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MartinLogan ElectroMotion ESL C Review
MartinLogan ElectroMotion ESL C

Main Features

  • 1 x 1-7/16" Folded Motion Tweeter
  • 2 x 5.25" high-rigidity aluminum woofers Woofer
  • 66-23k Hz Frequency Response
  • 89 dB Sensitivity
  • Impedance: 4ohms
  • Power Range: 20-300watts
  • Weight:32.00 lbs / 14.55 kg
  • Dimensions(HxWxD): 7-5/8"x22-7/8"x16-1/8" / 194.0 x 582.0 x 410.0mm
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MartinLogan ESL C Review
MartinLogan ESL C MartinLogan ESL C
See at AMAZON

MartinLogan ElectroMotion ESL C is a 3-way Passive Passive Radiator Center Channel speaker by MartinLogan. Center channel speaker is an important component of a home theater system set-up as it delivers the listener significant part of the on-screen dialogue from your television. It features a 1 x 1-7/16" Folded Motion Tweeter, x 9 x 6.375" Midrange and 2 x 5.25" high-rigidity aluminum woofers Woofer. The speaker has a frequency range of 66-23k Hz and a sensitivity of 89 dB. MartinLogan ESL C has an MSRP of 1700$.

Room Size Suitability

The size of the room where you plan to use the MartinLogan ESL C 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-fieldPoor
Small RoomPoor
Mid-size RoomGood
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 ESL C Speaker Structure
MartinLogan ESL C Speaker Structure

MartinLogan's ElectroMotion Series of Loudspeakers

ElectroMotion ESL C 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
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"


**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 C Speaker

MartinLogan ESL C has a Frequency response range of 66-23k Hz at ±3dB and Power Range of 20-300 watts. Here we have a comparison of how ElectroMotion ESL C's Low and High frequency values compare with the average, max and min Low and High frequency values in its class.

Low Frequency
Center Channel Speakers
MartinLogan ESL C
Min
Average
Max
High Frequency
Center Channel Speakers
MartinLogan ESL C
Min
Average
Max

Impedance and Sensitivity

MartinLogan ESL C's nominal impedance level is 4 ohms and has a sensitivity of 89 dB.

Sensitivity
Center Channel Speakers
MartinLogan ESL C
Min
Average
Max

Nominal Impedance of the 4 Ohms means that the MartinLogan ElectroMotion ESL C is a difficult to drive speaker from nominal Impedance perspective, make sure that you choose an amplifier than can provide 4 Ohms for this speaker.
Many AVRs (audio/video receiver) in the market may have difficulty when the speakers dip below the 4 Ohms levels (this may cause clipping or even physical damage), so we recommend to not pair the MartinLogan ElectroMotion ESL C with an AVR but use an Integrated Amplifier instead.

Sensitivity

89dB of the MartinLogan ElectroMotion ESL C is an average sensitivity for stereo speaker so it is neither easy nor difficult to drive Sensitivity wise.

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

  • Integrated Amps under 1500 USD
  • Integrated Amps under 2000 USD
  • Integrated Amps under 3000 USD
  • All Integrated Amplifiers

Input Type

ElectroMotion ESL C features Binding post type connectors. Bi-amping and Bi-wiring are not possible.
MartinLogan ESL C Back View
MartinLogan ESL C Back View

Recommended Break In

Allow 72 hours of break-in at 90 dB.

MartinLogan ESL C External Dimensions and Weight

MartinLogan ESL C has external dimensions of (Height x Width x Depth) 7-5/8 x 22-7/8 x 16-1/8inch (194.0 x 582.0 x 410.0mm ).

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 C is approximately 2386.2cm2 / 369.9inch2.

Weight

The MartinLogan ESL C weighs 14.55kg / 32lbs per piece. Here is a comparison of how ElectroMotion ESL C's weight compares with the average, max and min weights in its class.

Weight
All Center Channel Speakers
MartinLogan ESL C
Min
Average
Max
Weight
Center Channel Speakers under $2000
MartinLogan ESL C
Min
Average
Max

Cabinet type and Materials

MartinLogan ESL C has a Passive Radiator type cabinet.

MartinLogan ESL C  - Side View
MartinLogan ESL C - Side View

Available colors

MartinLogan ESL C is available in Black.

Does the MartinLogan ESL C come with a Grille?

ElectroMotion ESL C 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 C?

Here are the items that are included inside the box of ElectroMotion ESL C:
  • Center-channel loudspeaker
  • Grille
  • AC power supply (attached 10-feet DC cord)
  • User-feets 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 C.

    • 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.

    User's Manual

    For more information about how to setup, use and maintain the MartinLogan ElectroMotion ESL C, use the direct link below to download the official manual document:
    Download User Manual for MartinLogan ESL C

    Official Brochure

    Here is a link to download the official brochure for the MartinLogan ElectroMotion ESL C speaker:
    Official Brochure for MartinLogan ESL C

    Official Product Page

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

    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 C Alternatives in Passive Center Channel Speakers
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    MartinLogan Motion XT C100
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    2-way 93 dB 5 ohms 42-25k Hz
    MartinLogan 50XTi
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    3-way 94 dB 4 ohms 50-25k Hz
    MartinLogan ESL X
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    2-way 91 dB 6 ohms 41-22k Hz
    MartinLogan ESL
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    2-way 91 dB 6 ohms 42-22k Hz
    Emotiva Airmotiv C2+
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    3-way 92 dB 4 ohms 45 Hz – 28 kHz
    B&W HTM71 S3
    Compare
    3-way 89 dB 8 ohms 50-28k Hz
    KEF R6 Meta
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    3-way 88 dB 4 ohms 65-28k Hz
    Klipsch RP-450C
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    2-way 97 dB 8 ohms 58-25k Hz
    Frequently Asked Questions about MartinLogan ElectroMotion ESL C
    What is the External Dimensions of MartinLogan ElectroMotion ESL C
    What is the Speaker Sensitivity of MartinLogan ElectroMotion ESL C
    is the MartinLogan ElectroMotion ESL C an easy to drive speaker?

    MartinLogan ESL C Detailed Specifications

    General
    BrandMartinLogan
    Full Model NameMartinLogan ElectroMotion ESL C
    Speaker Type3-way Center Channel
    Suggested Break-in PeriodAllow 72 hours of break-in at 90 dB
    Power Range20-300 watts
    Sensitivity89 dB
    Impedance4 ohms
    Frequency Response66-23k Hz
    DRIVERS
    Woofer Size5.25-inch
    Woofer Compositionhigh-rigidity aluminum woofers
    Tweeter Size1 x 1-7/16-inch
    Tweeter TypeFolded Motion
    Midrange Size9 x 6.375-inch

    CONNECTIONS
    Connector TypeBinding post
    PHYSICAL SPECS
    Height194.0mm ( 7-5/8-inch)
    Width582.0mm ( 22-7/8-inch)
    Depth410.0mm ( 16-1/8-inch)
    Height194.0mm ( 7-5/8-inch)
    Weight14.55kg ( 32.00 lbs)
    EnclosurePassive Radiator
    Available ColorsBlack
    Mounting BracketNo
    GrilleYes
    Moisture ResistanceNo
    OTHER
    Handheld RemoteNo
    Parts Warranty5 Yrs w/ Registration
    Labor Warranty5 Yrs w/ Registration
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