18 MartinLogan Exclusives
XStat™ Transducer
XStat™ transducers incorporate a myriad of technology and
design innovations including CLS™, MicroPerf, Generation
2 Diaphragms, ClearSpars™, and Vacuum Bonding.
CLS™ (Curvilinear Line Source)
Since the beginning of audio, achieving smooth dispersion
has been a problem for all designers. Large panel transduc-
ers present unique challenge because the larger the panel,
the more directional the dispersion pattern becomes.
Wide range electrostats have long been one of the most
problematic transducers because they attain their full
range capabilities via a large surface area. It looked as if
they were in direct conflict to smooth dispersion and
almost every attempt to correct this resulted in either poor
dispersion or a serious compromise in sound quality.
After extensive research, MartinLogan engineers discovered
an elegantly simple solution to achieve a smooth pattern of
dispersion without degrading sound quality. By curving the
horizontal plane of the electrostatic transducer, a controlled
horizontal dispersion pattern could be achieved, yet the
purity of the almost massless electrostatic diaphragm
remained uncompromised. After creating this technology,
MartinLogan developed the production capability to bring
it out of the laboratory and into the market place. You will
find this proprietary MartinLogan technology used in all
of our electrostatic products. It is one of the many reasons
behind our reputation for high quality sound with prac-
tical usability. This is also why you see the unique “see
through” cylindrical shape of MartinLogan products.
Generation 2 Diaphragm
Ethos’s diaphragm employs an extremely sophisticated
conductive coating applied to the polymer surface at an
atomic level using a plasma bonding process. A proprietary
compound is driven into the surface of the polymer film
in an oxygen free argon chamber. This process allows
extremely uniform surface resistivity characteristics, an
optically transparent surface, and a nearly massless dia-
phragm. This uniform surface resistivity controls the
electrostatic charge on the diaphragm surface and regulates
its migration. As a result, no discharging or “arcing” can occur.
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