Source...High-Performance Electrostatic Technology At An Affordable Price
Source is the world's most affordable high-performance hybrid electrostatic loudspeaker. Incorporating ultra-high-resolution AirFrame™ technology (originally developed for MartinLogan's Summit loudspeaker) Source is capable of an exceptionally dynamic and realistic performance. An 8-inch woofer, MiniETC™ (Energy Transfer Coupler) spikes, and high-end crossover engineering further reinforce Source's high-end pedigree. The result? A stellar performer at an exceptional price.
Source is the world's most affordable high-performance hybrid electrostatic loudspeaker. Incorporating ultra-high-resolution AirFrame™ technology (originally developed for MartinLogan's Summit loudspeaker) Source is capable of an exceptionally dynamic and realistic performance. An 8-inch woofer, MiniETC™ (Energy Transfer Coupler) spikes, and high-end crossover engineering further reinforce Source's high-end pedigree. The result? A stellar performer at an exceptional price.
MartinLogan's advanced AirFrame™ technology and MicroPerf Generation 2 diaphragm electrostatic transducer cover the audible acoustic range with unprecedented high-frequency accuracy and low-level sonic detail. A perfectly integrated, MartinLogan engineered high-resolution 8-inch woofer supplies an authoritative bass performance with extreme precision.
State-of-the-art audio transformer and crossover engineering ensure a transparent link from amplifier to electrostatic panel and woofer. Source's crossover employs a proprietary Vojtko™ topology for vanishingly low distortion and seamless driver integration. This precision-tuned network preserves miniscule sonic nuances while handling the full dynamics of any source with unparalleled source, precision, clarity, and openness.
CLS™ Generation 2 Electrostatic Panel
Innovative manufacturing techniques enabled MartinLogan to produce the original Curvilinear Line Source panels, the first wide-range electrostatic drivers to deliver good horizontal sound dispersion without sacrificing overall sound quality or reliability. CLS Generation 2 builds on that success with advanced diaphragm and stator technologies that significantly enhance speaker efficiency and dynamics.
Our new thin-film plasma-deposition process applies an improved conductive coating to the ultra-low-mass PET (polyethylene terathylate) diaphragm for superior adhesion and abrasion resistance, as well as a better impedance characteristic. MicroPerf™ stators expose more of the diaphragm surface, dramatically expanding effective radiating area without increasing panel size.
MicroPerf™ Stators
Although stators are the elements of an electrostatic driver that are supposed to stand still, they carry the audio signals that do the work of propelling the diaphragm back and forth to move air and produce sound. Because the stators sandwich the diaphragm between them, they must be perforated to allow sound to pass through. Yet they must also be rigid enough to remain absolutely stationary despite the strong electrostatic forces pushing and pulling at them during operation.
MartinLogan's MicroPerf design optimizes this tradeoff by reducing the size of the individual holes and using many more of them than in a traditional electrostatic panel. MicroPerf almost doubles effective diaphragm radiating area without compromising structural integrity. The resulting increase in output capability and efficiency allows a panel to be made much smaller without sacrificing performance – or to enjoy a substantial leap in bandwidth and dynamics without growing larger.
AirFrame™ Technology
Source's electrsotatic panels are secured to speaker cabinets using MartinLogan's AirFrame technology. AirFrames, manufactured from aerospace-grade billet and extruded aluminum alloy, make the panels extremely rigid without obstructing playable surface area or interfering with their dipole sound radiation. At the same time, they provide electrical and acoustical isolation, minimizing intermodulation distortion caused by vibration and resonance. Overall, AirFrames enhance imaging, low-level sonic detail, accuracy, and efficiency.
High-Rigidity, High-Excursion Woofer
Source's advanced-technology high-rigidity, high-excursion paper cone 8-inch woofer achieves the very low distortion necessary for proper blending with MartinLogan electrostatic panels.
Vojtko™ Crossover
Carefully hand-built using only the finest air-core coils, the crossover employ's MartinLogan's proprietary Vojtko topology for vanishingly low distortion and seamless driver integration. This precision-tuned network preserves even the most microscopic sonic nuances while handling the full dynamics of any source.
Unique Adjustable Base Optimizes Listening
Easily adaptable for listening in a sitting or standing position, Source incorporates an innovative rotating and removable base allowing user adjustment from 1 to 13 degrees of rake (tilt) to control vertical wave launch. Additionally, MiniETC spikes allow for further fine-tuning of rake.
Dipole Sound Radiation
The sound we hear from a loudspeaker is a combination of direct radiation from it to our ears and reflections off of room surfaces – walls, floor, and ceiling. How our brains integrate all this information is far from simple. Depending on the angle of incidence to the ears and the arrival-time difference between direct and reflected sound, reflections can either blur detail and stereo imaging or enhance the natural impression of depth and openness.
Toolless Binding Posts
True dipole speakers, such as electrostatic panels, have long been noted for their near-ideal radiation patterns. They send very little sound to the sides, thereby minimizing side-wall reflections with short arrival times that tend to interfere with perception of the direct sound. Their strong rear radiation, however, produces a generous amount of ambience-enriching later-arriving reflections off the wall behind them.
Easy Installation Low-Voltage Power Supply
A low-voltage DC power supply eliminates the need for a traditional, heavy IEC power cord.
Toolless Binding Posts
MartinLogan's proprietary toolless binding posts make cable connection and management easy.
Energy Transfer Coupler Spikes
The Source is supplied with sturdy, 1/4-20 MiniETC™ spikes, which can be used in place of the standard feet to enhance stability on thick carpets or to create tighter coupling between speaker and floor.