In this review, we will be comparing Masterpiece Impression ESL 11A and ESL 9, two Passive Floor-standing speakers by MartinLogan
Let's have a brief look at the main features
of MartinLogan Masterpiece Impression ESL 11A and MartinLogan ESL 9 first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
MartinLogan Masterpiece Impression ESL 11A Key Specs
- 2-way Design
- 11 x 44" E-ST Tweeter
- 2 x 8" Woofer
- 29-23k Hz Frequency Response
- 91 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 4ohms
- Weight:kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 60-3/4" x 11-15/16" x 27-7/16"
MartinLogan ESL 9 Key Specs
- 2-way Design
- 9.2 x 44" curved electrostatic transducer Tweeter
- 2 x 8" high-excursion paper cone Woofer
- 34-23k Hz Frequency Response
- 90 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 4ohms
- Power Range:20-400watts
- Weight:35.45kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 59-13/16" x 10-7/16" x 25-7/16" ( 1520.0 x 266.0 x 647.0mm )
Masterpiece Impression ESL 11A and ESL 9 are members of MartinLogan's Masterpiece series of speakers. Below you can find the loudspeakers from this series.
MartinLogan Masterpiece Series
History
In the following sections, we will get into more detail in order to better understand how the MartinLogan Masterpiece Impression ESL 11A and MartinLogan ESL 9 compare and hopefully end up with enough arguments to decide which one of these loudspeakers is the better choice for you.
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Drivers
Both Masterpiece Impression ESL 11A and ESL 9 are 2-way speakers.
| Driver |
MartinLogan Masterpiece Impression ESL 11A |
MartinLogan ESL 9 |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
11 x 44-inch
|
9.2 x 44-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
2 x 8-inch
|
2 x 8-inch
|
Masterpiece Impression ESL 11A features a 11 x 44" E-ST Tweeter and 2 x 8" Woofer . On the other hand, the ESL 9 features a 9.2 x 44" curved electrostatic transducer Tweeter and 2 x 8" high-excursion paper cone Woofer .
Frequency Response
Masterpiece Impression ESL 11A has a frequency range of 29-23k Hz whereas ESL 9 has a frequency range of 34-23k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 29Hz, the Masterpiece Impression ESL 11A can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the ESL 9's min frequency of 34Hz.
Below graphs depict how these two speakers compare with the max, min and average values of the Min and Max Frequencies of other speakers in the Floor-standing class in our database.
Low Frequency
Floor-standing Speakers
Masterpiece Impression ESL 11A
High Frequency
Floor-standing Speakers
MartinLogan Masterpiece Impression ESL 11A
None of these speakers achieves full range experience which is commonly agreed as 20Hz-20kHz. In order to achieve lower lows / deeper bass, we recommend you pair these with a subwoofer. Visit our Powered Subwoofers section to find out more about the available options.
Impedance and Sensitivity
Masterpiece Impression ESL 11A and ESL 9 have the same Impedance of 4 ohms but where they differ is the sensitivity levels. Masterpiece Impression ESL 11A sensitivity is rated at 91 dB and the ESL 9's is at 90 dB. This 1 dB difference makes the MartinLogan Masterpiece Impression ESL 11A a more sensitive speaker compared to MartinLogan ESL 9, hence will play louder with the same amount of watts.
One thing to keep in mind that the lower impedance speakers, especially the ones that are rated at 4 ohms may put more pressure on the amplifier unit comared to higher impedance speakers especially at high volume levels, so make sure the amp you pair with the Masterpiece Impression ESL 11A and the Masterpiece Impression ESL 11A can provide this impedance level.
Sensitivity
Floor-standing Speakers
Masterpiece Impression ESL 11A
Input Type and Bi-Amping / Bi-Wiring
ESL 9 features Binding post posts which make bi-amping or bi-wiring possible. Masterpiece Impression ESL 11A has a Binding post which doesn't feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
MartinLogan ESL 9's Binding post terminals allows Bi-amping or bi-wiring
Physical Specs
Size of a speaker can sometimes become an important decision factor due to space constraints or in some cases purely for esthetic reasons. In this section, we are going to compare MartinLogan Masterpiece Impression ESL 11A's and MartinLogan ESL 9's external dimensions. MartinLogan Masterpiece Impression ESL 11A has external dimensions of ( ) whereas MartinLogan ESL 9 has external dimensions of 1520.0 x 266.0 x 647.0mm ( 59-13/16 x 10-7/16 x 25-7/16inch) .
MartinLogan ESL 9 is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 266mm wider, 1520mm taller and 647mm deeper than MartinLogan Masterpiece Impression ESL 11A.
What's in the Box of MartinLogan ESL 9?
Here are the items that come with the ESL 9:
- Floorstanding hybrid electrostatic loudspeaker
- AC power adapter (w/ attached 10-feet DC cord)
- Grille
- 4 Spike Feet
- Users Manual
- Product Registration Card