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MartinLogan ElectroMotion ESL X Speakers Review

Introduction

Let me start my MartinLogan ElectroMotion ESL X speaker review by stating that coming from a longtime vintage audiophile, these speakers have been a notable change-up for my audio experience. I’ve tried everything from Samson studio monitors to Magnepans, even my cherished Infinity Kappa 7.1′ s, but these speakers hooked me from the first note.

Don’t be fooled by their slick, compact design; they pack a powerful punch when delivering robust, quality sound, albeit specific criteria must be satisfied.

The Sound Experience

Let’s dive into why you’re reading this MartinLogan ElectroMotion speaker review – the sound. When I listened to my first song on these speakers, I was utterly surprised at their excellent imaging and detailed sound. Unlike boxed speakers, these deliver an increased detailing of about 15-20%, therefore creating a broad sound field that’s crisp and incredibly captivating.

If you’re anything like me, relishing the subtle intricacies of your music is essential. Sometimes, I felt like the artist was playing live in my living room, enriching me with a cultured experience. Notably, they deliver sound from the front and back of the speaker, making the experience immersive. Trust me, these speakers are worth the investment when accompanied by some good equipment.

Listening to Different Genres

Different genres offered a diverse listening experience. My favorite songs across various musical platforms highlighted the speaker’s ability to maintain high volume without losing their composure over multiple notes. They handled electronic beats as effortlessly as classic tunes. However, it seems these speakers thrive on quality inputs as older CDs and lower-quality streaming platforms like Pandora didn’t produce the same impressive results.

In essence, with proper setup and quality audio input, these speakers serve a variety of genres with great finesse and clarity.

MartinLogan ElectroMotion ESL X Review

Drawbacks

Despite the many praises I have sung in this MartinLogan ElectroMotion ESL X speaker review, there were a few hitches. One prominent issue was the absence of a distinct mid-range and bass. Admittedly, I was somewhat taken aback by this, especially if I compare it with a traditional conical speaker or my old MartinLogans. This and the lack of depth in lower frequencies prompted me to supplement these speakers with a subwoofer.

Secondly, their compact size might be underwhelming to those accustomed to robust, large-bodied speakers. These might fall short if you’re looking for hefty hardware to match your room’s decor or size. Here’s the thing, though; they cost quite a sum, significantly more than the MartinLogans I had owned previously. So, if price tags and physical presence are a consideration, it is something to ponder.

The Need for Ideal Companions

While the MartinLogan ElectroMotion ESL X are almost perfect, they aren’t entirely without flaws. They will impress you more if they’re accompanied by good equipment. One noteworthy downside is that their base might feel somewhat cold. If you’re a massive fan of deep lows, you might find the need to add a sub to your setup.

Moreover, they require a clean and hefty current to perform optimally. Hence, these speakers require an amplifier with ‘oompf’! They also tend to expose the quality of the recordings. You will enjoy these speakers more if you appreciate accurate, top-quality audio and have an ample collection of such. Less-quality recordings—like older CDs and specific streaming sources—will not adequately showcase the prowess of these speakers.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

  • Excellent imaging and detailed sound.
  • Convenient size and modern design.
  • Immersive sound fills the room.
  • Tolerant of high volumes without errors.

Cons:

  • Lacks a distinct mid-range and bass.
  • The compact size might be underwhelming for some.
  • High cost relative to other options.
  • Only accepts top-quality recordings.

Final Thoughts

All in all, my experience with the ElectroMotion ESL X speakers has been delightful. Their striking design and ability to deliver a detailed, spacious sound have been an appreciable upgrade over my previous speakers.

While there are areas for improvement, such as the somewhat lackluster mid-range and bass performance, these speakers have significantly enriched my music-listening experience over time. And that’s something every audiophile can appreciate.

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Bass Response
5.5
While providing a high-end sound quality, some users have found the bass lacking depth, judging from some disappointment. Some users suggested complementing them with a subwoofer for a deeper bass.
Treble Detail
8.5
Highs have been lauded for their crispness and incredible sound quality. However, it was also noted that top-quality audios are needed to appreciate this feature fully as low-quality tracks tend to sound dated.
Midrange Clarity
4.5
Quite a number of users cited a lack of midrange from the MartinLogan ElectroMotion ESL X. In spite of its cost, the clarity and sound in the midrange didn’t quite meet some customers' expectations.
Design
7.5
As per the reviews, the design of MartinLogan ElectroMotion ESL X is stylish and doesn’t have a huge footprint. However, they are smaller than some older MartinLogans which could affect sound output.
Sound Quality
7
The sound quality is generally praised for its range and imaging. However, some customers felt the need for a more powerful amp to drive it properly, and others felt disappointed with the quality when paired with lesser quality audio tracks.
Value for Money
7
The MartinLogan ElectroMotion ESL X holds up well over time compared to other brands according to a number of users, thus making them a good investment. However, for some, they might not give the desired heavy bass unless paired with a subwoofer, and thus might not represent optimal value.
6.7
Total Score
Rating Summary
The MartinLogan ElectroMotion ESL X speakers offer a host of benefits, with some limitations. They hold up impressively well over a long time span and provide high-end sound quality with great range and excellent crisps in the highs. However, to fully appreciate the great features, a higher quality amp and high-quality audio tracks are recommended. Unfortunately, bass lovers might find the bass less satisfying unless paired with a good subwoofer. In the midrange, the product seems to fall short of some people's expectations. While the speakers sport a smart design that does not take up much space, their size could be a downside for those accustomed to larger speakers, potentially influencing the depth of sound output. Overall, the speakers offer a pretty great sound experience, but those planning to splurge on their audio equipment should seriously consider their specific needs and preferences, given the price of the MartinLogan ElectroMotion ESL X.