Videovic
- Monday, October 25, 2021
The ElectroMotion ESL X features a new larger XStat™ electrostatic transducer, with a radiating area over 50in2 larger than the EM-ESL model. Twin 8-inch high-excursion woofers are housed in a non-resonant asymmetrical bass reflex (ported) chamber, in a surprisingly compact enclosure. Woofers have custom engineered high-rigidity paper cones, with extended-throw driver assemblies.
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Price: $4,499.98 pair
Sold As: pair
The ElectroMotion ESL X (EM-ESL X) X features a larger electrostatic transducer and dual woofers, with increased power-handling capabilities. As the flagship model of the ElectroMotion Series, the X establishes a new benchmark for price versus performance.
The ElectroMotion ESL X features a new larger XStat™ electrostatic transducer, with a radiating area over 50in2 larger than the EM-ESL model. Twin 8-inch high-excursion woofers are housed in a non-resonant asymmetrical bass reflex (ported) chamber, in a surprisingly compact enclosure. Woofers have custom engineered high-rigidity paper cones, with extended-throw driver assemblies. Component elements within the EM-ESL X replicate the design and performance of components used on many of MartinLogan’s more expensive loudspeakers, such as custom-wound transformers, air-core coils, large steel laminate inductors, polyester and low DF electrolytic capacitors. Custom 5-way bi-wire binding posts allow for secure wire connections. System Frequency Response is 41–22,000 Hz ±3db. Recommended amplifier power is 20–400 watts per channel. Impedance is rated at 6 ohms (1.6 ohms at 20 kHz); the EM-ESL X is compatible with 4, 6, or 8 ohm rated amplifiers.
A unique XStat™ transducer was developed for the ElectroMotion Series to reduce the gauge thickness of the electrostatic panel's steel stators. The reduced gauge does not alter the performance characteristics of the panel. However, as a natural byproduct of tighter build tolerances, it does increase the visual transparency of the panel. The EM-ESL X's XStat panel is so visually transparent it nearly vanishes when you're sitting and listening.
A true dipole, The EM-ESL X radiates sound with equal intensity from the front and back of its diaphragm, but the outputs are in opposite phase. As a result, sound waves rippling out toward the sides meet at the speaker's edge and cancel. That and the relatively large size of the ElectroMotion ESL X's electrostatic panel cause output at the sides to be very low relative to that of a conventional loudspeaker, which in turn minimizes side-wall reflections that tend to muddle sonic detail and stereo imaging. While the reduction in output to the sides contributes to the astonishing clarity for which electrostats are revered, the energy reflected off the wall behind the speaker opens up and deepens the sound.
To seamlessly blend audio output from the high- and mid-frequency electrostatic panel to the low-frequency dual woofer system, the ElectroMotion ESL X features a proprietary Vojtko™ topology filter utilizing custom air core coil and low DCR steel laminate inductors, polyester film capacitors in series, and low DF electrolytic capacitors in parallel.
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Today I give my five-month review of the Martin Logan ESL X, ESL C, and Dynamo 1600X subwoofer.
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Check out my unboxing and overview of the Martin Logan ESL X, ESL C, and Dynamo 1600X Subwoofer. Will I make the jump to electrostatic speakers?
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"The speakers gave me an opportunity to forget that they were actually there, and having such a large vertical sound field from the electrostatic tower block created a large vertical soundstage just as in the concert hall."
"While listening, it brought to mind what may be the best part of listening to the ESL-X speakers: They are forgiving enough to deliver the traits I’ve already mentioned, without sacrificing quality. What I mean by that is that is that some speakers sound good with classical music, others sound good with rock and pop. Throw anything at the ESL-X and I think they will deliver high levels of enjoyment that will make you forget that you are critically listening. Instead, you’ll simply want to bob your head like Angus Young or stomp your feet like Neil Young when cranking up the ESL-Xs."
"For me, auditioning this ElectroMotion ESL X speaker system was like going home again. The affordable (by MartinLogan standards) electrostatic towers delivered the detailed, lifelike sound I know and love, and the solid foundation provided by the Dynamo 1500X subwoofer enabled them to reach dynamic heights I hadn’t previously experienced in my days as a MartinLogan-phile."
"I think MartinLogan really hit their mark with these speakers. Like most electrostatic speakers, they have great clarity of sound with a vivid mid range. Add that the EM-ESL X’s improve on the dynamic presentation. This, along with enhanced dispersion and staging qualities means you have a very worthy product for just about any system that needs floor standing speakers. "
"They have great value, a unique sound,and are a true gateway to the journey that is the audiophile hobby."
I've had Logan electrostatic speakers since the late 1990's. Owned the ESL-X's for about 2 years and OH MY ! Once you get the "sweet spot" dialed in, I don't know of any equally priced speaker that can come close to the realism and the soundstage these speakers project. My "headend" is: Rotel RC-1590 pre-amp, Rotel RB-1582MKII amp, Marantz SA-KI Ruby SACD player and SVS SB-3000 sub. They match up very well with the ESL-X's. A couple of hints for people considering these: In my modest room, they work best when the front panels are about 29" from the front wall. I also found that removing the rear grills improved the bass.