MartinLogan ElectroMotion ESL X Gloss-Black Speaker open-box (EACH)

Description

The ElectroMotion ESL X (EM-ESL X) X
features a larger electrostatic transducer and dual woofers, with increased
power-handling capabilities. As the flagship model of the ElectroMotion Series,
the X establishes a new benchmark for price versus performance.

LISTED AS AN INDIVIDUAL SPEAKER (open-box)

The ElectroMotion ESL X features a new larger XStat™
electrostatic transducer, with a radiating area over 50in² larger
than the EM-ESL model. Twin 8-inch high-excursion woofers are housed in a
non-resonant asymmetrical bass reflex (ported) chamber, in a surprisingly
compact enclosure. Woofers have custom engineered high-rigidity paper cones,
with extended-throw driver assemblies. Component elements within the EM-ESL X
replicate the design and performance of components used on many of
MartinLogan’s more expensive loudspeakers, such as custom-wound transformers,
air-core coils, large steel laminate inductors, polyester and low DF
electrolytic capacitors. Custom 5-way bi-wire binding posts allow for secure
wire connections. System Frequency Response is 41–22,000 Hz ±3db. Recommended
amplifier power is 20–400 watts per channel. Impedance is rated at 6 ohms (1.6
ohms at 20 kHz); the EM-ESL X is compatible with 4, 6, or 8 ohm rated
amplifiers.

A unique XStat™ transducer was developed for the
ElectroMotion Series 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. The EM-ESL X‘s XStat
panel is so visually transparent it nearly vanishes when you’re sitting and
listening.

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 ElectroMotionESL X 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 X is
its naturally dipolar radiation pattern. A true dipole, The EM-ESL X 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 X‘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 dual woofer system, the
ElectroMotion ESL X 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.

The EM-ESL X features dual 8-inch
audiophile-grade, doped-fiber cone woofers custom designed by MartinLogan’s
in-house design and engineering team. This efficient woofer design optimizes
cone suspension and the magnetic flux field to produce big bass output with
vanishingly low distortion. Rigid and lightweight, the custom woofer’s
diaphragm eliminates cone flexure, and maximizes response time, to achieve
levels of performance approaching that of MartinLogan’s larger, more expensive
electrostatic loudspeaker models.

Premium Connections,
Solid Adjustable Footing

Custom 5-way bi-wire binding posts allow for secure wire
connections. The EM-ESL X is supplied with sturdy, 1/4-20 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.