MartinLogan has begun shipping its new ElectroMotion-ESL (EM-ESL) speakers.
The ElectroMotion-ESL speakers.
In 1992, MartinLogan launched the Aerius, the first sub-$2K electrostatic speaker. Compared to the Aerius, the EM-ESL boasts 40 percent more radiating surface (129 sq. inches) in its re-vamped electrostatic panel and a sensitivity of 91dB into 6 Ohms.
A XStat transducer (speaker panel) 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 while still allowing the EM-ESL to be powered by both receivers and high-end amplifiers.
EM-ESL’s XStat MicroPerf electrostatic 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. Proprietary Vojtko filtering technology blends audio output from the high- and mid-frequency electrostatic panel to the low-frequency woofer.
The EM-ESL also features an 8-inch high-excursion, audiophile-grade, doped fiber cone woofer custom designed by MartinLogan’s in-house design and engineering team. This woofer optimizes cone suspension and magnetic flux field to produce high levels of bass output with low distortion, according to the company. The custom woofer’s diaphragm eliminates cone flexure and maximizes response time.
Priced at $1,995 per pair (US), matching center and surround channels featuring Folded Motion XT technology will debut in spring of 2011.
