Description
The MartinLogan ElectroMotion ESL represents a bold new direction for electrostatic loudspeaker design. Featuring a full-sized 34-inch tall curvilinear XStat™ electrostatic transducer and a superbly integrated high-performance woofer, the new EM-ESL performs more like a mini-flagship than an entry level audiophile speaker. Designed for both 2-channel music enthusiasts and those seeking the worlds most articulate and dynamic multi-channel home theater systems, the EM-ESL is the most compelling ‘affordable’ audiophile-grade speaker ever brought to market.
CLS™ XStat Transducer
One of MartinLogan’s original breakthroughs, 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 enable construction of electrostatic panels as cylindrical sections. Their gentle horizontal curvature solves the problem of obtaining good high-frequency dispersion from a large radiating surface without compromising overall sound quality or reliability.
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 with equal intensity from the front and back of its diaphragm, but the outputs are in opposite phase. As a result, sound waves rippling out toward the sides meet at the speaker’s edge and cancel. That and the relatively large size of the ElectroMotion ESL’s electrostatic panel cause output at the sides to be very low relative to that of a conventional loudspeaker, which in turn minimizes side-wall reflections that tend to muddle sonic detail and stereo imaging. While the reduction in output to the sides contributes to the astonishing clarity for which electrostats are revered, the energy reflected off the wall behind the speaker opens up and deepens the sound.
Superb Bass Integration
To seamlessly blend audio output from the high- and mid-frequency electrostatic panel to the low-frequency woofer the ElectroMotion ESL features a proprietary Vojtko™ topology filter utilizing custom air core coil and low DCR steel laminate inductors, polyester film capacitors in series, and low DF electrolytic capacitors in parallel.
Easy Connections, Solid Adjustable Footing
Convenient push-style speaker terminals and curved inserts help guide speaker wire effortlessly into place. The rubber end caps on the terminal are also removable for the use of banana plugs instead of bare wire. The EM-ESL is supplied with sturdy, 3/8-16 ETC™ spikes, which can be used to fine tune vertical wave launch, enhance stability on thick carpets, and create tighter coupling between speaker and floor to provide a tighter and detailed bass performance. Each spike is conveniently covered by removable rubber end caps if you prefer not to use spikes.
ELECTROMOTION ESL SPECIFICATIONS
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)
