Absolute Phase :: For the True Audio Connoisseur

Originally founded in 1983 by Robin Marshall, Epos continues to be one of those loudspeaker brands people aspire to own.

In 1999, Michael Creek purchased the brand and having had the opportunity to work closely with Robin Marshall for several years, it became apparent to Michael that there was a great synergy between Creek electronics and Epos loudspeakers. The underlying philosophies of both company founders were undoubtedly similar.

In understanding how the company had started, Michael was able to develop a true understanding of the Epos brand and all it stood for. He became acutely aware of its strengths, but also had an insight into its weaknesses and areas where improvements were possible. He contracted the services of one of the original Epos speaker engineers Phil Knight, who has remained closely involved with the development of Epos to this day.

On its release in 2001, audiophile journalists described the M12 as “a thoroughbred, with such fine communication skills it simply sucks you into the music”. Couple this with comments such as “The M12 is a fabulous design that does so much well and nothing badly…” and it is easy to understand why the transition from the original ES models to the new series was so smooth. Of the M15 it was said “resolution is superb, precision is the order of the day, superb timing ensures a fine grip of rhythms…the speaker’s responsive nature means that dynamics are delivered with verve…” It is no wonder then that both the M12 and M15 became recipients of awards the world over.

2003 saw the introduction of several new Epos models. The first was the ELS 3 mini monitor, which moved slightly away from the traditional Epos image. Rather than utilising a real wood veneered cabinet, in order to achieve a lower price point, this speaker featured a vinyl wrap finish. Designed not only for high performance two channel operation, the new competitively priced Epos ELS 3 speaker further satisfied a requirement in the home cinema market. The ELS 3 centre channel immediately followed it. This ensured there was no need to compromise audio quality in a home entertainment system.

The development of the new M series saw the M12 and M15 replaced by the M12.2 and M15.2 late in 2003. The M series expanded to include an M5 with matching M8 centre channel and a new flagship model, the M22. The range had expanded from just two models early in 2003 to seven early in 2004. Custom support stands for all bookshelf models and plinths for the floor standing models were also designed by Epos.

2005 saw the introduction of the first Epos subwoofer and within weeks the first 5.1 system featuring ELS products won a Group Test in the U.K. magazine What Hi-Fi. It went on to win ‘Best Speaker Package’ under £1,000 in the 2005 British What Hi Fi awards. In 2006, it repeated the feat, winning the award once more – but this time as the Best Speaker Package up to £1,500. In 2005 – the ELS 303 floor-standing model was added to the range to provide yet another front speaker choice for this winning cinema system.

Expansion did not slow through 2006 and two further models were introduced late in the year – the M16 floor-standing speaker and the M subwoofer.

The successful Mi Series which in effect replaced the earlier M models was introduced in 2008. More than a year in development, changes, whilst not dramatic, were nevertheless extensive. The result was a truly elegant range with a performance synonymous with the high quality reputation Epos has enjoyed since its inception.

Whilst retaining its reputation as a manufacturer of one the finest ranges of two channel Hi-Fi loudspeaker systems available today, the inclusion of centre channels, rear speakers and subwoofers guaranteed that Epos was equally sought after in the dynamic world of home cinema.

As a direct result of the growing interest in Epos providing models for home cinema use, the company developed a specialised 5.1 system – marketed as AVS. This incorporated small but dynamic satellite speakers, an active, remotely controllable subwoofer plus a centre channel which sits in a cradle to allow it to be placed at the correct angle for optimum effect. The black high gloss system was complemented by AVS stands which permitted the satellites to be fixed at the ideal height. The system was released in 2009.

The very popular ELS 3 was also replaced in 2009 with a new model – the ELS 8. This was slightly larger than its predecessor and offered in a maple finish as well as the traditional black.

Development is key to the ongoing success of Epos and in 2009 its long awaited flagship model, the Encore 50 was previewed at the High End Show in Munich. With some final improvements, it was ultimately released in the beginning of 2010 and has since received wide acclaim from all corners of the world.

December 2010 sees the release of the all new Epic series. Initially comprising three models, the cosmetic of the speakers is reminiscent of Epos of old, although far more sophisticated! Initially 2 bookshelf/stand mount models plus one floor stander make up the range, although this will grow through 2011.