Martin Logan Electromotion ESL Electrostatic Speakers (Pair)

Martin Logan ElectroMotion ESL electrostatic speakers are fantastic value and feature Martin Logan’s innovative electrostatic speaker design that combines the best of electrostatic and dynamic technologies. 

The ESL combines a full-sized 34” tall curvilinear Xstat electrostatic transducer with high-quality woofer, allowing you to enjoy the stunning holographic sound imaging of electrostatic with the bass response you’ve come to expect from dynamic speakers.

An excellent choice for stereo systems, ESL can be used as the front channels in an articulate and dynamic home cinema system along with one of Martin Logan’s electrostatic centre speakers. An exceptional speaker at an affordable price.

Large radiating area

The ESL is inspired by the legendary Aerius electrostatic speaker that came out in 1992. The Aerius sold in large numbers, however, the ESL now has an even larger radiating surface. It is in fact 40% larger. This gives the ESL an authoritative bass performance, as well as good sensitivity, at 91dB. This means that the panel can be driven by receivers as well as high powered amplifiers.

Airframe panel mounting

The ESL panel is mounted on a radical new aluminium and composite airframe. This holds the panel in a way that does not obstruct the playable surface area. It also allows the ESL panel to perform with no interference with the ambience enriching dipole sound. The airframe has good electrical and acoustical isolation, this prevents intermodulation distortion as well as vibration and resonance. As a result, the low level sonic detail is maintained.

MicroPerf panel design for better efficiency

The MicroPerf panel design, of the ESL, optimises the individual holes of the panel. The result is an increase in the diaphragm’s radiating area. This does not affect the structural integrity. Additionally, the performance is improved with better bandwidth and dynamics, without the panel growing larger. Notably, the ESL has 129 square inches of radiating surface, compared to the Aerius's 93 square inches. Sensitivity is also improved from 89dB to 91dB.

Xstat transducer

The Xstat transducer was developed for the ElectroMotion ESL to make the panel’s steel stators thinner. The tighter build tolerances make the panel almost visually transparent. This does not affect the performance characteristics. Another feature of the Xstat transducer is its curvilinear shape. Improvements in manufacturing technology mean that the panel is now made of cylindrical sections. The result is better high frequency dispersion from a large radiating area, without compromising the sound quality

Bipolar dispersion of sound

Another key feature of ESL is the dipolar sound pattern. The panel radiates sound from both the front and back. Each side is of equal intensity but opposite phase. The advantage is that the sound that travels towards the edges of the panel, cancels out. As a result, the output from the sides is negligible, compared to normal speakers. Therefore the stereo imaging is better, due to no wall reflections. However, the sound bouncing off the wall behind the speaker deepens the sound.

Punchy Bass integration

The ESL has a built-in woofer that uses proprietary crossover components, and design. The electrostatic panel provides high and mid frequencies while the woofer uses a VotJtko designed, topology filter for the crossover. This uses custom aircore coils and low DCR steel laminate inductors. The series capacitors are polyester film types while the Parallel capacitors are DF electrolytes.

Audiophile woofer

The ESL has a 8” high excursion audiophile grade woofer, that has been designed in house by MartinLogan’s engineers. The cone is made of doped fibre with an optimised suspension. It also has an optimised magnetic flux pattern. The result is high levels of bass and a precise midrange. The woofer's rigid lightweight diaphragm eliminates cone flexing for low distortion.

Easy connectivity and spiked feet

The ESL has convenient push style speaker terminals with curved inserts. This makes inserting the cables a breeze. However, you can also use banana plugs, instead of bare wire. Finally, the spiked feet will enhance stability on thick carpets. They can also be covered by removable rubber end caps for solid floors.

What is an electrostatic speaker?

Electrostatic speakers consist of a flat diaphragm made of high-grade plastic such as PET film. This diaphragm is suspended between two grids with an air gap between them. Additionally, the diaphragm is held at a high voltage, of several thousand volts. This develops an electrostatic charge on the diaphragm. Consequently, the audio signal is sent to both grids, this causes the panel to resonate with the music.