For over forty years, Martin Logan has embodied excellence in the world of electrostatic speakers. The manufacturer has established itself as the true master of this technology, with acoustic panels capable of delivering unrivaled sound transparency and a strikingly realistic holographic soundstage, as close as possible to the concert experience. But what is an electrostatic speaker, how does it work, and what makes Martin Logan models so special?
What is an electrostatic speaker?
The vast majority of hi-fi speakers use dynamic drivers: a cone connected to a voice coil, itself placed in a magnetic field. When an electrical signal passes through the coil, the cone vibrates, generating sound waves. This proven principle has dominated the industry for over a century. Electrostatic speakers are based on an entirely different principle. They use a flat panel consisting of an ultra-thin membrane stretched between two conductive grids called stators. This membrane, often thinner than a human hair, is electrically charged. When an audio signal is applied to the stators, it creates a variable electrostatic field that attracts or repels the membrane, causing it to vibrate. Air is moved across the entire surface of the panel, generating sound.
This fundamental difference gives electrostatic speakers a number of advantages. The extremely light diaphragm reacts exceptionally quickly to signal variations. Martin Logan electrostatic speakers offer a different listening experience from conventional speakers. The first impression is often one of incredible clarity. Voices seem to float in space, free of any coloration. Acoustic instruments are reproduced with almost holographic precision: the texture of a cello’s wood, a singer’s breathing or the friction of a bow are perceived with startling realism. The soundstage is another highlight. Thanks to the large surface area of the electrostatic panel, the stereo image unfolds with a breadth and depth rarely achieved. The speakers literally disappear to make way for the sound. The separation of sound planes and the legibility of details are impressive.
What makes Martin Logan speakers so special?
While electrostatic sound reproduction looks ideal on paper, it poses a number of technical challenges. The first is bass extension. The electrostatic diaphragm displaces little air compared to a large-diameter dynamic driver, which naturally limits its ability to reproduce low frequencies. To overcome this shortcoming, Martin Logan has opted for a hybrid approach: combining the electrostatic panel with one or more active subwoofers, responsible for reproducing low frequencies. This combination combines the speed and transparency of the electrostatic panel with perfect tonal balance.
Another challenge is directivity. Electrostatic panels project sound in a very targeted way. Martin Logan has developed Curvilinear Line Source (CLS) technology to offer wider sound distribution. The electrostatic panel is slightly curved, considerably widening the soundstage and enabling several listeners to enjoy a coherent stereo image. This design detail is one of the brand’s aesthetic and technical signatures.
Martin Logan: pioneer and leader in electrostatics
Founded in 1983 in Lawrence, Kansas, by Gayle Sanders and Ron Sutherland, Martin Logan immediately set itself apart by devoting itself exclusively to electrostatics. Their first commercial model, the Monolith, was hailed for its ability to combine the extreme precision of an electrostatic panel with the power of a dynamic bass driver. Since then, the brand has continued to perfect its technologies, becoming the undisputed leader in this field. Today, Martin Logan offers a vast catalog of electrostatic speakers divided into two major ranges: the ElectroMotion series, which democratizes electrostatics, and the Masterpiece series, which embodies excellence.
The ElectroMotion series: accessible electrostatics
The ElectroMotion series is the gateway to the Martin Logan universe. These speakers offer the essential qualities of electrostatic technology in a more accessible format and at a more affordable price. They feature CLS curved electrostatic panels, combined with dynamic woofers to bring depth and substance to the bass.
The ElectroMotion series is available in several complementary models. The Martin Logan ElectroMotion ESL speaker is the entry-level model, with its 86cm-high electrostatic panel and 20cm dynamic woofer. Suitable for medium-sized rooms. At the top of the range is the Martin Logan ElectroMotion ESL X speaker, which follows the same philosophy, adding a larger electrostatic driver and a second 20cm woofer for a more assertive bass response.
Martin Logan’s ElectroMotion range can also be used to create a home theater system, thanks to the Martin Logan ElectroMotion ESL C center speaker, which uses a miniaturized 16 x 58cm electrostatic panel. This is combined with two 13.3cm bass drivers and a Folded Motion ribbon tweeter. Finally, the Martin Logan ElectroMotion EFX wall-mounted speaker features a 1,562cm² XStat panel, combined with a 16.5cm diameter bass driver in a format that’s only 16.5cm thick for discreet installation. These speakers can be complemented by Martin Logan ElectroMotion FX2 dipolar surround speakers to create an immersive ambience. These take a more conventional approach, with two Folded Motion tweeters mounted on each side and a central 16.5cm woofer.
| Type | Electrostatic driver | Other drivers | Power | Price | |
| ESL | Floorstanding | 1,892cm² | 1x 20cm woofer | 20 to 300W | €3,550 |
| ESL-X | Floorstanding | 2,244cm² | 2x 20cm woofers | 20 to 400W | €5,990 |
| EFX | On-wall | 1,562cm² | 1x 16.5cm woofer | 20 to 300W | €5,250 |
| ESL-C | Center | 940cm² | 2x 13.3cm woofers + 1x Folded Motion tweeter | 20 to 300W | €2,750 |
| FX2 | Surround | 1x 16.5cm woofer + 2x Folded Motion tweeters | 20 to 200W | €1,960 |
The Masterpiece series: the peak of electrostatic performance
At the pinnacle of the Martin Logan catalog is the Masterpiece range. Here, the brand pushes electrostatics to the limit, with uncompromising models. The range begins with the Martin Logan Classic ESL 9 speaker, featuring a 112cm-high XStat CLS electrostatic panel coupled with two 20cm bass drivers for bass that reaches to 34Hz. This is followed by the Martin Logan Impression ESL 11A, which brings a larger radiating surface and ARC (Anthem Room Correction) calibration, as well as a Vojtko 24 bis DSP crossover for bass. From this model onwards, the bass also becomes active, with one or more amps integrated into each speaker to power the woofers.
As you move upmarket, the ARC calibration technology and DSP crossover are retained. Improvements are made in the surface area of the acoustic panels, the diameter of the subwoofers and the performance of their integrated amplification. The Martin Logan Expression ESL 13A floorstander, at the heart of the range, features a 3,696cm² panel and two 25cm woofers. The flagship of the range, the Martin Logan Renaissance ESL 15A speaker features a radiation area of 4,446cm² and two 30cm low frequency drivers powered by 2 x 500W.
| Type | Electrostatic driver | Other drivers | Power | Price | |
| ESL9 | Floorstanding | 2576cm² | 2x 20cm woofers | 20 to 400W | €9,990 |
| ESL11A | Floorstanding | 3,696cm² | 2x 20cm woofers | 20 to 550W + 2 x 275W RMS integrated amplifier | €16,000 |
| ESL13A | Floorstanding | 3,696cm² | 2x 25cm woofers | 20 to 600W + 2 x 300W RMS integrated amplifier | €22,000 |
| ESL15A | Floorstanding | 4,446cm² | 2x 30cm woofers | 20 to 700W + 2 x 500W RMS integrated amplifier | €33,000 |
Unique, timeless speakers
Martin Logan electrostatic speakers embody a philosophy, a quest for absolute sonic purity. Their unique technology sets them apart in the world of hi-fi. From the ElectroMotion series, which opens the doors to this unique experience, to the Masterpiece series, which pushes it to its paroxysm, the brand offers discerning music lovers speakers capable of delivering unparalleled transparency, soundstaging and musical emotion. Martin Logan speakers leave room for music in its purest form.
