Electrostatic Truth

MartinLogan didn't invent electrostatic transducer technology. But by eliminating the perceived deficiencies of electrostatic technology, such as poor power handling, lack of bass response and narrow soundstage (beaming), MartinLogan has reinforced the benefit of electrostatic technology: uncanny audio accuracy.

Parts of an Electrostatic Transducer

A) Diaphragm    B) Spars    C) Stators

An electrostatic transducer has three components—stators, a diaphragm, and spars (non-conductive spacers that keep the tall assembly stationary)—assembled as a sandwich. The diaphragm is an ultra-light film impregnated with an electrically conductive material and stretched taut between two stators, which are perforated steel sheets coated with an insulator.

Electrostatic Forces at Work

Opposite charges attract. Like charges repel.

The diaphragm holds a constant positive charge.

When the speaker is operating, the diaphragm is charged with an electrostatic field of fixed positive voltage. The two stators, between which the diaphragm is stretched, are charged with voltages of equal strength but opposite polarity. These charges occur in instantaneously alternating pulses according the signal received from your audio equipment. When the charge on one stator is positive, the charge on the other is negative. Because like charges repel and opposite charges attract, the diaphragm's constantly positive charge will force it to move forward or backward depending on the stator charges. With this movement, an electrostatic transducer translates an electrical audio signal into the diaphragm motion that produces sound waves in your room.

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MartinLogan's groundbreaking Curvilinear Line Source (CLS) electrostatic panel design is an elegant solution to the impression of sound "beaming" from an electrostatic panel. MartinLogan CLS electrostatic panels feature a gentle horizontal curve. This ingeniously simple innovation radically changes the speaker's dispersion pattern, radiating a wide, enveloping soundstage, packed with detail; truly unlike any other loudspeaker experience.

Another key attribute of an electrostatic speaker is its dipolar radiation pattern. A true dipole transducer radiates with equal intensity from the front and back of its diaphragm, with the outputs in opposite phase. As a result, sound waves rippling out toward the sides meet at the speaker's edge and cancel, minimizing side-wall reflections with short relative arrival times. This reduction in side-output minimizes interfering side-wall reflections, which can muddy the image. It frees the dipole radiation pattern to produce a generous amount of ambience-enriching late-arriving reflections off the wall behind your loudspeakers. At the same time, electrostatic panels maintain relatively limited vertical dispersion, which minimizes undesirable floor and ceiling reflections.

Neolith is the apogee of electrostatic performance, combining these innovations in a new design. By delivering an undiluted soundstage with excellent separation, Neolith brings your music and movie soundtracks to startlingly accurate, 3-dimensional life.

Specifications

Specifications are subject to change without notice

Frequency Response 23–22,000 Hz ±3dB

Recommended Amplifier Power 20—1300 watts per channel

Horizontal Dispersion 30°

Vertical Dispersion 48" (122 cm) line source

Sensitivity 90 dB/2.83 volts/meter

Impedance Nominal: 4 ohms, 0.43 ohms @ 20 kHz. Compatible with 4, 6, or 8 Ohm rated amplifiers.

Crossover Frequency 60, 250–400 Hz

High Frequency Transducer XStat™ CLS™ electrostatic transducer » Panel Dimensions 48" x 22" (122 x 56cm)

» Radiating Area 1056 in² (6,832 cm² )

Low Frequency Transducer Rear: 15” (38.1cm) cast basket, high excursion, rigid aluminum cone with extended throw drive assembly. Extensively vented triple shorting ring motor and 4-layer coil to eliminate compression and distortion. Front: 12” (30.5cm) round cast aluminum alloy frame, high excursion, rigid carbon fiber sandwich cone with long throw design, 3-inch (7.5cm) diameter copper-clad aluminum flat wire voice coil, and vented pole piece and under-spider opening to reduce power compression.

Cabinet Phenolic Resin Polymer: Dense substrate with superb mechanical strength to minimize cabinet vibrations caused by woofer cone motion counter forces to provide an ideal baffle for the electrostatic panel and woofers.

Components High-Pass Crossover: 1% resistors mounted to heat sinks, polypropylene capacitors, air core inductors, dual toroidal audio transformers to drive electrostatic element Low-Pass Crossover: 1% resistors mounted to heat sinks, toroidal inductors, supports user options to modify sound output via jumpers.

Audio Controls Bass Control: 0dB, -4dB, -8dB Distance Control: 3 meters (or less), 4 meters, 5 meters (or greater)

Inputs WBT-0705Ag nextgen™ 5-way bi-wire binding posts feature a filigree signal conductor made from fine silver for high conductivity. Fully insulated for CE and IEC conformity providing shock hazard protection. Free from eddy current effects. Max constant current 30 A, admissible peak current 200 A. Outer metal cap with palladium plated finish.

Power Draw Standby: 1W each Max: 15W each

Lighting LED intensity control: On, Dim, Off

Weight 385 lbs. (175 kg)

Dimensions 74.8" x 30.3" x 34.2 " (189.9cm x 76.9cm x 87cm)