MartinLogan ElectroMotion ESL Hybrid Electrostatic Loudspeaker Matte Black

The ElectroMotion ESL (EM-ESL) represents a new direction for electrostatic loudspeaker design. Featuring a 34-inch tall, curvilinear XStat™ transducer, the new ESL feels more like a mini-flagship than an entry-level audiophile loudspeaker. Longtime MartinLogan enthusiasts will surely describe the ElectroMotion ESL as the second coming of the legendary Aerius electrostatic loudspeaker, which debuted in 1992 and went on to sell in record numbers. The new ESL, however, boasts 40% more radiating surface, superbly integrated and authoritative bass performance, and a sensitivity rating of 91dB. Additionally, the ESL is capable of being powered effortlessly by both high-end receivers and amplifiers alike.

The ElectroMotion ESL's MicroPerf XStat electrostatic panel is housed in a radical aluminum-composite AirFrame™ similar to those found in MartinLogan's flagship products. AirFrame technology stiffens the electrostatic panel without obstructing playable surface area or interfering with the dipole's sound-enriching radiation environment. At the same time, an AirFrame provides electrical and acoustical isolation, minimizing intermodulated distortion caused by vibration and resonance, improving imaging, low-level sonic detail, accuracy, and efficiency. MicroPerf design optimizes the EM ESL's individual electrostatic panel holes. The MicroPerf design substantially increases the diaphragm's radiating area, compared to previous generations, without compromising structural integrity. The resulting increase in output capacity 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 offers 129 square inches of radiating sound surface front and back and a sensitivity of 91dB into 6 ohms. The Aerius, well-received in its day, had only 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 panel's performance characteristics. However, as a natural byproduct of tighter construction tolerances, it increases the panel's visual transparency. The EM-ESL's new XStat panel is so visually transparent that it almost disappears when you're sitting there listening.

ElectroMotion ESL - CLS™ XStat Transducer

One of MartinLogan's original innovations, CLS™ (Curvilinear Line Source) technology has been an essential ingredient of every electrostatic loudspeaker we've produced, and the ElectroMotion ESL is no exception. Proprietary manufacturing methods allow electrostatic panels to be constructed as cylindrical sections. Their gentle horizontal curvature solves the problem of achieving good high-frequency dispersion from a large radiating surface without compromising overall sound quality or reliability.

ElectroMotion ESL - Controlled Dispersion Sound Radiation

Another key attribute of the ElectroMotion ESL is its naturally dipolar radiation pattern. A true dipole, the EM-ESL radiates sound equally from the front and back of its diaphragm, but the outputs are in opposite phase. As a result, sound waves traveling to the sides meet at the speaker’s edge and cancel each other out. That and the relatively large size of the ElectroMotion ESL’s electrostatic panel result in very low output to the sides compared to a conventional speaker, which in turn minimizes sidewall reflections that tend to blur sonic detail and stereo imaging. While reducing output to the sides contributes to the astonishing clarity for which electrostats are revered, energy reflected from the wall behind the speaker opens up and deepens the sound.

ElectroMotion ESL - Superb Bass Integration

The ElectroMotion ESL features a unique Vojtko™ filter topology that utilizes custom air core voice coil and low DCR steel-laminate inductors, series-type polyester film capacitors, and parallel low-DF electrolytic capacitors to seamlessly blend audio output from the electrostatic high- and mid-frequency panel to the low-frequency woofer.

A perfectly balanced, high-excursion, precision-doped 8-inch fiber-optic cone woofer was designed exclusively for The EM-ESL by MartinLogan's in-house engineering team. This woofer precisely optimizes the cone suspension and magnetic flux field to produce high bass output and precise midrange performance at the same time. The custom woofer's rigid, lightweight diaphragm eliminates cone flex and minimizes response time to achieve remarkably low distortion approaching that of the award-winning MartinLogan electrostatic panel design.

Easy Connections, Solid Adjustable Feet

Convenient push-fit speaker terminals and curved inserts help guide speaker wire effortlessly. The rubber end caps on the terminal are also removable for use with banana plugs instead of bare wire. The EM-ESL is supplied with sturdy 3/8-16 ETC™ spikes, which can be used to adjust vertical wave launch, improve stability on thick carpets, and create a tighter coupling between speaker and floor to provide tighter, more detailed bass performance. Each spike is conveniently covered with removable rubber caps if you prefer not to use spikes.

SPECIFICATIONS

Finish: Matte Black

Frequency Response: 42-22,000 Hz ± 3dB

Recommended Amplifier Power: 20-300 watts per channel

Horizontal Dispersion: 30°

Vertical Dispersion: 28 inches line source

Sensitivity: 91 dB / 2.83 volts/meter

Impedance: 6 Ohms, 1.6 @ 20kHz Compatible with 4, 6, or 8 Ohm amplifiers

Crossover Frequency: 500Hz

High Frequency Transducer: XStat Electrostatic Transducer ™ CLS ™. Panel Dimensions: 34" x 8.65". Radiating Area: 700 sq. in.

Low Frequency Transducer: 8" high excursion, high-rigidity paper cone with extended-throw drive assembly, non-resonant asymmetrical chamber format, bass reflex

Components: Custom-wound audio transformer, air-core coils, large steel-laminated inductors, polyester capacitors, and low-iron density electrolytic capacitors

Inputs: Push style with banana jacks

Weight: 35 lbs.

Dimensions: 52" x 9" x 16.4"