Martin Logan Classic ESL 9
MartinLogan hybrid floorstanding speaker combining an XStat electrostatic panel with dual 20 cm aluminium woofers, for precise bass and high-end listening.
Description
The Classic ESL 9 is a hybrid floorstanding speaker from MartinLogan, combining an electrostatic panel with traditional dynamic drivers within a single cabinet. It belongs to the brand's ESL series, recognised for its distinctive approach to sound reproduction through electrostatic technology.
At the heart of the speaker is a vacuum-bonded XStat electrostatic transducer, 23 cm wide, designed as a curvilinear line source (CLS). The MicroPerf stator offers, according to the manufacturer, a greater usable diaphragm surface than an electrostatic panel of equivalent size, resulting in a higher output level for this part of the sound spectrum. Bass is handled by dual 20 cm aluminium-cone woofers, said to offer low distortion and high excursion, tasked with reproducing low frequencies with precision. The whole rests on an AirFrame Blade chassis, whose rigid construction aims to limit unwanted vibrations while ensuring aesthetic continuity between the electrostatic panel and the woofer enclosure.
This type of speaker is aimed at a demanding listener, curious about the distinctive reproduction offered by electrostatic technology in terms of definition and tonal rendering, while also benefiting from the added dynamics and bass of a hybrid system. It naturally finds its place in a listening room dedicated to music, paired with electronics capable of making the most of its characteristics.
Technical specifications
| Type | Hybrid electrostatic/dynamic speaker, passive design |
| Technology | XStat CLS electrostatic transducer |
| Configuration | Two 8-inch aluminium-cone woofers, one front-facing, one rear-facing |
| Drivers | XStat CLS electrostatic transducer (44" x 9.2"); two 8" aluminium-cone woofers |
| Woofer | Two 8-inch (20.3 cm) woofers, rigid aluminium cone, high excursion, cast basket |
| Crossover frequency | 380 Hz |
| Nominal impedance | 4 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 90 dB/2.83 volts/metre |
| Connections | 5-way bi-wire binding posts, tool-free |
| Weight | 35.4 kg (78 lbs) |
What to check before buying used
Check the condition of the XStat electrostatic panels: listen for any crackling, frying noises or dead zones indicating a soiled stator or a fatigued diaphragm, particularly after storage in a humid environment. The fragile MicroPerf perforated grilles should show no dents or tears. Also check the suspension of both aluminium woofers (no cracking, excessive play or cone sagging) and the integrity of the AirFrame Blade chassis, as even slight deformation can separate the panel from the cabinet.
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