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  2. MartinLogan Speakers
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  4. MartinLogan Expression ESL 13A
MartinLogan Expression ESL 13A Review
MartinLogan Expression ESL 13A - Front View

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Main Features

  • Electrostatic Tweeter
  • 2 x 10" Aluminium Woofer
  • 24-23k Hz Frequency Response
  • 91 dB Sensitivity
  • 300-watt RMS Integrated Amplifier
  • Impedance: 4ohms
  • Power Range: 20-600 watts
  • Weight: 103.18 lbs / 46.80 kg
  • Dimensions(HxWxD): 61-7/16"x13-3/8"x27-1/2" / 1561.0 x 339.0 x 699.0mm
MSRP: $18,000 (list price)
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MartinLogan Expression ESL 13A Review
MartinLogan Expression ESL 13A MartinLogan Expressi...
Check price atAmazon›

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

MartinLogan Expression ESL 13A is a 2-way Powered Dipole Floor-standing speaker by MartinLogan. It was released in 2017. Expression ESL 13A's built-in amplifier provides 300-watt RMS. The built-in power amplifier saves space & eliminates the need to connect MartinLogan Expression ESL 13A to a stereo receiver or external power amp. It features a Electrostatic Tweeter and 2 x 10" Aluminium Woofer.

A hybrid floorstander: the curved XStat CLS electrostatic panel above the crossover and 2 x 10 inch woofers below it. 91 dB sensitive, 4 ohms, 20-600 W recommended, 24 Hz to 23 kHz, with 2 x 300 W of built-in Class D amplification on the bass. Masterpiece is MartinLogan's electrostatic flagship line: a curved XStat CLS panel for everything above the crossover, and powered, DSP-corrected cone woofers below it.

The speaker has a frequency range of 24-23k Hz and a sensitivity of 91 dB. MartinLogan Expression ESL 13A has an MSRP of 18000$ per pair.

MartinLogan's Masterpiece Series of Loudspeakers

Expression ESL 13A is a member of MartinLogan's Masterpiece series of Powered speakers. The Masterpiece range are MartinLogan's flagship electrostatic speakers, with large curved electrostatic panels. Below you can see the main specs of these speakers.

MartinLogan Masterpiece Series Speakers
Model Frequency Watts RMSMax Depth / Sample Rate Woofer
MartinLogan Expression ESL 13A
24-23k Hz 300-watt— 2 x 10"
MartinLogan Renaissance ESL 15A
Compare
22-21k Hz 500-watt— 2 x 12"
MartinLogan Illusion ESL C34A
Compare
45-23k Hz 250-watt— 4 x 6.5"

Frequency Response of the MartinLogan Expression ESL 13A Speaker

MartinLogan Expression ESL 13A has a Frequency response range of 24-23k Hz and Power Range of 20-600 watts. With a minimum frequency of 24 Hz, Expression ESL 13A 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.

Here we have a comparison of how Expression ESL 13A's Low frequency value compares with the average, max and min Low frequency values in its class.
Low Frequency
Floor-standing Speakers
MartinLogan Expression ESL 13A
Min
Average
Median
Thinking about a subwoofer for the MartinLogan Expression ESL 13A?
  • Every powered subwoofer we cover, whatever the budget

Crossover frequency of the MartinLogan Expression ESL 13A?

The crossover frequency of the Expression ESL 13A is set to 300Hz. 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 Expression ESL 13A driver frequency bands24-300Woofer 10"300-23kTweeter20501002005001k2k5k10k20k40kHz, log scale

Inputs and Outputs

  • USB Port:
  • Subwoofer Output
  • Digital Input:
  • HDMI Input:
  • Headphone Jack:
  • Ethernet Port

MartinLogan Expression ESL 13A External Dimensions and Weight

MartinLogan Expression ESL 13A has external dimensions of (Height x Width x Depth) 61-7/16 x 13-3/8 x 27-1/2inch (1561.0 x 339.0 x 699.0mm ).

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 Expression ESL 13A is approximately 2369.6cm2 / 367.3inch2.

Find speakers that fit your shelf or alcove →  ·  Work out where they should sit in the room →

Weight

The MartinLogan Expression ESL 13A weighs 46.80kg / 103lbs per piece. Here is a comparison of how Expression ESL 13A's weight compares with the average, max and min weights in its class.

Weight
All Floor-standing Speakers
MartinLogan Expression ESL 13A
Min
Average
Median
Weight
Floor-standing Speakers under $20,000
MartinLogan Expression ESL 13A
Min
Average
Max

Cabinet type and Materials

MartinLogan Expression ESL 13A has a Dipole type cabinet.

Does the MartinLogan Expression ESL 13A come with a Grille?

Expression ESL 13A 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 Expression ESL 13A.

  • 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 Expression ESL 13A speaker can be found below:
Official Product Page for MartinLogan Expression ESL 13A

MartinLogan Expression ESL 13A Alternatives in Powered Floor-standing Speakers
Model Type Watts RMS Bluetooth Frequency
MartinLogan Illusion ESL C34A
Compare
2-way 250w 45-23k Hz
MartinLogan Renaissance ESL 15A
Compare
2-way 500w 22-21k Hz
Frequently Asked Questions about MartinLogan Expression ESL 13A

Does the MartinLogan Expression ESL 13A need an amplifier?

The MartinLogan Expression ESL 13A is an active speaker with a 300-watt RMS built-in amplifier. You do not need a separate amplifier or receiver - just a source.

Does the MartinLogan Expression ESL 13A need a subwoofer?

The MartinLogan Expression ESL 13A reaches down to 24Hz (full range 24-23k Hz). That is genuinely deep bass - a subwoofer is optional unless you want home-theatre effects below that.

What drivers does the MartinLogan Expression ESL 13A use?

The MartinLogan Expression ESL 13A is a 2-way design using a Electrostatic tweeter and 2 x 10" Aluminium woofers.

Is the MartinLogan Expression ESL 13A sealed or ported?

The MartinLogan Expression ESL 13A uses a Dipole enclosure.

Does the MartinLogan Expression ESL 13A come with grilles?

Yes. The MartinLogan Expression ESL 13A comes with removable grilles.

How big and heavy is the MartinLogan Expression ESL 13A?

The MartinLogan Expression ESL 13A weighs 46.80kg / 103lbs each and measures 61-7/16 x 13-3/8 x 27-1/2inch (HxWxD).

How much does the MartinLogan Expression ESL 13A cost?

The MartinLogan Expression ESL 13A has a manufacturer's list price (MSRP) of $18,000 per pair.


MartinLogan Expression ESL 13A Detailed Specifications

General
BrandMartinLogan
Full Model NameMartinLogan Expression ESL 13A
Speaker Type2-way Floor-standing
Power Range20-600 watts
Sensitivity91 dB
Impedance4 ohms
Frequency Response24-23k Hz
Release Date2017
Amplifier Specs
Watts RMS300 watts
TypeClass D
DAC Specs
DRIVERS
Woofer Size10-inch
Woofer CompositionAluminium
Tweeter TypeElectrostatic
Crossover freq300Hz
DIGITAL ECOSYSTEM
Amplifier Output300

CONNECTIONS
Connector TypeBinding post
Biamp InputsNo
PHYSICAL SPECS
Height1561.0mm ( 61-7/16-inch)
Width339.0mm ( 13-3/8-inch)
Depth699.0mm ( 27-1/2-inch)
Height1561.0mm ( 61-7/16-inch)
Weight46.8 kg (103.2 lbs)
EnclosureDipole
GrilleYes
Moisture ResistanceNo
OTHER
Handheld RemoteNo
Parts Warranty
Labor Warranty
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