MartinLogan Announces the Summit X Loudspeaker

Advanced Loudspeaker Engineering Brings the Benefits of Controlled Dispersion to Low-Frequencies

Lawrence, Kansas, January 29, 2009—MartinLogan is proud to announce the introduction of the Summit X hybrid electrostatic loudspeaker—the next evolution in high-performance sound and high-end loudspeaker design.

“Summit X is the first new MartinLogan speaker to benefit from many of the recent innovations derived from designing the 2008 international award winning CLX full range electrostatic loudspeaker,” said David Allen, Senior Vice President of Design and Product Development. “The sole purpose for redesigning our iconic Summit, the most advanced hybrid loudspeaker in the world, was to elevate its appeal and performance to contemporary levels of Martin Logan design and engineering technology.”

Summit X incorporates numerous performance enhancing technologies including a high-resolution XStat electrostatic transducer, low-distortion Controlled Dispersion PoweredForce woofers, and highly sophisticated CLX inspired Vojtko crossover engineering. Combined, these proprietary technologies reproduce midrange frequencies with new levels of precision and openness while delivering bass that is not just deep and powerful, but also smooth, clean, and detailed.

Summit X’s unique Controlled Dispersion PoweredForce woofers tailor output to provide a dispersion pattern at the crossover point mimicking that of MartinLogan’s controlled dispersion electrostatic transducers. This breakthrough design provides dynamic, room filling bass at the lowest frequencies. However, by smoothly shifting woofer phasing as it approaches the crossover point, MartinLogan engineers have created a hybrid speaker that operates much more like a full range dipole (down to 160Hz). This innovation brings with it all the requisite advantages of a controlled dispersion radiation pattern and uniform wave launch while still retaining the efficiency and dynamics that cone woofers provide at the lowest frequencies. This woofer system matches the electrostatic panel when projecting sound into the room and provides controlled dispersion that minimizes side-wall reflections and reduces problematic mid-bass frequencies.

The 25Hz and 50Hz level controls in Summit X’s Controlled Dispersion PoweredForce active woofer system enable fine-tuning of the speaker’s output in the frequency ranges most commonly and severely affected by room acoustics. The result is bass that is not just deep and powerful, but also smooth, clean, and detailed throughout the entire listening environment.

A unique modular spike foot design allows the speaker’s rake to adjust over a 12 degree range, allowing the listener to direct the speakers controlled vertical dispersion towards their preferred listening position while minimizing acoustical destructive floor and ceiling reflections.

“These unique features result in a more complete musical experience,” said Joe Vojtko, MartinLogan Chief Audio Technology Engineer.

Additionally, a discreet light illuminates the back control panel to make easier the task of fine tuning the control settings. A unique ground effects light spills a subtle glow from beneath the speaker, creating an intriguing visual presentation in darkened listening rooms. All cabinet lights can be defeated via a control on the speaker’s back panel.

Summit X is now shipping and is priced starting at $13,995 (US retail) depending upon finish and custom design options available through MartinLogan Custom Shop (http://configurator.martinlogan.com).
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