Following the launch of MartinLogan’s frankly awesome Neolith flagship, the Kansas-based speaker specialist adds four new models to its hybrid range, combining the company’s famous XStat electrostatic panels with dual bass drivers and, in the case of three models, sophisticated room-correction technology. Absolute Sounds, the UK distributor, got in touch with us to tell us all about the new models.

ElectroMotion ESL X

The new ElectroMotion ESL X features a larger electrostatic transducer and dual woofers, with increased power-handling capabilities and is the flagship of the ElectroMotion series.

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.

The specially developed ElectroMotion XStat MicroPerf electrostatic panel is housed in an aluminum and composite AirFrame™, similar to those found on MartinLogan speakers costing much more.

With a sensitivity rated at 91dB into 6 Ohms, the EM-ESL X will perform with AV receivers as well as high-end amplifiers.

With the addition of the EM-ESL X, the ElectroMotion Series now consists of two floorstanding speakers (EM-ESL X & EM-ESL), a Centre Channel Speaker (EM-C2) and a Surround Speaker model (EM-FX2).

EM-ESL X is available now, with a UK RRP of £4,498 per pair in a satin black finish. A premium high-gloss black finish is also available, with an RRP of £5,298 per pair.

Expression™ ESL 13A and Impression™ ESL 11A.

The company will expand the Masterpiece Series with the launch of two New Electrostatic Loudspeakers: Expression™ ESL 13A (pictured) and Impression™ ESL 11A.

Both new models feature Curvilinear Line Source (CLS™) XStat™ vacuum-bonded electrostatic transducers with advanced microperf stator technology and redesigned ultra-rigid AirFrame™ Blade construction; plus, dual low-distortion aluminum cone woofers powered by dual Class-D amplifiers and controlled by a 24-Bit Vojtko™ DSP Engine with ARC™ (Anthem Room Correction).

MartinLogan has reinvented the woofer system in the new Masterpiece Series. Using two independently enclosed woofers in the compact chamber, exclusive PoweredForce Forward™ bass alignment controls the interaction between the rear-firing woofer and the wall behind that woofer. This phase- shifting technology minimizes the effect the front wall has on bass information that might bounce back into the listening room.

The launch of the new Renaissance ESL 15A has brought Anthem Room Correction (ARC) technology to an electrostatic loudspeaker for the first time. With the introduction of Expression ESL 13A and Impression ESL 11A, this technology will be available in three electrostatic loudspeakers from this autumn. ARC measures sound output from the speaker’s powered woofers and compares the resulting in-room response it to an optimal response curve, accounting for spatial anomalies. The advanced algorithms of ARC effectively remove the anomalies, leaving only the ideal standard: transparent, natural-sounding bass.The advanced algorithms of ARC then utilize the speaker’s 24-bit DSP to adjust your speaker’s low-frequency output to account for the unique sonic characteristics of your room. ARC calibration is optional and can be easily defeated using a switch on the speaker.

Expression ESL 13A features dual 300-watt class D amplifiers. Impression ESL 11A features dual 275-watt Class D amplifiers.

Expression ESL 13A features a dipolar 13×44-inch electrostatic transducer, resulting in a radiating area of 572 square inches per side. Impression ESL 11A features a dipolar 11×44-inch electrostatic transducer with a radiating area of 484 square inches per side.

The Expression ESL 13A and Impression ESL 11A are available from mid-September, priced from £14,998 and £9,998 per pair respectively. Both models are available in a choice of eleven finishes (four standard and seven premium).

Renaissance ESL 15A

Renaissance ESL 15A features 15-inch wide Curvilinear Line Source (CLS™) XStat™ vacuum-bonded electrostatic transducers, with advanced MicroPerf™ stator technology, and redesigned ultra-rigid AirFrame™ construction; plus, othe company’s laser-engineered low-distortion aluminum cone woofers in a compact enclosure, powered by new dual 500-watt Class-D amplifiers, and controlled by a 24-Bit Vojtko™ DSP Engine and ARC™ (Anthem Room Correction) – available in eleven finishes.

Features of the Renaissance ESL 15A include:

• Two 12-inch Laser-Engineered Low Distortion Aluminum Cone Woofers in a sealed enclosure
• 15” Wide Curvilinear Line Source (CLS) Electrostatic Panel
• Redesigned Ultra-Rigid AirFrame Technology
• PoweredForce Forward™ Bass Technology
• Anthem Room Correction (ARC)
• Dual 500-Watt Class-D Amplification with 24-Bit Vojtko™ Digital Signal Processing (DSP) Engine
• Precision-Built Advanced-Topology Vojtko Crossovers
• Premium WBT Binding Posts

The MartinLogan Renaissance ESL 15A is available now in a choice of eleven finishes (four standard and seven premium) priced from £24,998 per pair.