Product Video
Features
| Brand | Martin Logan |
|---|
Tech Specs
- Frequency Response: 50–23,000 Hz ±3dB
- Recommended Amplifier Power: 50—400 watts per channel
- Horizontal Dispersion: 30°
- Sensitivity: 90 dB/2.83 volts/meter
- Impedance: 4 Ohms Compatible with 4, 6, or 8 Ohm rated amplifiers.
- Crossover Frequency: 470, 3000 Hz
- High Frequency Transducer: 1" x 1.4" (2.6cm x 3.6cm) Folded Motion Transducer with 5.25" x 1.75" (13.3cm x 4.4cm) diaphragm.
- Mid Frequency Transducer: Patented CLS™ XStat™ electrostatic transducer » Panel Dimensions: 7.5" x 18" (19 x 45.7cm) » Radiating Area: 135 in² (868 cm²)
- Low Frequency Transducer: Two 6.5" (16.5cm) cast basket, high excursion, rigid aluminum cone with extended throw drive assembly, non-resonance asymmetrical chamber format.
- Components: Custom-wound audio transformer, air core coils, low DCR steel laminate coils, polyester capacitors
- Audio Controls: Position: On-Wall / Off-Wall
- Signal Inputs: WBT-0703Cu nextgen™ 5-way binding posts feature a filigree signal conductor made from gold plated, nickel free, non- ferromagnetic, pure copper for high conductivity and fully insulated. Free from eddy current effects.
- Weight: 50 lbs. (22.7 kg)
- Dimensions (Table Mount): 9.6" x 43.2" x 9.2 " (24.4cm x 109.7cm x 23.4cm)
- Dimensions (Installed On Wall, Flat Mount): 9.4" x 43.2" x 9.6" (23.9 cm x 109.7cm x 24.5cm)
- Dimensions (Installed On Wall, Angled): 11.3" x 43.2 " x 11.5 " (28.8 cm x 109.7cm x 29.1 cm)
Product Description
Martin Logan Focus ESL C18 centre speaker shares the same design aesthetic as the rest of the Masterpiece range and is a perfect match for the ESL, ESL X or Classic ESL9. As a result, it can be wall mounted without a visual mismatch and with custom brackets can be aimed carefully at the listening area.
It can also be used with the active impression ESL 11A, 13A, 15A although we also sell the Illusion ESL C34A active centre speaker which is an alternative option for with the active models.
This is a high performing centre speaker with detailed imaging and punchy bass. The electrostatic panel is 18” wide, while the woofers are twin 6.5” units. The frequency response goes down to 50Hz. To provide a wide frequency range the ESL C18 also has a custom tweeter, that has a wide dispersion pattern.
Flexible wall or shelf mounting
A centre speaker can be difficult to place, hence the ESL C18 has been designed to wall or shelf mounted, above or below the screen. The sleek curved enclosure helps with sound dispersion and the innovative brackets allow the speaker to be pointed at the listening position. Next a switch is provide that will contour the sound to match it’s position. The centre channel now performs with lifelike verve.
Martin Logan Folded Motion Tweeter
The ESL C18 centre channel speaker also features a unique tweeter design. Just behind the electrostatic panel sits a Folded Motion Tweeter. This high-end tweeter features a low-mass diaphragm, that minimises distortion, while the short excursion results in a lightning-fast transient response. Also, the tweeter’s diaphragm area is relatively large, at 5.25” x 1.75”. Consequently, the combination of the tweeter and the panel helps to deliver hyper realistic dialogue and effects.
Why match a centre channel?
Most movie soundtracks are mixed with a centre channel in mind, and most AV amplifiers will have a centre channel output. The centre channel is normally used for dialogue, however, it can also be used for effects. As a result, the centre speaker needs to be able to reproduce the full audio spectrum. Hence, the ESL has a custom tweeter as well as two 6.5” woofers.
As important as it is to choose a high quality centre speaker, it's just as important to ensure it matches – or is ‘voiced’ to match with the front speakers, and this speaker allows you to enjoy your Martin Logan electrostatic speakers as the front channels in a multi channel setup.
Twin 6.5” Woofers
To supplement the tweeter and the electrostatic panel, two 6.5” woofers deliver punchy bass. The woofers provide deep bass down to 50hz. The bass output can also be tuned with the acoustic contour switch. The woofers are to either side of the electrostatic panel, with the tweeter in the centre.
Electrostatic panel design.
The ESL C18 centre speaker shares the same panel design as the rest of the Masterpiece series. One of the main features is the stator or grid design. The two stators feature MicroPerf holes that make the panel visually transparent, and provide a larger radiating area. The two stators are placed to either side of the diaphragm that generates the sound. They are charged to a high voltage and are an essential part of any electrostatic speaker.
The centre diaphragm is made of a sophisticated plastic film that provides sound from both sides. Electrostatic panels are high impedance devices hence they use a matching transformer. This enables standard 4-16 ohm impedance amplifiers to be used.
Airframe design
Another Martin Logan feature is the Airframe construction. This supports the panel and also adds a curvilinear shape. This is more than a styling feature, and helps to mitigate some previous shortcomings of electrostatic panels. The curve helps to prevent the ‘beaming’ effect and gives a wider sound stage. It also reduces intermodulation distortion, and the rigid frame reduces the chance of any vibration.
Tuned crossover
An important part of any two-way speaker is the crossover. The ESL C18 features a Vojtko designed and voiced crossover. The crossover is hand built using only the best capacitors. Moreover, the air-core coils use Vojtko topology for vanishingly low distortion.
