Martin Logan ESL 9 Classic Hybrid Electrostatic Panel Speakers
Martin Logan ESL 9 Classic Hybrid Electrostatic Panel Speakers
The Martin Logan ESL 9 speakers deliver a big, warm detailed sound that melds the quick detailed transient response of an electrostatic panel to a pair of 8" woofers hidden in the base of the unit. Martin Logan has nailed the transition between the two technologies and it is now truly possible to have the best of both worlds - dynamic driver bass with electrostatic mids and treble.
A Classic Masterpiece of Sound Reproduction
MartinLogan unveils the Classic ESL 9, its newest modern Masterpiece. All the familiar elements of MartinLogan’s flagship ESL series are here, with some revolutionary refinements. The heart of this exceptional loudspeaker is its 9.2-inch-wide Curvilinear Line Source (CLS) XStat vacuum-bonded electrostatic transducer. Advanced MicroPerf stator technology reveals more of the diaphragm surface area than any other electrostatic panel in this size class, efficiently increasing the narrow panel’s output. Ultra-rigid AirFrame Blade construction reduces performance-robbing vibrations, its shape creating an expressive alignment with the woofer cabinet. Deep bass is rendered with unflinching accuracy and authority by dual 8-inch low-distortion, high-excursion aluminum cone woofers in a beautifully sculpted enclosure.
Classic Elements, Experienced In a New Way: Advanced MicroPerf stator technology, which allows for almost twice the exposed electrostatic diaphragm surface as a traditional electrostatic panel of the same size. A reinforced electrostatic panel with rigid ClearSpar™ spacers, keeping an exact level of tension on the vacuum-bonded diaphragm without obscuring the beautiful see-through design. Add to these the slender, pointed-arrow design of the new AirFrame™ Blade construction and the result is a powerfully evocative composition creating a harmonious connection between the panel and its woofer cabinet.
Now notice some refinements: We have reinvented the Classic ESL 9 woofer section. We use two 8-inch laser-engineered low-distortion aluminum cone woofers, balanced in an opposing array, one forward- and one rear-firing. This design greatly reduces cabinet vibrations inherent in same-direction woofer positioning, specifically in the 34Hz to 100Hz range for uniform frequency response resulting in realistic bass effects you can feel.
New Ultra-Rigid AirFrame Blade Design
Classic ESL 9 XStat panels are joined to their speaker cabinets using MartinLogan’s redesigned AirFrame Blade construction, precision manufactured from an aerospace-grade extruded aluminum alloy. This material, and this exclusive manufacturing process, makes the panels extremely rigid.
The bold, forward-moving styling of this AirFrame Blade rail system, narrow and strong in front, broad and forceful from the side, is a modern design statement. It never obstructs playable surface area or interferes with the panel’s dipole sound radiation pattern. It also provides electrical and acoustical isolation, minimizing intermodulation distortion caused by vibration and resonance. The flowing lines emphasize the groundbreaking integration of the panel itself with the compact woofer and amplifier section. The breathtaking AirFrame Blade design enhances imaging, low-level sonic detail, accuracy, and speaker efficiency.
Bi-wirable Tool-less Binding Posts and Low-Voltage Power Supply
MartinLogan's proprietary tool-less binding posts simplify cable connection and management. Two sets are supplied—one connected to the electrostatic panel and the other feeding the woofer. Listeners can choose to vertically/horizontally bi-amp the Classic ESL 9, or use jumper clips between the binding post sets for a single wire-connection. Classic ESL 9 features bi-wirable binding posts and provide the ultimate level of flexibility for connection and setup. To further simplify setup and cable management, Classic ESL 9 features a low-voltage DC power supply eliminates the need for a traditional, heavy IEC power cord.
Precision-Built Advanced-Topology Vojtko Crossover
Control is key in the production of a Masterpiece. (Just ask Michelangelo.) Control in the Classic ESL 9 is provided by the advanced Vojtko-voiced crossover. Carefully hand-built using only the finest metallized film capacitors, air-core coils, and low DCR steel laminate coils, the crossover employs MartinLogan’s proprietary Vojtko topology for vanishingly low distortion and seamless driver/ESL integration. This precision-tuned network excels at preserving and reproducing even the most microscopic sonic nuances, while ably handling the full dynamics of any source.
The Classic ESL 9 is engineered to work well with practically any type of electronics. MartinLogan’s state-of-the-art electrical interface engineering ensures an absolutely transparent link from your amplifier to the electrostatic panel and woofer array. This produces sound of unparalleled purity, precision, clarity, and openness.
Like all of the loudspeakers in the Masterpiece Series, and like any true masterpiece, when you experience the realistically transparent performance of the Classic ESL 9, you will be changed by it.
Quick specs:
- 44" x 9.2" XStat™ CLS™ Transducer
- 34–23,000 Hz ±3dB Frequency Response
- Dual 8-inch Aluminum-Cone Woofers
- Custom 5-way bi-wire tool-less binding posts
