MartinLogan Classic ESL 9 Floorstanding Speaker (Each)
Best floorstanding speaker for audiophiles seeking unparalleled clarity and immersive sound.
Experience audio like never before with the MartinLogan Classic ESL 9 Floorstanding Speaker. This speaker masterfully blends familiar electrostatic design with cutting-edge enhancements for a truly immersive soundstage. Its 9.2-inch CLS XStat electrostatic transducer, featuring Advanced MicroPerf technology, delivers exceptional clarity and output. Complementing this are dual 8-inch aluminum cone woofers in an opposing array, providing deep, accurate bass with minimal vibration. The precision Vojtko crossover ensures seamless integration and preserves the finest sonic details, offering unparalleled purity and openness.
$3187.49
More Classic ESL Options
Owner Satisfaction
4.5
/ 5
Category Rank
3269
/ 8447
#3269 in Speakers
Price vs Category Average
+118%
Above average
Frequency Response
34230003
/ –, Hz ±dB
Who it's for
- Audiophiles seeking lifelike clarity and subtle musical nuances
- Listeners desiring a massive, three-dimensional soundstage
- Music lovers wanting deep bass paired with electrostatic speed
Who should skip it
- Room owners with limited space for proper speaker positioning
- Budget shoppers lacking high-current, stable amplification
- Minimalists needing compact speakers without extra power cables
Performance breakdown
Electrostatic Clarity
MicroPerf technology delivers an exceptionally transparent and open high-frequency soundstage.
Bass Precision
Dual aluminum woofers provide deep, punchy lows with minimal cabinet vibration.
Build Integrity
AirFrame Blade construction ensures a rigid, resonance-free foundation for critical listening.
Driver Integration
Vojtko crossover engineering creates a seamless transition between electrostatic and dynamic drivers.
System Versatility
Transparent design allows these speakers to pair beautifully with diverse electronics.
Setup Convenience
Tool-less binding posts make bi-wiring and cable management remarkably straightforward.
Key Specs
Frequency Response
34–23,000 Hz ±3dB
Transducer Size
9.2-inch XStat CLS
Woofer Configuration
Dual 8-inch aluminum cones
Dimensions
44″ x 9.2″
Weight
0.00000000 lbs
Available Finishes
Dark Cherry, Gloss Black, Walnut
Number of Drivers
2
Connectivity
Custom 5-way bi-wire tool-less binding posts
Features
- Life-changing audio performance
- 9.2-inch electrostatic transducer for clarity
- Dual 8-inch woofers in opposing array
- Ultra-rigid AirFrame Blade construction
- Seamless driver integration via Vojtko crossover
- Tool-less, custom 5-way bi-wire binding posts
- Engineered for transparency with any electronics
- Increased diaphragm surface area via MicroPerf
What customers say
Customers overwhelmingly praise the MartinLogan Classic ESL 9 for its signature electrostatic transparency, delivering an incredibly detailed and lifelike soundstage. Vocals exhibit breathtaking clarity, and the speed of the panel reveals subtle recording nuances. The hybrid design offers powerful, articulate bass, though achieving seamless integration requires careful room placement and quality amplification. While the premium price is noted, many consider this speaker a worthwhile investment for the unparalleled listening experience. Success hinges on pairing it with high-current amplification to fully unlock its sonic potential.
Know before you buy
The 9.2-inch XStat electrostatic transducer uses a thin, lightweight diaphragm that moves with extreme speed and precision. This design minimizes distortion and provides a level of clarity and transparency that traditional cone drivers often struggle to match.
The dual aluminum cone woofers are arranged in an opposing array to cancel out cabinet vibrations. This configuration allows the speaker to produce deep, punchy bass while keeping the sound clean and free from unwanted resonance.
While these speakers are engineered for transparency and work well with a wide range of electronics, they perform best with high-quality amplifiers that can handle their impedance characteristics. Ensure your amplifier is stable into 4-ohm loads to get the most out of the electrostatic panels.
Yes, the speakers feature custom 5-way bi-wire binding posts. These are designed to be tool-less, making it easy to connect your cables securely without needing a wrench or screwdriver.
Each speaker stands 44 inches tall and 9.2 inches wide. Because they utilize an open-back electrostatic design, they perform best when placed a few feet away from the front wall to allow the sound to radiate properly into your room.
The AirFrame Blade is an ultra-rigid structure that holds the electrostatic panel securely in place. By minimizing vibration and maximizing stability, it ensures that the panel remains perfectly positioned to deliver accurate, detailed sound.
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