MartinLogan ElectroMotion ESL C Electrostatic Center Speaker - Dreamedia AV

Vendor: MartinLogan

MartinLogan ElectroMotion ESL C Electrostatic Center Speaker

Electrostatic center speaker with dynamic range and deep bass

$1,999.99; $1,999.99
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MartinLogan ElectroMotion ESL C Electrostatic Center Speaker

Unveiling the Pinnacle of Sound Clarity

In the quest for the ultimate home theater experience, every detail matters. From the grandest explosion to the softest whisper, your center channel speaker is the hero, bringing dialogue and central sounds to life. Enter the MartinLogan ElectroMotion ESL C Electrostatic Center Speaker, a paragon of acoustic precision designed to elevate your listening experience to new heights.

The Electrostatic Edge

What sets the ElectroMotion ESL C apart is its innovative use of electrostatic technology. The speaker boasts an advanced XStat CLS electrostatic transducer, which ensures an enveloping sound that is as true to the original recording as possible. This isn't just sound—this is a window into the soul of the music.

CLS (Curvilinear Line Source) XStat Technology: Provides a precise, hyper-realistic audio experience.
Electrostatic Panel: A generous 114 square inches of radiating area for expansive sound dispersion.
Folded Motion Tweeter: For a rich, clear, and highly dynamic treble range.

Design and Aesthetics

The ElectroMotion ESL C is more than just a speaker. It's a statement piece. With its sleek gloss black finish and a design that's both modern and timeless, it will stand out in any room—not just for its looks, but for its auditory impact.

Gloss Black Finish: A high-end look that complements any home theater setup.
Sealed Cabinet with CenterForce Bass System: Ensures tight and accurate bass response, adding depth to every beat.

Performance and Compatibility

Whether it's the subtle breaths of a solo vocalist or the complex harmonies of an orchestra, the ElectroMotion ESL C captures it all with an effortless grace that belies its powerful capabilities.

Frequency Response: A wide range of 66-23,000 Hz ±3dB, for full-spectrum sound.
Power Handling: Can manage between 20-300 watts per channel, making it versatile for different amplification needs.
Compatibility: Designed to complement MartinLogan ElectroMotion ESL or ESL X floor-standing speakers, creating a harmonious soundstage.

Advanced Audio Engineering

The craftsmanship of the ElectroMotion ESL C is evident in every note. The high-performance crossover network, featuring air core coils, polyester capacitors, and a custom-wound audio transformer, guarantees that the audio signal is pure and uncolored.

Crossover Frequency: Expertly set at 600, 3400 Hz to ensure seamless audio transition between the drivers.
High-Performance Crossover Network: Optimizes the distribution of electrical signal to each transducer.

Deep and Resonant Bass

The heart of any cinematic experience is its bass, and the ElectroMotion ESL C does not disappoint. The dual woofer system, named CenterForce, is engineered to produce a bass that is deep, tight, and blends seamlessly with the electrostatic panel.

CenterForce Dual Woofer System: Features two custom-designed 5.25-inch aluminum cone woofers for a well-balanced low-end.

Connectivity and Ease of Use

Connectivity should be the least of your concerns, and with the ElectroMotion ESL C, it is. The custom 5-way tool-less binding posts make setup a breeze, while ensuring a stable and high-quality connection.

Custom 5-way Tool-less Binding Posts: For easy and secure wire connections.

Physical Presence

Despite its powerful performance, the ElectroMotion ESL C has been designed to integrate into your space without overwhelming it.

Dimensions: Measuring 7.6" x 22.8" x 16.1", it is the perfect size for any entertainment center.
Weight: At 32 lbs, it is sturdy and substantial, yet manageable.

The Dreamedia Difference

At Dreamedia, we understand that a home theater is more than just a collection of electronics—it's an experience, a journey into sound and vision that should be as seamless and enjoyable as possible. That's why we're here to help you design and integrate the ElectroMotion ESL C into your home theater system, ensuring it performs to its full potential in your unique space.

Warranty and Support

Rest easy knowing that your investment is protected. The ElectroMotion ESL C comes with a robust 5-year parts and labor warranty upon product registration, giving you peace of mind for years to come.

5-Year Warranty: Comprehensive coverage with product registration.

Key Features at a Glance

Advanced XStat CLS Electrostatic Transducer
Folded Motion Tweeter
CenterForce Dual Woofer System
High-Performance Crossover Network
Gloss Black Finish
Custom 5-way Tool-less Binding Posts
5-Year Warranty with Product Registration

The MartinLogan Promise

With the ElectroMotion ESL C, MartinLogan continues its legacy of creating speakers that not only meet but exceed the expectations of audiophiles and casual listeners alike. This center channel speaker represents the pinnacle of audio engineering, with a clear commitment to quality, performance, and aesthetic excellence.

Your Next Step to Audio Perfection

The journey to the ultimate home theater experience is not complete without the ElectroMotion ESL C Electrostatic Center Speaker. With its superior performance, exceptional mid-range dynamics, and full-range capabilities, it stands ready to redefine your listening experience.

Don't just hear the difference—feel it, with the ElectroMotion ESL C. Let Dreamedia help you make this transformative addition to your home theater system, and immerse yourself in the sound as it was meant to be heard.

Our Review

MartinLogan ElectroMotion ESL C Electrostatic Center Speaker - Gloss Black Review

Introduction

A center channel speaker is the cornerstone of a home theater audio system, anchoring dialogue and on-screen action directly to the picture for a cohesive audiovisual experience. MartinLogan, a brand synonymous with high-fidelity sound, has long been a pioneer in electrostatic speaker technology. Their ElectroMotion ESL C is a testament to their commitment to audio excellence, promising a transformative listening experience for the discerning audiophile.

Design and Build

Aesthetics

The MartinLogan ElectroMotion ESL C's gloss black finish exudes elegance and sophistication, easily becoming the focal point of any home theater setup. However, the speaker's 23-inch width may pose a challenge for those with limited space, necessitating a thoughtful rearrangement of components to accommodate its presence.

Construction Quality

The build quality of the ElectroMotion ESL C is beyond reproach, with a robust construction that speaks to MartinLogan's attention to detail. The high-quality binding posts ensure secure and high-performance wire connections, a subtle but critical feature for maintaining signal integrity.

Features

Advanced Electrostatic Technology

At the heart of the ESL C is the XStat CLS electrostatic transducer, a hallmark of MartinLogan's design philosophy. This technology offers an unparalleled transient response and transparency, with the Folded Motion tweeter complementing it by contributing to a more nuanced and detailed high-frequency reproduction.

Acoustic Engineering

The CenterForce dual woofer system provides a well-integrated low-end, crucial for a center channel speaker. The ported cabinet design further enhances this by extending the bass response, ensuring that the speaker delivers a full-range performance that belies its size.

User Experience

Integrating the ESL C with other ElectroMotion Series speakers is straightforward, promising a seamless soundstage. However, the inclusion of an AC/DC adapter, while necessary for the electrostatic panel, may be seen as a con for those preferring a more traditional setup.

Performance

Sound Quality

The ESL C's frequency response and 89 dB sensitivity indicate a speaker capable of delivering a wide soundstage with clarity and precision. The recommended amplifier power range of 20-300 watts offers flexibility, allowing users to drive the speaker with a variety of amplifiers, from modest to powerful.

Electrostatic Speaker Characteristics

Electrostatic speakers are revered for their mid-range reproduction, and the ESL C is no exception. Its ability to render vocals and instrumental textures with lifelike realism is a significant draw. Nevertheless, listeners in certain environments may perceive the sound as overly bright, necessitating careful room treatment and setup.

Bass Response and Clarity

The low-frequency performance is commendable, with the CenterForce system producing a bass that is both deep and well-blended. The high-performance crossover network maintains a coherent sound across the frequency spectrum, ensuring that each note and dialogue is articulated with clarity.

Installation and Setup

Positioning Challenges

Achieving the optimal sound from the ESL C requires meticulous placement. Its electrostatic design is sensitive to room acoustics, and users will need to experiment with positioning to find the sweet spot that yields the best audio fidelity.

Compatibility and Integration

While designed to complement other ElectroMotion speakers, the ESL C may exhibit a slight timbral shift when paired with different towers or bookshelf speakers. Users should be prepared to fine-tune their systems to minimize these discrepancies.

Customer Feedback and Comparisons

Positive Reviews

The ESL C has garnered acclaim for its superior performance, with many users noting a significant improvement in their home theater's vocal clarity and overall soundstage when integrating this center channel.

Criticisms and Comparisons

Some criticisms include the speaker's large size and the necessity for regular maintenance of the gloss black finish. When compared to other high-end center channels, the ESL C holds its ground, particularly in its unique electrostatic qualities, though some may prefer the more conventional dynamic drivers for their warmth.

Final Thoughts

The MartinLogan ElectroMotion ESL C is a formidable center channel speaker that offers a remarkable blend of clarity, detail, and presence. Its electrostatic technology sets it apart from the competition, though this also introduces certain setup challenges. For those willing to invest the time in proper placement and pairing with compatible components, the ESL C will deliver an audio experience that is both immersive and exhilarating. Whether it's the right choice will depend on the user's commitment to achieving the optimal electrostatic sound and their willingness to accommodate its distinct design and setup requirements.

Specifications

General Specifications

Speaker Type: Center Channel Loudspeaker
Finish: Gloss Black
Enclosure Type: Sealed cabinet with CenterForce bass system

Electrostatic Panel

Technology: CLS (Curvilinear Line Source) XStat
Panel Dimensions: Curved, shallow height
Panel Area: 114 square inches

Tweeter

Type: Folded Motion
Diaphragm Area: 9.2 inches

Woofer

System: CenterForce Dual Woofer System
Type: Custom-designed aluminum cone
Size: 5.25 inches (x2)

Performance

Frequency Response: 66-23,000 Hz ±3dB
Sensitivity: 89 dB/2.83 volts/meter
Impedance: 4 Ohms (Compatible with 4, 6, or 8 Ohm rated amplifiers)
Power Handling: 20-300 watts per channel
Crossover Frequency: 600, 3400 Hz

Transducers

High Frequency Transducer: One 1" x 1.4" (2.6cm x 3.6cm) Folded Motion Transducer with 5.25" x 1.75" (13.3cm x 4.4cm) diaphragm
Mid Frequency Transducer: XStat CLS electrostatic transducer. Panel Dimensions
Low Frequency Transducer: Two 5.25" (13.3 cm) high excursion, high-rigidity aluminum cone with extended throw driver assembly, non-resonance asymmetrical chamber format

Connectivity

Inputs: Custom 5-way tool-less binding posts

Physical

Dimensions (H x W x D): 7.6" x 22.8" x 16.1 " (19.3cm x 57.9cm x 40.9cm)
Weight: 32 lbs. (14.5 kg)

Warranty

Parts Warranty: 5 years with product registration
Labor Warranty: 5 years with product registration

Additional Features

High-Performance: Yes, 3-way electrostatic center channel speaker
Compatibility: Designed for use with MartinLogan ElectroMotion ESL or ElectroMotion ESL X electrostatic floor-standing speakers
Crossover Network: High-performance crossover network with air core coils, polyester capacitors, and a custom-wound audio transformer
Power Supply: External low-voltage DC power supply (included) requires AC outlet connection to energize electrostatic panel
Terminals: Spring post speaker terminals accept bare wires, pins, and banana connectors
Technology: Electrostatic Technology (Push-Pull Operation)