From their website:
What is a MartinLogan electrostatic (ESL) speaker?
It is a special breed of speaker offering extraordinary, compellingly realistic audio reproduction. The magical sound of MartinLogan electrostats results from a uniquely fast, super light-weight diaphragm capable of instantaneous movement that creates sound with unflinching accuracy.
Additionally, a single electrostatic driver is capable of reproducing the entire frequency range where human hearing is most sensitive to the delicacy and richness of sound. This unique technology assures that what you hear is faithful to the original recording by eliminating the need for complex crossovers and multiple driver arrays (which cause distortion).
Listen to any MartinLogan electrostatic speaker and the difference will be immediately apparent.
How does a MartinLogan electrostatic (ESL) speaker work?
Electrostatic speakers have three basic parts: the stators on the front and back (the black screens), a super-thin visually transparent electrostatic diaphragm, and spacing spars that suspend the diaphragm in the middle. Your amplifier’s signal is applied to the stators to create an electrostatic field that moves the diaphragm and excites the air, creating the legendary MartinLogan sound that has captivated listeners for over 25 years.
Why do MartinLogan speakers also have woofers?
Small electrostatic speakers cannot reproduce deep bass (below 500Hz) as effectively as a cone woofer. MartinLogan’s solution is a hybrid design that provides the best of both worlds—a high quality cone woofer to reproduce low bass and a single electrostatic driver to reproduce sound in the frequencies where human hearing is most sensitive to nuance.
Our worldview of loudspeakers became permanently altered after listening to a pair of Martin Logans. We found them to be the most revealing, yet not harsh, speakers we've heard. The seamless crossover between the electrostat panel and the built in subwoofer delivers consistent response in both attack and decay across the entire frequency range.
The diaphragm-like design and action of the electrostat panel lends an incredibly realistic, natural, and accurate voice to mid-range vocals and acoustic instruments. The decay on the highs is equally detailed and frequently chilling. The built in subs are powered by their own internal amp ensuring plenty of juice for hard hits and sustained bass notes or decay without any loss of detail or voice. They also offer unprecedented off axis sound staging and stereo imaging as well as project a consistent volume level throughout large spaces.
In short, these speakers don’t miss a thing. Plus, if you like space-age technologies, then these speakers are for you, employing NASA developed tech and sporting a futuristic design. Stop by for a look and a listen and see for yourself why these speakers will change your mind about speaker design for good.
