The MartinLogan Classic ESL 9 is a reference-quality hybrid electrostatic loudspeaker that combines nearly four decades of MartinLogan engineering with modern acoustic innovations. Designed as part of the acclaimed Masterpiece Series, it pairs a full-size 44-inch XStat™ CLS™ electrostatic panel with dual 8-inch aluminum woofers to produce breathtaking transparency, expansive soundstaging, and authoritative bass. The result is a loudspeaker capable of revealing every nuance of a recording while maintaining exceptional musicality and dynamic realism.
At the heart of the Classic ESL 9 is MartinLogan's advanced XStat™ Curvilinear Line Source electrostatic transducer featuring MicroPerf™ stator technology. By increasing the active diaphragm area without enlarging the panel itself, the design delivers greater efficiency, higher output capability, and even lower distortion. The proprietary Vojtko™ crossover and custom-wound transformer ensure a seamless transition between the electrostatic panel and the dual aluminum woofers, preserving the speed, detail, and coherence for which MartinLogan electrostatic speakers are renowned.
Deep, articulate bass is produced by two 8-inch high-excursion aluminum woofers housed in a rigid, non-resonant bass reflex enclosure. The sculpted AirFrame Blade™ architecture not only enhances the speaker's elegant appearance but also minimizes vibration and resonance, allowing the electrostatic panel to perform with maximum precision. Premium crossover components, including air-core coils and low-DCR steel laminate inductors, further contribute to the speaker's exceptional clarity and accuracy.
Ideal for reference two-channel listening and high-end home theater systems, the Classic ESL 9 delivers the signature electrostatic experience with remarkable scale, transparency, and effortless dynamics. Its combination of advanced electrostatic technology, powerful low-frequency performance, and sophisticated industrial design makes it one of MartinLogan's most accomplished passive hybrid loudspeakers, offering an immersive listening experience that faithfully reproduces every detail of the original performance
- Component type: Hybrid electrostatic floorstanding speaker
- High-frequency / midrange driver: 44-inch × 9.2-inch XStat™ CLS™ Curvilinear Electrostatic Transducer
- Electrostatic radiating area: 405 sq in (2,621 cm²)
- Low-frequency drivers: Dual 8-inch high-excursion aluminum cone woofers with cast baskets
- Frequency response: 34 Hz – 23 kHz (±3 dB)
- Sensitivity: 90 dB (2.83V/1m)
- Impedance: 4 ohms nominal (0.8 ohms minimum at 20 kHz)
- Recommended amplifier power: 50–400 W per channel
- Crossover frequency: 380 Hz
- Horizontal dispersion: 30°
- Vertical dispersion: 44-inch line source
- Inputs: Custom 5-way bi-wire binding posts
- Enclosure: Bass reflex cabinet with AirFrame Blade™ construction
- Dimensions (H × W × D): 59.8 × 10.4 × 25.4 in (152 × 26.4 × 64.6 cm)
- Weight: 78 lb (35.4 kg) each
- Finishes: Gloss Black, Dark Cherrywood
- Design features: XStat™ CLS™ electrostatic panel, MicroPerf™ stator technology, AirFrame Blade™ architecture, Vojtko™ crossover, custom-wound audio transformer, dual aluminum woofers