SpeakerDecision
  • SPEAKERS
    • By Type
      Passive Bookshelf Speakers Passive Floor-standing Speakers Passive Center Channel Speakers Passive In-wall Speakers All Passive Speakers Powered Subwoofers Powered Stereo Speakers
      By Feature
      HDMI Input Room Correction Subwoofer Output Front Firing Port Handheld Remote Roon Ready
      By Brand
      Acoustic Energy Aperion ATC Audio-Technica Audioengine Bluesound Bowers Wilkins Buchardt Cambridge Audio Canton DALI Definitive Technology Dynaudio ELAC Emotiva Fluance Focal Fyne Audio Genelec GoldenEar Harbeth Jamo JBL Kanto KEF KLH Klipsch Leak Mackie Magnepan MartinLogan McIntosh Mission MoFi Monitor Audio Nuvo Onkyo OSD Paradigm Perlisten Polk Audio PS Audio PSB Q Acoustics REL Revel Russound Sennheiser Sonos Sonus faber Sony Spendor SVS Tannoy Technics Triangle Velodyne Victrola Wharfedale Wilson Audio Yamaha
  • AMPLIFIERS
    • By Type
      All Amplifiers Integrated Amplifiers Stereo Receivers Streaming Amplifiers Power Amplifiers Compact Amplifiers
      By Power
      Up to 60 watts 61 to 90 watts 91 to 120 watts 121 to 180 watts Over 180 watts
      By Feature
      HDMI Input Room Correction Subwoofer Output Handheld Remote Roon Ready
      Home Theater
      All Home Theater Receivers Anthem ARCAM Denon Integra JBL Marantz McIntosh NAD Onkyo Sony Yamaha
      Headphone Amps
      All Headphone Amplifiers Cambridge Audio iFi Audio McIntosh Naim Pro-Ject Rotel Schiit Audio Sennheiser Yamaha
      Multi-Zone
      All Multi-Zone Amplifiers JBL McIntosh OSD Rotel Russound Sonos
      By Brand
      Accuphase Advance Paris Anthem Arcam Audio Research AudioControl Audioengine Audiolab Bluesound Bose Buchardt Cambridge Audio Cayin Denon Devialet ELAC Emotiva Eversolo FiiO Fosi Audio Hegel HiFi Rose Integra JBL Layer Audio Design LEAK Luxman Marantz Mark Levinson McIntosh Michi MISSION MOON Musical Fidelity NAD Naim Onkyo OSD Parasound Pass Labs Peachtree PrimaLuna Primare PS Audio Rega Rogue Audio Roksan Rotel Schiit Audio Sonos Sony SVS T+A TEAC Technics Vincent WiiM Yamaha
  • SMART FIND
  • TOOLS
  • BLOG
  1. Home
  2. MartinLogan Speakers
  3. Passive Surround Speakers
  4. MartinLogan EFX
MartinLogan EFX Review
MartinLogan EFX - Front View

Compare To

Main Features

  • Electrostatic Tweeter
  • 6.5" Aluminium Woofer
  • 68-22k Hz Frequency Response
  • 90 dB Sensitivity
  • Impedance: 6ohms
  • Power Range: 20-300 watts
  • Weight: 24.47 lbs / 11.10 kg
  • Dimensions(HxWxD): 48-3/4"x9-3/8"x6-1/2" / 1239.0 x 238.0 x 165.0mm
MSRP: $4,400 (list price)
Check price atAmazon›
x
Add a Speaker for comparison
MartinLogan EFX Review
MartinLogan EFX MartinLogan EFX
Check price atAmazon›

Made by MartinLogan · United States · since 1982 · sold through dealers

MartinLogan EFX is a 2-way Passive Dipole Surround speaker by MartinLogan. It was released in 2011. It features a Electrostatic Tweeter and 1 x 6.5" Aluminium Woofer.

A hybrid surround speaker: the curved XStat CLS electrostatic panel above the crossover and a 6.5 inch woofer below it. 90 dB sensitive, 6 ohms, 20-300 W recommended, 68 Hz to 22 kHz. ElectroMotion is the entry point to MartinLogan's electrostatic and Folded Motion range.

The speaker has a frequency range of 68-22k Hz and a sensitivity of 90 dB. MartinLogan EFX has an MSRP of 4400$ per pair.

Room Size Suitability

The size of the room where you plan to use the MartinLogan EFX is a crucial factor in your decision. We have assessed its suitability for various room sizes based on its dimensions and maximum power output:

Listening Environment* Suitability
Near-fieldGood
Small RoomGood
Mid-size RoomAverage
Large RoomPoor
Very Large RoomNo way

(* Approximate Room sizes: Small < 100sq. ft / 9 m2, Mid-size: 100-220 sq. ft / 9-20 m2, Large 220-400 sq. ft / 20-36 m2, Very Large: > 400 sq. ft / 36 m2. Average Floor Height: 9" / 2.7m. Typical room sizes differ from country to country, and the actual listening experience changes depending on floor height, room shape, surface materials, listening position, speaker locations, etc.)

MartinLogan's ElectroMotion Series of Loudspeakers

EFX is a member of MartinLogan's ElectroMotion series of Passive speakers. The ElectroMotion range are MartinLogan's most affordable electrostatic hybrid speakers. Below you can see the main specs of these speakers.

See all 5 MartinLogan ElectroMotion models compared »

MartinLogan ElectroMotion Series Speakers
Model Frequency SensitivityImpedance Woofer
MartinLogan ESL C
Compare
66-23k Hz 89 dB4Ω 2 x 5.25"
MartinLogan ESL X
Compare
41-22k Hz 91 dB6Ω 2 x 8"
MartinLogan ESL
Compare
42-22k Hz 91 dB6Ω 1 x 8"
MartinLogan EFX
68-22k Hz 90 dB6Ω 1 x 6.5"
MartinLogan ElectroMotion FX2
Compare
55-25k Hz 93 dB5Ω 1 x 6.5"

Frequency Response of the MartinLogan EFX Speaker

MartinLogan EFX has a Frequency response range of 68-22k Hz and Power Range of 20-300 watts. With a minimum frequency of 68 Hz, it is hard to expect a strong bass response from EFX so depending on your use case, using a subwoofer will significantly help to widen the response range.

Here we have a comparison of how EFX's Low frequency value compares with the average, max and min Low frequency values in its class.
Low Frequency
Surround Speakers
MartinLogan EFX
Min
Average
Median
Thinking about a subwoofer for the MartinLogan EFX?
  • Work out the crossover setting - it follows from this speaker's 68 Hz low end
  • Powered subwoofers under $5,000 - a similar price range to these speakers
  • Every powered subwoofer we cover, whatever the budget

Crossover frequency of the MartinLogan EFX?

The crossover frequency of the EFX is set to 530Hz. This is the threshold frequency where the higher frequency signals over this level are sent to the tweeter and the lower-frequency signals are sent to the woofer by the crossover component.

MartinLogan EFX driver frequency bands68-530Woofer 6.5"530-22kTweeter20501002005001k2k5k10k20k40kHz, log scale

Impedance and Sensitivity

MartinLogan EFX's nominal impedance level is 6 ohms and has a sensitivity of 90 dB.

Sensitivity
Surround Speakers
MartinLogan EFX
Min
Average
Median

Nominal Impedance of the 6 Ohms makes the MartinLogan EFX a relatively difficult to drive speaker compared to more frequently found 8 ohms speakers from nominal Impedance perspective.

Sensitivity

90dB of the MartinLogan EFX is an average sensitivity for stereo speaker so it is neither easy nor difficult to drive Sensitivity wise. Work out how loud the MartinLogan EFX plays in your room →

Running more than one pair from a single amplifier? Check the load it would present →

What amplifier does the MartinLogan EFX need?

At normal listening levels in a medium room, about 10–160 W per channel into 6 ohms. Set your own conditions and we will rank every amplifier we cover.

We check power, impedance safety and current delivery - not just watts.

Prefer to browse? Integrated amplifiers under $5,000, or every amplifier we cover.

Input Type

EFX features Binding post type connectors. Bi-amping and Bi-wiring are not possible.

Work out what gauge speaker cable this run needs →

MartinLogan EFX External Dimensions and Weight

MartinLogan EFX has external dimensions of (Height x Width x Depth) 48-3/4 x 9-3/8 x 6-1/2inch (1239.0 x 238.0 x 165.0mm ).

Base Surface Area
Base surface area of a loudspeaker may become a determining factor when the space in your room or desk is limited. The base area of MartinLogan EFX is approximately 392.7cm2 / 60.9inch2.

Find speakers that fit your shelf or alcove →

Weight

The MartinLogan EFX weighs 11.10kg / 24.4lbs per piece. Here is a comparison of how EFX's weight compares with the average, max and min weights in its class.

Weight
All Surround Speakers
MartinLogan EFX
Min
Average
Median
Weight
Surround Speakers under $5,000
MartinLogan EFX
Min
Average
Max

Cabinet type and Materials

MartinLogan EFX has a Dipole type cabinet.

Does the MartinLogan EFX come with a Grille?

EFX comes with grilles. The purpose of the grille is to protect the delicate driver elements from external impacts while still allowing the sound to pass as clearly as possible.

Recommended Accessories

Here is a list of accessories that we think you may need for the MartinLogan EFX.

  • Speaker Cable and Connectors
    • Speaker Cables with Banana Plugs: If you know the lenght of the cable you need, this is the easier option to connect your speakers with your amp.
    • Speaker Cables without Connectors: If you are not sure about the lenght or need longer than standard cables with plugs, choose this option.
    • Banana Connectors and Plugs: If you chose the cables without connectors option or already have some cable around, pick the banana plugs separately.
  • Vibration Isolators: IsoAcoustics isolators are our favorite isolators but you may find more affordable options too.
  • Acoustic Panels and Treatments: Your room is as important as your stereo equipment so acoustic treatments goes a long way in improving the overall performance.

Official Product Page

Official manufacturer's product page for the MartinLogan EFX speaker can be found below:
Official Product Page for MartinLogan EFX

MartinLogan EFX Alternatives in Passive Surround Speakers
Model Type Sensitivity Impedance Frequency
MartinLogan ElectroMotion FX2
Compare
2-way 93 dB 5 ohms 55-25k Hz
MartinLogan ESL C
Compare
3-way 89 dB 4 ohms 66-23k Hz
MartinLogan ESL
Compare
2-way 91 dB 6 ohms 42-22k Hz
MartinLogan ESL X
Compare
2-way 91 dB 6 ohms 41-22k Hz
Frequently Asked Questions about MartinLogan EFX

What amplifier do you need for the MartinLogan EFX?

MartinLogan rates the MartinLogan EFX for 20-300 watts of amplifier power. It is a 6-ohm speaker, which most amplifiers and receivers handle without trouble.

Is the MartinLogan EFX easy to drive?

The MartinLogan EFX has a sensitivity of 90 dB. That is high: it goes loud on modest power, so it suits low-powered amplifiers, including valve/tube designs.

Does the MartinLogan EFX need a subwoofer?

The MartinLogan EFX reaches down to 68Hz (full range 68-22k Hz). That leaves the lowest octaves out, so a subwoofer will make a clear difference for films and bass-heavy music.

What drivers does the MartinLogan EFX use?

The MartinLogan EFX is a 2-way design using a Electrostatic tweeter and a 6.5" Aluminium woofer.

Is the MartinLogan EFX sealed or ported?

The MartinLogan EFX uses a Dipole enclosure.

Can the MartinLogan EFX be bi-wired or bi-amped?

No. The MartinLogan EFX has a single pair of terminals, so bi-wiring and bi-amping are not possible. It uses Binding post terminals.

Does the MartinLogan EFX come with grilles?

Yes. The MartinLogan EFX comes with removable grilles.

How big and heavy is the MartinLogan EFX?

The MartinLogan EFX weighs 11.10kg / 24.4lbs each and measures 48-3/4 x 9-3/8 x 6-1/2inch (HxWxD).

How much does the MartinLogan EFX cost?

The MartinLogan EFX has a manufacturer's list price (MSRP) of $4,400 per pair.


MartinLogan EFX Detailed Specifications

General
BrandMartinLogan
Full Model NameMartinLogan EFX
Speaker Type2-way Surround
Power Range20-300 watts
Sensitivity90 dB
Impedance6 ohms
Frequency Response68-22k Hz
Release Date2011
DRIVERS
Woofer Size6.5-inch
Woofer CompositionAluminium
Tweeter TypeElectrostatic
Crossover freq530Hz

CONNECTIONS
Connector TypeBinding post
Biamp InputsNo
PHYSICAL SPECS
Height1239.0mm ( 48-3/4-inch)
Width238.0mm ( 9-3/8-inch)
Depth165.0mm ( 6-1/2-inch)
Height1239.0mm ( 48-3/4-inch)
Weight11.1 kg (24.5 lbs)
EnclosureDipole
GrilleYes
Moisture ResistanceNo
OTHER
Handheld RemoteNo
Parts Warranty
Labor Warranty
Was this review useful?
Tell us what is missing or wrong and we will fix it.
Thanks. Anything you would add?
Optional, and it goes straight to the person who maintains this page.
Thanks - noted.
LATEST BLOG POSTS

JBL Summit Makalu: 44,995 Dollars and 12 Times the Amplifier of the Everest
NAD M33 V2 vs M33: Same 200 Watts, and 48 Percent More Than in 2020
PSB iQ2 vs iQ1: What 400 Dollars Buys Is a Cable You Do Not Need
Bowers & Wilkins 800 D5 vs D4: Same Published Specs, 30 to 56 Percent More Money
Arcam's Cheapest New Receiver Costs 47 Percent More. It Is Also the Only One That Changed.
Triangle Borea BR04 vs BR03: 50 Dollars More Buys 2 Hz, Bi-Wiring and a Bigger Box


Latest Passive Surround Speakers
Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-5103SA
Klipsch RP-5103SA
2-way Surround | | 8 ohms
Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-5203S
Klipsch RP-5203S
2-way Surround | 94 dB | 8 ohms
Monitor Audio Silver AMS 8G
Monitor Audio Silver AMS 8G
2-way Surround | 85.5 dB | 8 ohms
Monitor Audio Bronze AMS 7G
Monitor Audio Bronze AMS 7G
2-way Surround | 86 dB | 8 ohms
KEF Q8 Meta
KEF Q8 Meta
2-way Surround | 86 dB | 4 ohms
KEF Q4 Meta
KEF Q4 Meta
2-way Surround | 86 dB | 4 ohms
ELAC Debut 3.0 DA43
ELAC Debut 3.0 DA43
2-way Surround | 84 dB | 6 ohms
SVS Ultra Evolution Elevation
SVS Ultra Evolution Elevation
2-way Surround | 87 dB | 6 ohms
Emotiva Airmotiv XA2
Emotiva Airmotiv XA2
2-way Surround | 86 dB | 4 ohms
Definitive Technology Dymension DM90
Definitive Technology Dymension DM90
2-way Surround | 90 dB | 4 ohms


This site contains affiliate links. We may be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking through one of them. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Copyright © 2026 by SpeakerDecision
About Privacy Contact US Camera Decision