MartinLogan ElectroMotion ESL X

Price: $5,999.98/pr

Normally in stock to buy (some finishes)
Finish Options: Satin Black, Gloss Black ($300 premium)
Audition in store at Creative Audio in Winnipeg

Summary

With a 40” electrostatic panel mated to dual 8” high-excursion woofers, the MartinLogan ElectroMotion ESL X delivers music on a grand scale from a room friendly enclosure. Made in Canada!

The difference between this, the ESL X, and it’s smaller sibling the ESL, may seem slight, but trust us when we say the performance difference is substantial. You might see the addition of a second 8” woofer and assume that the ESL X is all about deep and thunderous bass. In practice, that second woofer is more about speed and control, than it is about shaking your house apart. The bass of the ESL X does go a bit deeper, but more importantly it is more tuneful and fast, keeping up with the inherent speed of the electrostatic panel. Speaking of which, the slightly larger panel in the ESL X allows MartinLogan to lower the crossover point, giving the panel more range to work its magic. Overall, the proof is in the listening and there is no question that the MartinLogan ElectroMotion ESL X makes beautiful music. Compared the smaller model everything is better, and yet you still have a relatively compact speaker that will fit in the majority of listening spaces.

Key Features

• 2-way design

• Electrostatic transducer with dual 8” woofers

• Bottom port

About the MartinLogan ElectroMotion series

The ElectroMotion series from MartinLogan is built upon the success of their legendary Aerius model, which debuted in 1992 and went on to sell in record numbers, garnering multiple awards in the hi-fi press. The company’s relentless efforts to advance their technologies and manufacturing techniques has led to these models which are more efficient and feature better integrated bass performance than their predecessors.

The latest-generation XStat electrostatic transducer features MicroPerf technology, increasing the radiating area by over 40% without sacrificing structural integrity. The gentle curve of the electrostatic panel allows for a wider high-frequency dispersion pattern than is possible from a traditional electrostatic design. The AirFrame, a composite material, holds and rigidifies the electrostatic panel without obstructing the sound radiating surface. It also provides electrical and acoustical isolation, reducing distortion caused by vibration and resonance. The end result is enhanced imaging and resolution of fine sonic detail.

A unique characteristic of electrostatic speakers is their controlled dispersion pattern. A true dipole, this design exhibits very low output to the sides, relative to a conventional speaker. This minimizes side-wall reflections which serve to muddle sonic detail and blur stereo imaging. This reduction in side output contributes to the shocking clarity and directness for which electrostatic speakers are revered.

One of the greatest advances in this, the latest series of entry-level hybrid electrostatic speaker design from MartinLogan, is the integration of the bass to the output of the electrostatic panel. Custom and in-house designed woofers combined with proprietary Vojtko crossover designs ensure a seamless transition from woofer to panel. Now, the bass response of a MartinLogan speaker is as fast and taut as its midrange and high frequencies.

Frequency Response:
41 Hz - 22,000 Hz (+/- 3 dB)

Sensitivity:
91 dB

Drivers:
1x 40” x 8.6” electrostatic transducer
2x 8” high-rigidity woofer

Crossover Frequency:
400 Hz

Impedance:
6 ohms (compatible with 4, 6, or 8 ohm rated amplifiers)

Dimensions (HxWxD):
59.2” x 9.4” x 20.7”

Weight:
52 lbs (each)

• These speakers will sound great right out of the box, but will sound even better after 50-100 hours of use.

• We always recommend a quality speaker cable to connect your speakers.

• For the best results with any electrostatic speaker, we recommend a minimum distance of 24” from the wall behind the speaker to the back of the electrostatic panel.