MartinLogan’s ESL X tower speakers deliver delicacy and detail—along with serious dynamics when paired with the Dynamo 1500X subwoofer. A new, more compact electrostatic center speaker sweetens the deal.

MartinLogan’s ESL X tower speakers deliver delicacy and detail—along with serious dynamics when paired with the Dynamo 1500X subwoofer. A new, more compact electrostatic center speaker sweetens the deal.

The Aerius was an amazing speaker in its day and still holds up well, but the MartinLogan team has learned a lot in the last 15 years. I’m still stunned that a company can manufacture a speaker this good for $1,995 in 2011. Granted, an ESL is slightly more finicky than your average pair of cone speakers, but if there’s a more exciting loudspeaker out there at this price, I certainly haven’t heard it. While the year isn’t yet half over, the EM-ESL’s are on our short list for a Product of the Year award.

Anyone priced out of MartinLogan's Masterpiece series should investigate this near entry-level electrostatic hybrid as the next best thing. This big loudspeaker's sound is transparent but still one of character – sublime clarity, a tight, fast bass, and remarkable imaging. Setup is but a temporary headache (beware your boundary walls!) but the resulting listening experience is the perfect panacea.

The ElectroMotion ESL is a singular speaker and it isn’t perfect. It is sufficiently special though it earns our enthusiastic Recommendation and, for many people, it might something a lot more profound than that.

With a reasonable price point and elegant looks, there's plenty of reasons to go check out the MartinLogan ESL-X loudspeakers.

The MartinLogan Electromotion ESL X is an exceptional performer for the price, especially for anybody who likes to listen at modest levels (the larger models are more accommodating for the unrepentant headbanger).

THE MARTINLOGAN ELECTROMOTION ESL X SPEAKERS are the best-sounding electrostatic speakers I have ever auditioned in my home.

Martin Logan’s Electromotion ESL X, has perhaps the most natural and colorless midrange reproduction of any speaker in this class.

Beautiful tonal balance. Unique stereo sound. Good volume levels.