Martin Logan Foundation: Martin Logan’s signature sound for everyone

Renowned worldwide for its exceptional electrostatic speakers, Martin Logan also offers more traditional models with the Foundation series. This range generalizes the brand’s flagship technologies, including the Folded Motion tweeter and McCracken-Vojtko crossovers, in a compact, elegant and more affordable collection.

Martin Logan: a unique sound signature

Since its foundation in 1983, Martin Logan has forged a singular identity in the world of hi-fi. Its electrostatic speakers, recognizable by their transparent panels, have made a lasting impression on generations of music lovers. But the brand has also always sought to apply its expertise to more accessible models, notably with the Motion and Motion XT series. These ranges take a different approach, relying on dynamic drivers combined with the famous Folded Motion tweeter, a ribbon-inspired technology optimized by Martin Logan. With the Motion Foundation series, the manufacturer goes one step further: offering an experience that remains true to the Martin Logan spirit in a simplified series designed to appeal to hi-fi enthusiasts and discerning home theater fans alike.

Key technologies in the Foundation series

Folded Motion S Gen 2 tweeter

At the heart of every Foundation model is a second-generation Folded Motion S tweeter. It uses a pleated diaphragm that expands and contracts to displace air, offering a far greater emissive surface area than a conventional dome. The result: exceptionally rapid response, extremely low distortion and remarkably fine highs. A waveguide optimizes dispersion, ensuring a wide, homogeneous soundstage, with 90° horizontal and vertical coverage. Even outside the ideal listening area, the experience remains immersive and natural.

Rigid, dynamic aluminum drivers

For the midrange and bass, Martin Logan relies on aluminum, a material that is both light and rigid, limiting cone deformation and guaranteeing faithful reproduction of micro-details. The 5.5″ (B1, C1, F1) or 6.5″ (B2) drivers deliver a fast, dynamic and transparent reproduction, capable of coping with the greatest dynamic shifts. Each model is driven by a large magnetic motor, a rare choice at this price point, offering better control of the cone and reduced distortion, even at high volume. Asymmetrical internal chambers further enhance the linearity of the response, guaranteeing firm bass and clear mids. Combined with the Folded Motion tweeter, these aluminum drivers create a lively, balanced sound signature that retains its coherence whatever the room or musical style.

McCracken-Vojtko crossovers for sonic coherence

Coherence between the tweeter and woofer is ensured by the brand’s signature McCracken-Vojtko crossovers. This filtering favors simplicity and precision, with gentle slopes and meticulous timing management. The result is a smooth, natural sound reproduction with no break in timbre.

The different speakers in the Foundation series

Martin Logan Foundation B1: the compact, accessible bookshelf model

The Martin Logan Foundation B1 bookshelf speaker is the most compact model in the series. With its 5.5″ midbass driver and Folded Motion S Gen 2 tweeter, it delivers a surprisingly full sound despite its reduced size.

Its frequency response goes down to 48Hz, offering a credible base for a speaker of this size. With a sensitivity of 89 dB and an impedance of 5 ohms, it can be easily combined with most hi-fi amplifier or AV receivers. Available in a range of elegant finishes, the Foundation B1 is ideal for a first stereo system or as a compact surround speaker.

Martin Logan Foundation B2: the ambitious bookshelf model

More imposing, the Martin Logan Foundation B2 bookshelf speaker features a 6.5″ driver, capable of going down to 42Hz. Its higher sensitivity (90 dB) and dynamic capability make it a true high-performance bookshelf speaker.

It retains the Folded Motion S Gen 2 tweeter and McCracken-Vojtko crossover, but stands out for its sonic breadth and its ability to sound larger rooms than the B1. The B2 is ideal for serious stereo listening, or as the base of a home theater system where it can be used as the main speaker.

Martin Logan Motion Foundation F1: the 3-way floorstander

The Martin Logan Motion Foundation F1 speaker is the most affordable floorstanding model in the Foundation series. It features a three-way configuration, with a Folded Motion S tweeter, a 5.5″ midrange driver and three 5.5″ woofers. Thanks to this architecture, it goes down to 41Hz, with a sensitivity of 92 dB. It is therefore capable of offering a fullness and dynamism comparable to much larger speakers. Relatively compact (105cm high), it’s easy to fit into any living room, yet delivers a full, immersive soundstage for both hi-fi and home theater.

Martin Logan Foundation F2: the ultimate floorstander

Above the F1, the Foundation F2 represents the most ambitious model in the series. With a more impressive three-way architecture, it combines the Gen2 Folded Motion S tweeter and a 5.5″ midrange driver with no fewer than three 6.5″ aluminum woofers. This configuration enables it to descend even deeper in the spectrum, with an extended frequency response down to 36Hz, while retaining the precision and speed that characterize the Martin Logan sound signature.

With a sensitivity of 92 dB and an impedance of 4 ohms, the Martin Logan Foundation F2 is both powerful and relatively easy to power for a speaker of its size. Capable of handling power ratings of up to 200 watts, it delivers impressive sonic breadth and is equally suited to demanding hi-fi listening or integration into a high-end home theater system.

Martin Logan Foundation C1: the clear, precise center speaker

Finally, the Martin Logan Foundation C1 completes the range as a center speaker. Adopting a 2.5-way configuration with two 5.5″ midbass drivers and a Folded Motion S Gen 2 tweeter, it ensures clear, faithful and uniform dialogue reproduction. With a sensitivity of 91 dB and a response down to 53Hz, it is both precise and dynamic, for a coherent, immersive front stage.

A coherent range for hi-fi and home theater

One of the Foundation series’ greatest strengths is its overall consistency. All models share the same sound signature, making it easy to create uniform systems.

In stereo, B1s and B2s can be used to create compact, high-performance hi-fi systems, while F1s and F2s are ideal for those looking for greater amplification. For home theater, the C1 provides a clear front stage, supported by B1 or B2 surround speakers and a pair of F1 or F2 front speakers. Martin Logan offers a comprehensive solution that can be adapted to suit different needs and spaces, without ever sacrificing musicality.