable model PCS 5 is an impressive piece of craftsmanship. The tonearm has elaborate adjustment options for perfect record playing comfort and has been equipped with a tonearm lift for manual operation. Technical maintenance in a qualified workshop ensures that the PCS 5 turntable will function as it did on the first day, and will continue to do so for decades to come. Needles can be reordered. When this stereo is then positioned on a Kangaroo sideboard, the innovative spirit of the 60s is definitely evoked.
digital music
To enjoy the precise musical reproduction of the electrostats, you can also connect a CD player and a web player to the CSV 60. Corresponding inputs are available as 5‑pin DIN jacks on the amplifier. With a professional web player one can use the numerous high-resolution music streaming offers. In particular, the Argon Audio Solo from HiFi Klubben is a convenient high-end music streamer that brings the precision and clarity of the LE1 to sound. For those who desire the timeless design of the LE1 with today’s sophisticated technology, a modernized reissue of the LE1 can be found under the designation LE01 at Braun-Audio.com.