MartinLogan Introduces the ElectroMotion® ESL C Electrostatic Center Channel Speaker

Unique, high-performance center channel speaker, designed to fit within audio/video furniture, offers legendary MartinLogan performance.

Dallas, Texas – CEDIA 2016 – September 15, 2016 – SR-2 – MartinLogan, the world’s leader in electrostatic and Folded Motion® loudspeaker technology, proudly announces the introduction of the ElectroMotion ESL C (EM-ESL C) center channel loudspeaker. The EM-ESL C features a high-performance curvilinear electrostatic transducer, a Folded Motion tweeter, CenterForce™ dual woofer system, and audiophile grade crossover with superb power handling capabilities—all packaged within a unique compact design sized to fit within today’s most popular audio/video equipment racks.

The ElectroMotion Series is the perfect introduction to high-performance electrostatic technology—establishing a new benchmark for price versus performance.

Curvilinear Line Source (CLS) technology is an essential element of every MartinLogan electrostatic loudspeaker. This unique curvilinear design enhances detail and dispersion produced by the large radiating surface, without compromising overall sound quality. Folded Motion tweeters utilize extremely low mass diaphragms that "squeeze" air, and require significantly less excursion than the typical dome tweeters. These tweeters drastically minimize distortion while providing a lightning fast response time. EM-ESL C features a CLS XStat™ electrostatic transducer, with a radiating area of 114 square inches and a 1×1.4-inch Folded Motion tweeter with a total diaphragm area of 9.2-inches.

One of the most unique features found in the new EM-ESL C is the CenterForce™ dual-woofer system. Designing an electrostatic speaker to fit within audio/video furniture was no easy task. MartinLogan’s novel solution completely eliminates the need for a design where woofers flank the electrostatic panel. Instead, two 5.25-inch woofers are centrally located inside a slot within the cabinet, behind the tweeter and electrostatic panel. This unique CenterForce solution allows for a generously sized electrostatic panel with a Folded Motion tweeter and two powerful woofers, while still fitting within many of today’s most popular audio/video furniture.

The EM-ESL C’s aluminum cone woofers are custom designed by MartinLogan’s engineering team. Their efficient 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.

Proprietary Vojtko™ filtering technology seamlessly blends audio output from electrostatic panel and Folded Motion tweeter with the low-frequency woofer system, for the kind of flawless realism you expect only from speakers costing much more. Crossover elements within the EM-ESL C take design and performance queues from MartinLogan’s most expensive loudspeakers—custom-wound transformers, air-core coils, large steel laminate inductors, and polyester and low DF electrolytic capacitors. Custom 5-way bi-wire binding posts allow for secure wire connections.

EM-ESL C’s system frequency response is 66–23,000 Hz ±3db. Recommended amplifier power is 20–300 watts per channel. Impedance is rated at 4 ohms—the EM-ESL C is compatible with 4, 6, or 8 ohm rated amplifiers. Highly efficient, with superbly integrated bass performance, along with sensitivity rated at 89dB into 6 Ohms, the EM-ESL C will perform admirably with AV receivers as well as high-end amplifiers. The ElectroMotion C is more than “entry level.” It’s an introduction to the world of high performance audio.

With the addition of the EM-ESL C, the ElectroMotion Series now consists of two floorstanding speakers (EM-ESL X & EM-ESL), a two center channel speakers (EM-ESL C & EM-C2) and a surround speaker model (EM-FX2). Each speaker in the series is voice-matched, ensuring mix-and-match versatility and the ability create the ideal audio system for any size room.

EM-ESL C will begin shipping in early 2017 and pricing starts at $1,699.95 each (US retail) in a satin black finish. A gloss black finish option is also available.

More information on MartinLogan’s affordable high performance ElectroMotion ESL C loudspeakers will soon be available at: www.martinlogan.com/electromotion

About MartinLogan, Ltd.
Since 1983 MartinLogan has handcrafted high performance electrostatic speakers. Their award-winning designs, advanced technologies, and outstanding customer service have long made MartinLogan’s amazingly detailed speakers a must have for home theater and music lovers around the world. Located in Lawrence, Kansas, MartinLogan’s dedicated in-house design and engineering team carefully creates each speaker to provide unparalleled sound reproduction along with industry leading aesthetics.