Martin Logan ESL Hybrid Electrostatic speaker | Douglas HiFi
Martin Logan ESL Hybrid Electrostatic speaker (360 deg) | Douglas HiFi
Martin Logan ESL Hybrid Electrostatic speaker (Woofers) | Douglas HiFi

Martin Logan Electromotion ESL - Hybrid Electrostatic speakers

Regular price $6,499.00
Unit price  per 
Tax included. Shipping calculated at checkout.

Martin Logan Electromotion ESL - Hybrid Electrostatic speakers

Electrostatic speakers have long been admired for the totally neutral, low distortion and faithful reproduction of music.  Martin Logan has been at the forefront of this technology and with the latest range of Hybrid electrostatic speakers they continue to impress mightily. The new ESL and ESL-X models adhere to everything learned from the years of research and development at a breakthrough price that is also a highly efficient, easy to drive speaker.

The ElectroMotion ESL (EM-ESL) represents a brave new direction for electrostatic loudspeaker design. Featuring a full-sized 34-inch tall curvilinear XStat™ electrostatic transducer the new ESL performs more like a mini-flagship than an entry level audiophile speaker. Long time MartinLogan enthusiasts are sure to describe ElectroMotion ESL as the second-coming of the legendary Aerius electrostatic speaker which debuted in 1992 and went on to sell in record numbers. The new ESL, however, boasts 40 percent more radiating surface, a superbly integrated and authoritative bass performance, and a sensitivity rated at 91dB. In addition, the ESL is capable of being effortlessly powered by both receivers and high-end amplifiers alike.

ElectroMotion ESL's XStat electrostatic MicroPerf panel is housed within a radical aluminum and composite AirFrame™ similar to those found on MartinLogan's flagship products. AirFrame technology rigidifies the electrostatic panel without obstructing playable surface area or interfering with ambience enriching dipole sound radiation. At the same time, an AirFrame provides electrical and acoustical isolation, minimizing intermodulated distortion caused by vibration and resonance while enhancing imaging, low-level sonic detail, accuracy, and efficiency. MicroPerf design optimizes the individual holes of The EM-ESL's electrostatic panel. MicroPerf design substantially increases diaphragm radiating area, compared to early generations—without compromising structural integrity. The resulting increase in output capability and efficiency allows The EM-ESL's panel to enjoy a substantial leap in bandwidth and dynamics without growing larger. For example, The EM-ESL's XStat electrostatic panel features 129 square inches of sound radiating surface on both the front and back and a sensitivity of 91dB into 6 Ohms. The Aerius, well received its day, only had 93 square inches and a sensitivity of 89dB into 4 Ohms.

A unique XStat™ transducer was developed for the ElectroMotion ESL to reduce the gauge thickness of the electrostatic panel's steel stators. The reduced gauge does not alter the performance characteristics of the panel. However, as a natural byproduct of tighter build tolerances, it does increase the visual transparency of the panel. The EM-ESL's new XStat panel is so visually transparent it nearly vanishes when you're sitting and listening.

Specifications

Specifications are subject to change without notice

Frequency Response

42–22,000 Hz ±3dB

Recommended Amplifier Power

20—300 watts per channel

Horizontal Dispersion

30°

Vertical Dispersion

34" (71cm) line source

Sensitivity

91 dB/2.83 volts/meter

Impedance

6 Ohms, 1.6 @ 20kHz Compatible with 4, 6, or 8 Ohm rated amplifiers.

Crossover Frequency

500Hz

High Frequency Transducer

XStat™ CLS™ electrostaic transducer » Panel Dimensions: 34" x 8.6" (86 x 22cm) » Radiating Area: 292 in² (1,892 cm² )

Low Frequency Transducer

8" (20.3cm) high excursion, high-rigidity paper cone with extended throw drive assembly, non-resonance asymmetrical chamber format; bass reflex

Components

Custom-wound audio transformer, air core coils, large steel laminate inductors, polyester capacitors, and low DF electrolytic capacitors

Inputs

Push style with banana jacks

Weight

35.5 lbs. (16.1 kg)

Dimensions

52.1" x 9" x 16.3 " (132.3cm x 22.9cm x 41.4cm)