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 ClearSpar™ 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.

ClearSpar™ 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.

MartinLogan Web Site

Canton has introduced the Movie CD-1, a 5.1-channel speaker system that delivers all the dynamics and excitement of home theater in small and attractive satellite speakers that reflect the company’s historic commitment to both sound and design.

The package consists of four identical aluminum microspeakers, a matched horizontal center-channel, and a small but powerful subwoofer.

The Movie CD-1 home theater system is currently shipping, available at a suggested retail price of $1099 (US).

Canton says that unlike many subwoofer-satellite mini-systems, the Movie CD-1 models are far more than just smaller speakers. Canton engineering and design advances in driver, circuitry, and cabinet design give the CD-1 satellites a frequency response of 80 Hz to 25 kHz from a speaker that measures just over 5-inches tall, and under 4-inches deep and wide.

Among the advances that allow this feat are a new, proprietary 3-inch aluminum woofer, high-integrity aluminum housing, a 3.6 kHz crossover network, and a sophisticated passive filter circuit which blocks unwanted low-frequency signals that can generate harmonic distortions.

The CD-1 Center-channel incorporates the same technologies and drivers as the satellites, but features a two-woofer, single-tweeter horizontal arrangement that provides outstanding midrange performance, so important for the reproduction of dialogue in movies. The tapered housing allows for easy ’tilting’ of the speaker, and the horizontal driver array improves linearity across the soundstage. The CD-1 center-channel features the same aluminum housing and perforated metal grille as the satellites.

The CD-1 Subwoofer uses Canton’s exclusive SC technology to deliver excellent deep bass response and very low distortion. The active SC electronic filter is integrated into the 100-Watt onboard amplifier circuit, and computer-designed to adjust the response curve to compensate for the acoustic characteristics of the housing and driver. This both blocks unwanted infrasonic signals, which can cause distortion from excessive driver excursion, and improves the speaker’s output response curve across the frequency range. The result is a frequency response that pushes all the way down to 38 Hz and provides tight and linear bass up to 140 Hz.

The sub’s adjustable crossover frequency, level control, and switchable phase adjustment can all be used to tailor the installation of the subwoofer and satellites in nearly any room, and with any source material.

The Canton Movie CD-1 Satellites and Center-channel are finished in striking aluminum, and the CD-1 Subwoofer is finished in a matching silver Matte. The CD-1 includes mounting brackets for all the satellite speakers. The LS-90 speaker stands shown in the photo are optional.

Canton Elektronik Web Site