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MartinLogan ESL Review
MartinLogan ElectroMotion ESL

Main Features

  • 8.6x34" curved electrostatic transducer Tweeter
  • 8" high-excursion paper cone Woofer
  • 42-22k Hz Frequency Response
  • 91 dB Sensitivity
  • Impedance: 6ohms
  • Power Range: 20-300watts
  • Weight:35.50 lbs / 16.14 kg
  • Dimensions(HxWxD): 53-1/8"x9-5/16"x16-1/2" / 1350.0 x 237.0 x 420.0mm
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MartinLogan ESL Review
MartinLogan ESL MartinLogan ESL
See at AMAZON

MartinLogan ElectroMotion ESL is a 2-way Passive Bass Reflex Floor-standing speaker by MartinLogan. It features a 8.6x34" curved electrostatic transducer Tweeter and 1 x 8" high-excursion paper cone Woofer. The speaker has a frequency range of 42-22k Hz and a sensitivity of 91 dB.

Room Size Suitability

The size of the room where you plan to use the MartinLogan ESL 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-fieldBad
Small RoomPoor
Mid-size RoomAverage
Large RoomGood
Very Large RoomAverage

(* 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

ESL is a member of MartinLogan's ElectroMotion series of Passive speakers. Below you can see the main specs of these speakers.

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
42-22k Hz 91 dB6Ω 1 x 8"


**This post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking through my links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Frequency Response of the MartinLogan ESL Speaker

MartinLogan ESL has a Frequency response range of 42-22k Hz at ±3dB and Power Range of 20-300 watts. With a minimum frequency of 42 Hz, ESL delivers deep bass that will likely satisfy most listeners, especially those who enjoy music. However, movie enthusiasts and music fans who prefer a full range of sound may still benefit from adding a subwoofer.

Visit our Powered Subwoofers section to find out more about the available subwoofer options.
Here we have a comparison of how ESL's Low and High frequency values compare with the average, max and min Low and High frequency values in its class.
Low Frequency
Floor-standing Speakers
MartinLogan ESL
Min
Average
Max
High Frequency
Floor-standing Speakers
MartinLogan ESL
Min
Average
Max

Impedance and Sensitivity

MartinLogan ESL's nominal impedance level is 6 ohms and has a sensitivity of 91 dB.

Sensitivity
Floor-standing Speakers
MartinLogan ESL
Min
Average
Max

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

Sensitivity

91dB of the MartinLogan ElectroMotion ESL is considered a high sensitivity compared to average stereo speaker which makes ESL an easy to drive from Sensitivity perspective. If you are planning to power your speaker with a Tube amp which are generally very low power, the MartinLogan ESL will be a good choice.

Check the amplifiers that are in a similar price range to the MartinLogan ESL:

  • Integrated Amps under USD
  • Integrated Amps under USD
  • Integrated Amps under 500 USD
  • All Integrated Amplifiers

Input Type

ESL features Spring post type connectors. Bi-amping and Bi-wiring are not possible.

MartinLogan ESL External Dimensions and Weight

MartinLogan ESL has external dimensions of (Height x Width x Depth) 53-1/8 x 9-5/16 x 16-1/2inch (1350.0 x 237.0 x 420.0mm ).

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 ESL is approximately 995.4cm2 / 154.3inch2.

To get a better perspective on the real life size of MartinLogan ESL, let's compare it with a standard size Compact Disc which has a diameter of 4.7inch (120mm).

MartinLogan ESL Real Life Body Size Comparison
MartinLogan ESL Speaker Size Compared to a Compact Disc

Here we place the MartinLogan ESL virtually next to a standard width amplifier and turntable on a media center to get a better idea about the size.

MartinLogan ESL placed next to a Media Stand
MartinLogan ESL Floor-standing Speaker next to a Media Stand

Weight

The MartinLogan ESL weighs 16.14kg / 35.5lbs per piece. Here is a comparison of how ESL's weight compares with the average, max and min weights in its class.

Weight
All Floor-standing Speakers
MartinLogan ESL
Min
Average
Max

Cabinet type and Materials

MartinLogan ESL has a Bass Reflex type cabinet and a Composite finish. Bass Reflex type loudspeakers (aka Ported, Vented or Reflex Port) have enclosures that uses a port, hole or vent cut into the cabinet. Ported designs are generally more efficient than the Sealed designs.

Speaker Feet

MartinLogan ESL comes with 4 Pre-installed feet which you can use to secure your loudspeaker on the surface that you are putting on.

It is always recommended to use some kind of feet under all types of speakers. Besides limiting the movement of the speakers, it also compensates for non-flat surfaces and limits the contact surface area of the speaker. Rubber based feet also help isolating the vibrations within certain frequency ranges.

Available colors

MartinLogan ESL is available in Black.

Does the MartinLogan ESL come with a Grille?

ESL 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.

What's in the Box of MartinLogan ESL?

Here are the items that are included inside the box of ESL:
  • Floor-standing hybrid electrostatic loudspeaker
  • AC power adapter (w/ attached 10-feet DC cord)
  • Cloth grille (installed)
  • 4 Pre-installed feet
  • Users Manual (En/Fr)
  • Product Registration Card
  • Recommended Accessories

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

    • 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 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.

    Warranty

    5 Yrs w/ Registration of parts warranty and 5 Yrs w/ Registration of labor warranty is generally provided by the manufacturer.

    Related Videos

    MartinLogan ElectroMotion ESL Alternatives in Passive Floor-standing Speakers
    Model Type Sensitivity Impedance Frequency
    MartinLogan ESL X
    Compare
    2-way 91 dB 6 ohms 41-22k Hz
    B&W 603
    Compare
    3-way 88.5 dB 8 ohms 48-28k Hz
    MartinLogan ESL C
    Compare
    3-way 89 dB 4 ohms 66-23k Hz
    Klipsch RP-8000F II
    Compare
    2-way 98 dB 8 ohms 32-25k Hz
    Klipsch R-820F
    Compare
    2-way 97 dB 8 ohms 35-21k Hz
    Polk R700
    Compare
    3-way 88 dB 8 ohms 38-38k Hz
    Klipsch R-625FA
    Compare
    2-way 96 dB 8 ohms 38-21k Hz
    Klipsch R-610F
    Compare
    2-way 94 dB 8 ohms 45-21k Hz
    Frequently Asked Questions about MartinLogan ElectroMotion ESL
    What is the External Dimensions of MartinLogan ElectroMotion ESL
    What is the Speaker Sensitivity of MartinLogan ElectroMotion ESL
    is the MartinLogan ElectroMotion ESL an easy to drive speaker?

    MartinLogan ESL Detailed Specifications

    General
    BrandMartinLogan
    Full Model NameMartinLogan ElectroMotion ESL
    Speaker Type2-way Floor-standing
    Power Range20-300 watts
    Sensitivity91 dB
    Impedance6 ohms
    Frequency Response42-22k Hz
    DRIVERS
    Woofer Size8-inch
    Woofer Compositionhigh-excursion paper cone
    Woofer SurroundRubber
    Tweeter Size8.6x34-inch
    Tweeter Typecurved electrostatic transducer

    CONNECTIONS
    Connector TypeSpring post
    Biamp InputsNo
    PHYSICAL SPECS
    Height1350.0mm ( 53-1/8-inch)
    Width237.0mm ( 9-5/16-inch)
    Depth420.0mm ( 16-1/2-inch)
    Height1350.0mm ( 53-1/8-inch)
    Weight16.14kg ( 35.50 lbs)
    EnclosureBass Reflex
    FinishComposite
    Available ColorsBlack
    Mounting BracketNo
    GrilleYes
    Moisture ResistanceNo
    OTHER
    Handheld RemoteNo
    Parts Warranty5 Yrs w/ Registration
    Labor Warranty5 Yrs w/ Registration
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