Audiophile electrostatic speaker maker MartinLogan has introduced updated versions of its Script wall-mount surrounds, Cinema center channel, and Theater reference standard center channel loudspeakers.
The new models carry the ‘i’ designation – Script i, Cinema i, Theater i – to distinguish them from the earlier versions. Key improvements in the new line-up include MartinLogan’s Generation 2 stat panel featuring ClearSpar technology, MicroPerf stators, low-voltage DC power, improved low-frequency performance, enhanced cabinet and stator finishes, and flexible mounting and installation features.
All speakers are now shipping. The Script i surrounds retail at $1,995 per pair (US); the Cinema i center channel is priced at $1795 each (US); and the Theater i reference center channel is listed at $2795 each (US).
“The world’s most accurate transducer – the patented MartinLogan CLS (curvilinear line source) ESL – has advanced to a new level. The i’s Generation 2 stat panel featuring ClearSparâ„¢ and MicroPerf stator technology provides astounding output and detail from our proprietary ESL transducer.”
The new Generation 2 stat panels incorporate a reformulation of MartinLogan’s conductive coating and a new plasma deposition process. This refined thin film technology provides improved impedance tolerance and maximum adhesion and abrasion resistance.
The new MicroPerf design reduces the size of individual holes in the stator, allowing more openings compared to a traditional MartinLogan ESL transducer. This maximizes the efficiency of the small ESL transducers in each of the new models.
ClearSparâ„¢ technology enhances the transparent look of the new speakers, and increases both efficiency and dynamics.
MartinLogan has redeveloped the successful Script surround loudspeaker from the ground up, marrying the performance of the original Script with the lifestyle- and video-friendly look and styling of the recently-introduced Clarity loudspeaker.
Script i maintains its high frequency response and precision with advanced crossover topology, audiophile-grade components and point-to-point wiring.
In addition to the upgraded electrostatic technologies of the new series speakers, the discretely-sized Script i also offers a state-of-the-art poly-cone woofer optimized for bass reflex design that delivers an accurate low-end response.
To eliminate the need for a traditional IEC power cord and significantly increase ease of installation, especially for custom applications, the Script i features a low-voltage DC power supply. To further enhance custom application options, the Script i is only 7 inches deep when mounted on its pivoting wall-bracket (included with the Script i).
The new Theater i center channel speaker fuses the high-performance Generation 2 CLS transducer with dual proprietary 6.5″ dynamic bass drivers and an innovative controlled-dispersion array. This has resulted in a design capable of fully resolving any sound from the subtlest dialog to room-shaking effects. Theater i’s innovative controlled dispersion array maintains precise frequency versus dispersion, minimizing destructive room interactions.
Theater i’s custom designed components, along with its electrostatic and dynamic drivers, all combine to insure the highest levels ever of transparency, linearity and seamless integration. The speaker is fully shielded, for zero impact on picture quality.
To further enhance custom application options, the Theater i ships with a multi-mount stand attached. Whether the Theater i is placed atop a rear projection TV, wall mounted under a plasma screen or placed on the floor, the unit can be precisely aimed simply by adjusting the proprietary MartinLogan handgrips.
Like the Script i and Theater i, the Cinema i leverages all of MartinLogan’s engineering, design and manufacturing prowess to deliver a high standard of performance at an affordable price.
Enhanced cabinet and stator finishes and standard on both the Cinema i and the Theater i center channels. The finishes include an attractive and durable new semi-gloss black cabinet finish and shimmering, dark gray Meteor colored stator (the front and back perforated steel electrostatic panel elements).
Both center channel models are supplied with single-wire, high-resolution, proprietary toolless binding posts for effortless cable attachment and management.