MartinLogan ElectroMotion ESL C Electrostatic Center Channel Loudspeaker - Gloss Black - Each

MartinLogan ElectroMotion ESL C: Electrostatic Center Channel for Your ElectroMotion Theater

The ElectroMotion ESL C is a hybrid electrostatic center channel speaker, sold individually in Gloss Black. It pairs an electrostatic panel with a Folded Motion tweeter and two aluminum woofers.

MartinLogan built it to match the sound of its ElectroMotion Series speakers. It is also compact enough to fit popular A/V furniture.

CLS XStat Electrostatic Panel

A shallow, gently curved CLS (Curvilinear Line Source) XStat panel wraps the front of the cabinet. It has 114 square inches of playable area. The curve controls horizontal dispersion and helps the center blend with your front speakers.

Folded Motion Tweeter

Behind the panel sits MartinLogan's Folded Motion tweeter. Its folded, low-mass diaphragm squeezes air like an accordion. MartinLogan says it needs almost 90% less excursion than a typical 1-inch dome, which cuts distortion.

CenterForce Dual Woofers

Instead of flanking the panel, two 5.25-inch aluminum cone woofers sit in a central, braced chamber behind it. This CenterForce layout keeps the cabinet compact while adding well-blended bass.

How the ESL C Fits Your System

The ESL C is a passive speaker driven by your AV receiver or amplifier's center channel. MartinLogan recommends 20 to 300 watts per channel. It is rated at 4 ohms and works with 4, 6 or 8 ohm rated amplifiers.

The electrostatic panel also needs wall power, through the included low-voltage power supply. It is not magnetically shielded, so it should not sit directly beside or on top of a CRT television. Use it only in the country of original sale, since power supplies differ.

Who Is This Center Channel Speaker Best For?

• ElectroMotion owners — it matches the acoustic signature of the ElectroMotion Series.
• Dialogue-focused theaters — the electrostatic panel handles the midrange where voices live.
• Furniture placement — at 7.6 inches tall it fits popular A/V cabinets.
• Systems with a capable receiver — it works with 20 to 300 watts per channel.
• Not for — spots with no nearby wall outlet, or placement right beside a CRT television.

How Does It Connect to Your System?

• Set the speaker on a wide, level, stable surface and aim the panel toward your seats.
• Use the adjustable foot: leave it flush on a low surface, or extend it near ear height.
• Plug the included power supply into the speaker first, then into a wall outlet.
• Connect speaker cable (16 gauge or heavier) to the binding posts; MartinLogan suggests spade connectors.
• Allow about 72 hours of break-in at moderate levels before critical listening.

Pairs Well With

Complete your ElectroMotion home theater with:

• MartinLogan
• Floorstanding Speakers
• Subwoofers
• Speaker Cables

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the ESL C need to be plugged in?

Yes. The electrostatic panel is energized by the included low-voltage power supply. A signal-sensing circuit turns the panel off after a few minutes of silence and recharges it in under two seconds.

What amplifier power does it need?

MartinLogan recommends 20 to 300 watts per channel. It works with 4, 6 or 8 ohm rated amplifiers.

How do I aim it?

An adjustable foot on the bottom tilts the speaker. Aim the panel and tweeter toward your ears at your main seat.

How do I clean the panel?

Unplug it for several hours, then vacuum or brush off dust. Never spray cleaning products on or near the electrostatic panel.

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