Martinlogan Announces Clarity, an Innovative New Electrostatic Loudspeaker

MartinLogan has announced the introduction of the Clarity hybrid electrostatic loudspeaker system. The new speaker model is available this month with a suggested retail price of $2,695 per pair (U.S.).

Clarity incorporates a myriad of design innovations, including a Generation 2 stat panel, MicroPerf™ stator, a high-resolution aluminum woofer and a NAC™ (natural ambience compensation) driver.

In addition, the Clarity integrates MartinLogan’s first low-voltage DC power supply. With a footprint of less than one square foot and a selection of home-friendly cabinet finishes Clarity fills a critical marketplace niche.

MartinLogan ESL (“the world’s most accurate transducer”) has advanced to a new level in the new model. The Clarity’s Generation 2 stat panel featuring ClearSpar™ and MicroPerf™ stator technology provides astounding output and detail from MartinLogan’s smallest full-range ESL transducer.

ClearSpar™ technology enhances Clarity’s transparent look and increases both efficiency and dynamics. The new MicroPerf design reduces the size of individual holes in the stator, allowing more openings compared to a traditional MartinLogan ESL transducer, maximizing efficiency of the Clarity’s small ESL transducer.

NAC (natural ambience compensation) maximizes off-axis high-frequency dispersion, assuring listeners of a perfect performance no matter where they’re seated or standing. A true audiophile solution, the NAC is parallel to the signal path and features an on/off switch to adjust for listener preference.

The discretely sized Clarity features a state-of-the-art aluminum woofer and bass reflex design that delivers an extended frequency response and accurate low-end capable of sustained low frequencies.

Designed with the upscale family home theater buyer in mind, the Clarity fulfills extensive space and style considerations. To enhance visual integration with any home environment, the Clarity’s sculptural, modern curvilinear design is available in three standard palettes (natural cherry, dark mahogany and black). The Clarity will surpass all preconceptions of loudspeakers, sonically and aesthetically, at this price point.

“I challenged MartinLogan’s world-class design and engineering team to build a high-performance entry-level electrostatic loudspeaker that is sonically and aesthetically superior and more versatile than anything on the market. In addition, I challenged them to design a loudspeaker that will fit into anyone’s home-not just the audiophile’s dedicated listening room. The Clarity exceeds all expectations,” said Gayle Sanders, MartinLogan president and founder.

MartinLogan’s breakthrough hybrid speaker engineering maintains controlled dispersion and outstanding dynamic range while minimizing room interaction. The Clarity expands its high frequency response and flawless precision with advanced crossover topology and audiophile grade components. To eliminate the need for a traditional IEC power cord and broaden ease of installation, especially for custom installers, the Clarity features a low-voltage DC power supply.

The Clarity leverages all of MartinLogan’s engineering, design and manufacturing prowess-delivering staggering value in this compact CLS hybrid. Available with cherry and black wood veneer options, the Clarity is supplied with MartinLogan’s proprietary ETC™ spikes for maximum bass performance and toolless binding posts for effortless cable attachment and management.

Key Features and Benefits

  • Generation 2 MicroPerf Stat Panel: efficient output from clarity’s small stat panel.
  • NAC (Natural Ambience Compensation): extends accurate sound to off-axis listeners
  • Low Voltage Power Supply: broadens ease of installation
  • Bass Reflex Aluminum Woofer: delivers an extended, accurate low-end
  • Cabinet Finish Options: cabinets available in three standard palettes.

Specifications

  • Frequency response: 46-22,000 Hz, +/- 3 dB
  • Dispersion: Horizontal 30 degrees, Vertical 26″ (66cm) line source with a NAC™ enhanced sound field
  • Sensitivity: 89 dB/2.83 volts/meter
  • Impedance: 6 ohms, 1.1 ohms @ 20kHz
  • Crossover Frequency: 450 Hz
  • Components: Custom-wound audio transformer, air core coils
  • NAC driver: 1″ (2.5cm) soft dome
  • Woofer type: 8″ (20.3cm) high excursion, high rigidity aluminum cone with extended throw drive assembly, non-resonance asymmetrical chamber format; bass reflex
  • Power Handling: 200 watts/channel
  • Weight: 31 lbs. each (14.1 kg)
  • Size: 10.2″ W × 12.25″ D × 53″ H (25.9cm W × 31.1cm D × 134.6 cm H)

MartinLogan Web Site

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