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Superb Money-Saving Multi-Channel Package
MartinLogan's Theos loudspeaker and ElectroMotion-series speakers are setting new standards in affordable high-end sound. This Theos and ElectroMotion-series home theater package gives you everything you need in the speaker and sub department to start enjoying multi-channel entertainment, including speaker cable!
Our MartinLogan package consists of one pair of Theos hybrid electrostatic tower speakers for the left and right channels, one ElectroMotion EM-C2 center channel speaker, one pair of ElectroMotion EM-FX2 surround speakers, one MartinLogan Grotto i powered subwoofer, and 100 feet of Kimber Kable KWIK-1200 speaker cable FREE (a $235 value).
MartinLogan Theos Floorstanding Speaker
MartinLogan's Theos is the company's most affordable hand-built electrostatic speaker. It was originally developed for the company's exclusive Reserve Series. Descended from MartinLogan's critically acclaimed flagship CLX loudspeaker, the Theos features advanced XStat electrostatic technology and a proprietary Vojtko crossover topology delivering the highest sonic standards of efficiency and precision. A passive 8" high-excursion woofer and ultra low turbulence down-firing bass port generate unyielding, detailed bass down to 43 Hz. Custom coupling spikes and tool-less bi-wire binding posts provide the final touch, offering the ultimate level of flexibility for connection and setup.
"The Theos is overall a wonderful speaker and a joy to listen to," reports Chris Heinonen in his October 31, 2011 review for Secrets of Home Theater and High Fidelity. "Sounds came from all around, causing me to check and make sure that there were no surround speakers setup in addition to the Theos. The soundstage up front was huge and open, and the speakers themselves were amazingly detailed."
"The Theos makes almost.anything you spin sound irresistible, as does the way it delivers voices," notes England's Hi-fi Choice magazine. "Rarely have we encountered a more direct line of emotional communication than this speaker achieves with a great singer, Stevie Nicks' voice on Fleetwood Mac's 'Dreams' is enough to stir the feelings of the most stony heart imaginable..."
XStat Transducer
Sharing with its PoweredForce counterpart Ethos, a unique XStat transducer was developed to exclusively address specific mechanical requirements. Vertically identical in size and dispersion to the flagship Summit X, Theos' thinner 9.2" horizontal panel dimension required a tighter curve to achieve MartinLogan's distinct 30-degree dispersion pattern. To accomplish this MartinLogan engineers reduced the gauge thickness of the steel stators. The reduced gauge does not alter the performance characteristics of Theos' electrostatic panel. However, as a natural byproduct of tighter build tolerances, visual transparency of the panel is increased significantly. Theos' new XStat panel is so visually transparent that it nearly vanishes when you're sitting and listening.
Advanced Vojtko Filtering
Proprietary Vojtko filtering technology is utilized for Theos' electrostatic transducer. This audiophile quality network, derived from the CLX, is carefully hand-built using precision point-to-point wiring, polypropylene capacitors, massive air-core coils, and a custom wound toroidal audio transformer. The network flawlessly preserving micro-acoustic subtleties while effortlessly handling the broadest range of dynamics contained within even the most demanding sonic source.
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 is connected to the electrostatic panel and the other feeds the woofer. You can choose to vertically/horizontally bi-amp the Theos, or use jumper clips between the binding post sets for a single wire-connection. Theos is the only model in the Reserve Series to feature bi-wirable binding posts and provide the ultimate level of flexibility for connection and setup. To further simplify setup and cable management, Theos features a low-voltage DC power supply, eliminating the need for a heavy IEC power cord.
MartinLogan ElectroMotion EM-C2 Center Channel Speaker
MartinLogan's powerful EM-C2 center channel provides a detailed, articulate, and authoritative center channel audio presence. Sized similar to a traditional AV receiver the EM-C2 is designed to fit discretely within any standard audio-video cabinet.
The EM-C2's perfectly balanced dual 5.25" high-excursion, doped fiber-cone woofers are seamlessly blended with the Folded Motion XT tweeter with a high-precision, advanced topology audiophile-grade crossover network. The EM-C2 has one 1.25" × 2.4" Folded Motion Transducer with a 4.5" × 2.75" diaphragm.
Folded Motion XT Tweeter
MartinLogan's new larger, low distortion Folded Motion XT tweeter boasts a radiating surface 40% larger than those found in the company's award-winning Motion Series products. The XT uses thin film transducer technology which draws from the company's acclaimed electrostatic driver designs.
MartinLogan's exclusive and highly innovative Folded Motion Tweeter helps gives the EM-C2 its fantastically realistic highs. Lightning fast transient response, combined with a large surface area (eight-times that of a typical 1" dome tweeter) creates clear, highly dynamic, and precise sound.
The Folded Motion Tweeter works by moving air (which creates sound) perpendicular to the folded ridges of the diaphragm, similar to how an accordion works. This extremely low mass diaphragm 'squeezes' air and requires almost 90 percent less excursion than the typical 1" dome tweeter, which drastically minimizes distortion while providing a lighting fast response time. The increased surface area also provides a wide, yet controlled sound dispersion to create a realistic and carefully etched sound stage.
Simplified Hook-ups
The EM-C2 also features convenient push-style speaker terminals, adapted from MartinLogan's award-winning Motion Series, with curved inserts that help guide speaker wire effortlessly into place. The rubber end caps on the terminal are also removable for the use of banana plugs instead of bare wire. So simple, you'll actually enjoy hooking up these speakers.
The EM-C2 has a frequency response of 55–25,000 Hz ±3 dB, sensitivity of 94 dB @ 2.83 volts / meter, nominal impedance of 4 ohms (compatible with 4, 6 or 8 ohm rated amplifiers), 80-degrees x 30-degrees dispersion, and a recommended amplifier power of 20 - 250 watts per channel. It measures 6.4" high, 18.9" wide, and 14.3" deep, and weighs 24.5 lbs.
MartinLogan ElectrMotion EM-FX2 Surround Speaker
MartinLogan's EM-FX2 surround speaker features dual Folded Motion XT tweeters in a wide-dispersion array ideally suited for surround channel applications. A single 6.5" doped fiber-cone woofer provides powerful low-frequency extension. Available in either black or white, the EM-FX2 is designed to corner mount, wall mount, or angle-wall mount for versatile surround sound placement in any room.
Folded Motion XT Tweeter
The EM-FX2 has dual 1.25" × 2.4" Folded Motion Transducers with a 4.5" × 2.75" diaphragm.
MartinLogan's new larger, low distortion Folded Motion XT tweeter boasts a radiating surface 40% larger than those found in the company's award-winning Motion Series products. The XT uses thin film transducer technology which draws from the company's acclaimed electrostatic driver designs.
Simplified Hook-ups
The EM-FX2 also features convenient push-style speaker terminals, adapted from MartinLogan's award-winning Motion Series, with curved inserts that help guide speaker wire effortlessly into place. The rubber end caps on the terminal are also removable for the use of banana plugs instead of bare wire. So simple, you'll actually enjoy hooking up these speakers.
The EM-FX2 has a frequency response of 55–25,000 Hz ±3 dB, sensitivity of 93 dB @ 2.83 volts / meter, nominal impedance of 5 ohms (compatible with 4, 6 or 8 ohm rated amplifiers), 160-degrees x 30-degrees dispersion, and a recommended amplifier power of 20 - 200 watts per channel. It measures 14.9" high, 184" wide, and 6.8" deep, and weighs 16 lbs.
MartinLogan Grotto i Powered Subwoofer
Grotto i deploys the full array of MartinLogan's advanced subwoofer technologies to achieve deep, rich, satisfying bass while preserving electrostatic-like accuracy and detail. Its advanced low-distortion switching amplifier and sophisticated servo control system extract the very best possible performance from Grotto i's high-resolution 10-inch aluminum-cone driver.
A powerful 300 watt (900 watt peak) low-distortion, high-reliability amplifier gives Grotto i extremely articulate bass without need of exaggerated amplifier power ratings or transient-blurring ported or passive radiator enclosures common to many modern subwoofers. A proprietary servo system further ensures that output from Grotto i's 10" high-resolution aluminum cone woofer is dramatically free of distortion and provides a faithful replica of the audio input signal.
"Solidity and Palpability"
"When mated with the Grotto, using the high level inputs, crossing over at 65Hz, the richness and body of the sound that I am used to from my SL-3 returned, filling out not only the lower registers, but also giving added solidity and palpability to the midrange," reports David Allcock in his January 2005 for England's Hi-Fi News on a MartinLogan Montage, Fresco, and Grotto system.
An optimized selection of connections and controls allow connection of both two-channel stereo music and multi-channel home theater while allowing each connection to have unique crossover and level settings. LFE input effectively uses no low-pass filter, leaving crossover control to the processor. Left/right line level and speaker level inputs integrate six discrete audiophile grade low-pass filters between 30-80Hz allowing a different level and crossover point when playing back two-channel music.
RCA output allows multiple Grotto i subwoofers to operate in series. A unique 25 Hz level control allows adjustment of system response by ±10 dB to eliminate low-frequency build-up or suck-out at a room's most problematic bass frequency. ETC™ spikes couple the sub directly to the floor, minimizing lost energy and allowing tight, well defined bass in any system.
Rigid, Low-Mass Aluminum-Cone Diaphragms
By eliminating cone flexure, even at long voice-coil excursions, low-mass yet extremely rigid aluminum diaphragms help our advanced-technology bass drivers achieve the very low distortion necessary for proper blending with MartinLogan electrostatic speakers.
Servo Correction System
A highly sophisticated control system compares input to output from the woofer and applies automatic electronic correction for any deviation. The advanced servo combines with the drivers' inherent low distortion to yield the cleanest, most accurate bass possible.
Comprehensive Inputs and Outputs with Simultaneous-Connection Option
Grotto i provides a direct, unfiltered LFE input for connection to surround preamp/processors and receivers with built-in subwoofer crossovers as well as line- and speaker-level stereo inputs that connect to its internal crossover. The LFE and stereo inputs can be connected simultaneously with separate level and crossover settings for each, enabling precise optimization for home-theater and stereo music playback in the same system. For those who desire a multiple subwoofer setup, line-level outputs include a mono jack that carries the sum of all inputs. Further, stereo outputs pass a signal from the stereo inputs either directly or through switch-selectable high-pass filters.
Precision Low- and High-Pass Crossover Filters
Grotto i offers six switch-selectable low-pass crossover frequencies between 30 and 80 Hz, implemented with filters precision-designed for optimum attenuation slope and minimum group delay. This ensures cohesive integration with smooth response through the crossover range with any type of main speaker. The similarly designed high-pass filters on the line-level outputs can be switched between 40- and 70-Hz settings or bypassed.
25-Hz Level Control
At very low frequencies, all rooms exhibit a phenomenon known as room gain, which produces a mild bass boost. The smaller the room, the higher the frequency at which this starts. Grotto i's 25-Hz level control enables you to compensate for excessive room gain by cutting output in the 20- to 30-Hz range or, if you prefer, to accentuate the feeling of deep-bass energy by augmenting those frequencies.
Extended-Range Master Level Control
Crave a little heavy-metal thunder from time to time? Ordinary level controls top out at '10'; Grotto i's goes to '11'!
Full-Rotation Phase Switch
Grotto i's phase control can be switched from 0 to 270 degrees in 90-degree increments, allowing precise adjustment for optimum blending with the main speakers.
Advanced Proprietary Vojtko™ Switching Amplifier
Grotto i's amplifier belongs to recently developed class of switch-mode designs that incorporate a variety of innovative techniques to reduce noise, distortion, and heat to the lowest possible levels. In particular, the switching frequency is much higher than in typical subwoofer amplifiers of this type. It can produce a true 300 watts continuously and 900 watts peak.
Sealed Cabinet with Asymmetrical Driver Chamber
Grotto i's sealed cabinet eliminates port and passive-radiator resonances and minimizes low-frequency group delay. And its internal asymmetry breaks up standing waves within the enclosure to further minimize resonance and coloration.
Aesthetically Extraordinary (Yet Practical) Cabinet Design
Most subwoofer cabinets are just nicely finished boxes. That leads people to hide their subwoofers in corners behind plants or to buy models that look like end tables. Grotto i's cabinet is the anti-box, with a unique architectural look that is both visually engaging and easy to integrate into a room. It features a selection of wood finishes for the top, which enable the Grotto i to blend into any décor. The cabinet body, meanwhile, has a durable, black tough-coat finish, with rubber bumpers at the bottom to minimize damage from stray impacts, such as vacuum cleaners and errant footsteps. Durable, crushproof grilles complete the package.
Asymmetrically Configured Energy Transfer Coupler Spikes
Grotto i is supplied with sturdy, 3/8" ETC™ spikes, which can be used in place of the standard feet to enhance stability on thick carpets or to create tighter coupling between subwoofer and floor. The spikes are arrayed asymmetrically in a configuration designed to minimize the chance of grille damage if the cabinet is tipped.
Kimber Kable KWIK-12 In-Wall 12-Gauge Speaker Cable
Dual-gauge configuration KWIK-12 from Kimber Kable boasts a large-gauge and small-gauge conductor for each channel, or four spiraled conductors in all. This unique 12-awg strand design, along with Kimber's special-recipe dielectric, adds up to one of the best sounding bulk cables for home theater and distributed sound you're ever likely to hear. The slippery PVC outer jacket pulls easily through walls. |