Summary
A matching electrostatic centre speaker timbre matched to MartinLogan’s Masterpiece series of electrostatic floorstanding speakers. This versatile speaker can be mounted on the wall, allowing it to fit into any home theater. If you’re shopping for an exceptional surround sound experience, you found it.
In detail
MartinLogan electrostatic speakers make their way into many a high-end audiophile stereo system. Their levels of clarity and stunning realism lend themselves perfectly to the home theater experience. MartinLogan’s Masterpiece series is your ticket to a no-compromise surround sound system.
Key Features
3-way design with Folded Motion tweeter and XStat CLS electrostatic midrange.
2x 6.5” woofers.
Precision advanced topology Vojtko crossover.
Technology
The MartinLogan Focus ESL C18 has been designed for those wishing to build their home theater using MartinLogan Masterpiece series electrostatic speakers - and why wouldn’t you? The Focus ESL C18 is timbre matched to the series and built with the specific needs of home theater in mind. It starts with the Folded Motion tweeter. This tweeter offers incredible resolution and detail without ever sounding harsh or bright. Most importantly, however, it offers incredibly wide dispersion so that everyone can enjoy the experience.
For the midrange, the Focus ESL C18 utilizes the Curvilinear Line Source (CLS) XStat electrostatic panel that is at the heart of every MartinLogan electrostatic design. The gentle curve of the panel allows for a wider dispersion of sound. MartinLogan’s Advanced MicroPerf stator technology exposes almost twice the diaphragm area of the electrostatic panel when compared to a traditional panel of the same size. The panels are joined to the speaker cabinet with MartinLogan’s ultra-rigid AirFrame Blade construction using aerospace-grade extruded aluminum alloy. Without obstructing the radiating area of the electrostatic speaker, it ensures rigid mounting the bass cabinet of the speaker.
It took a lot of clever engineering to develop a bass driver system that could keep up with the speed of an electrostatic panel and also offer the same high-resolution detail. Here, MartinLogan uses two 6.5-inch laser-engineered, low-distortion aluminum cone woofers. Even with its relatively compact enclosure, the Focus ESL C18 delivers impressive, full-range sound.
Specifications
Frequency Response:
50 - 23,000 Hz (+/- 3 dB)
Sensitivity:
90 dB
Impedance:
4 ohms
Compatible with 4, 6, or 8 ohm rated amplifiers
Recommended Amplifier Power:
50 - 400 watts per channel
Crossover Frequencies:
470, 3,000 Hz
High Frequency Transducer:
1” x 1.4” Folded Motion XT Tweeter with 5.25” x 1.75” diaphragm
Midrange Transducer:
XStat CLS electrostatic panel
7.5” x 18” (135 square inch radiating area)
Low Freqency Transducer:
2x 6.5” woofers with cast basket, high excursion, rigid aluminum cone, extended throw drive assembly
Audio Controls:
Bass: +/- 10 dB under 75 Hz
Mid-bass: -2 dB / 0 / +2 dB
Dimensions (HxWxD):
9.6” x 43.2” x 9.2”
Weight (each):
50 lbs.
Finish Options:
Walnut, Dark Cherry, Gloss Black, Gloss White, Arctic Silver, Basalt Black, Cordoba Red, Deep Sea Blue, Desert Silver, Meteor Grey, Rosso Fuoco Red
Sound Advice
The MartinLogan Focus ESL C18 will sound great right out of the box, but will sound its best after 200 hours of use when the drivers and electronics have had the opportunity to break in.
