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each speaker three or four times a year. See the
vacuuming FAQ.
A problem has recently developed with my
MartinLogan speakers. The right speaker seems
to be hissing even when the amplifier and such
are not connected. I was wondering if this
sounds like any problem you have encoun-
tered previously and have a simple solution for
or might it be something which will need to be
looked into more carefully.
Your speakers are dusty. See the vacuuming
FAQ. The electrostatic charge on the element has
attracted airborne dust or pollen. Since 1993, all
of our speakers have been built with a charging
circuit board that only charges the electrostatic
element when music plays. At other times they
are not charged and cannot collect dust. You can
get the same benefit by simply unplugging them
whenever they are not in use. A power strip is an
easy way to do that.
Could my children, pets, or myself be shocked by
the high-voltage present in the electrostatic panel?
No. High voltage with low current is not
dangerous. As a matter of fact, the voltage in our
speakers is 10 times less than the static electricity
that builds up on the surface of your television
screen.
How do MartinLogan speakers hold up over a
long term in the humidity of tropical climates?
We should tell you that MartinLogan indeed
has a very substantial number of customers in
tropical regions of the world. Our speakers have
been serving them nicely for many years. This
concern may have come from our earlier design
of speakers, which were charged continuously.
Since 1993, all of our speakers have been
designed so that they only charge the panel while
music is being played. This improvement has
made a tremendous difference in the consistent
performance of our product. There may be a little
more maintenance involved in humid regions when
not in an air conditioned environment. Simply
enough, the concern is to keep the electrostatic
panels dust free. Humidity will combine with any
dust on the panel to make it slightly conductive.
This will result in a slight pathway for the charge to
leave the membrane of the speaker. The solution
is simple. They only require occasional vacuuming
with a strong vacuum hose.
How do I vacuum my MartinLogan speakers?
Vacuuming will be most effective if the speakers
have been unplugged for six hours to twelve
hours (or overnight). You need not worry about
the vacuum pressure damaging the “delicate”
membrane. It is extraordinarily durable. Dirt and
dust may be vacuumed off. Use an open hose
with your finger tips at the opening acting as a
soft bumper to prevent the hose from scratching the
coating of the panel. When vacuuming or blowing
off your panels do so to both sides, but focus the
majority of your attention on the front of the panels.
Should I unplug my speakers during a thunder-
storm?
Yes, or before. It’s a good idea to disconnect all
of your audio/video components during stormy
weather.
