MartinLogan

Truth in Sound, Embodied

For those who appreciate accuracy and realism in their audio, the electrostatic transducer is the grail. For those who understand this truth in sound, MartinLogan created a flagship loudspeaker: Neolith.

Made-to-order, hand-delivered, and professionally installed; in a world of same, Neolith proclaims different. In a word of artifice, Neolith delivers truth in sound.

SPECIFICATIONS
Frequency Response

23–22,000 Hz ±3dB

Recommended Amplifier Power

20—1300 watts per channel

Horizontal Dispersion

30°

Vertical Dispersion

48" (122 cm) line source

Sensitivity

90 dB/2.83 volts/meter

Impedance

Nominal: 4 ohms, 0.43 ohms @ 20 kHz. Compatible with 4, 6, or 8 Ohm rated amplifiers.

Crossover Frequency

60, 250–400 Hz

High Frequency Transducer

XStat™ CLS™ electrostatic transducer » Panel Dimensions 48" x 22" (122 x 56cm)
» Radiating Area 1056 in² (6,832 cm² )

Low Frequency Transducer

Rear: 15” (38.1cm) cast basket, high excursion, rigid aluminium cone with extended throw drive assembly. Extensively vented triple shorting ring motor and 4-layer coil to eliminate compression and distortion.

Front: 12” (30.5cm) round cast aluminium alloy frame, high excursion, rigid carbon fiber sandwich cone with long throw design, 3-inch (7.5cm) diameter copper-clad aluminium flat wire voice coil, and vented pole piece and under-spider opening to reduce power compression.

Cabinet

Phenolic Resin Polymer: Dense substrate with superb mechanical strength to minimize cabinet vibrations caused by woofer cone motion counter forces to provide an ideal baffle for the electrostatic panel and woofers.

Components

High-Pass Crossover: 1% resistors mounted to heat sinks, polypropylene capacitors, air core inductors, dual toroidal audio transformers to drive electrostatic element

Low-Pass Crossover: 1% resistors mounted to heat sinks, toroidal inductors, supports user options to modify sound output via jumpers.

Audio Controls

Bass Control: 0dB, -4dB, -8dB

Distance Control: 3 meters (or less), 4 meters, 5 meters (or greater)

Inputs

WBT-0705Ag nextgen™ 5-way bi-wire binding posts feature a filigree signal conductor made from fine silver for high conductivity. Fully insulated for CE and IEC conformity providing shock hazard protection. Free from eddy current effects. Max constant current 30 A, admissible peak current 200 A. Outer metal cap with palladium-plated finish.

Power Draw

Standby: 1W each

Max: 15W each

Lighting

LED intensity control: On, Dim, Off

DIMENSIONS
Weight

385 lbs. (175 kg)

Dimensions

74.8" x 30.3" x 34.2 " (189.9cm x 76.9cm x 87cm)

Unconstrained

Neolith is not for the faint of heart. As the embodiment of our philosophy of the truth in sound, its performance is unconstrained. It goes against the grain. In a world of small, Neolith says size is no impediment.

Uninhibited

Neolith features one of MartinLogan's largest electrostatic radiating surfaces, fully 35% larger than the Statement E2. Its proprietary curvilinear electrostatic transducer delivers an ideal wave launch; a detailed ultrarealistic soundstage, reproducing nearly the entire mid-range and high frequency audio spectrum. It is utterly uninhibited by room limitations

Visceral

Smoothly blended low-frequencies are provided by a 15-inch rear-firing ported woofer and 12-inch front-firing sealed mid-bass woofer. Combined, they deliver powerful, extremely accurate bass.

Detailed

And this is just the beginning. The details demand your attention. The exclusive advanced-topology Vojtko Crossover uses hand-selected components for optimum power handling. The passive Neolith design gives you more control, allowing single-wire or bi-amp connections with silver filigree WBT Binding Posts, plus a unique system of audio adjustment jumpers. The audaciously sculpted Neolith frame is made of non-resonant Phenolic Resin Polymer, smoothly finished in a premium automotive gloss. Its hand-crafted woofer cabinet is wrapped in elegant soft leather.

Breathtaking

Prepare yourself for an astonishing new audio experience. A bigger, bolder. no-hands-barred experience of breathtakingly articulate performance. The bespoke Neolith is the culmination of over 30 years of MartinLogan passion, engineering innovation and dedication to the ultimate truth in sound.

Electrostatic Truth

MartinLogan didn't invent electrostatic transducer technology. But by eliminating the perceived deficiencies of electrostatic technology, such as poor power handling, lack of bass response and narrow soundstage (beaming), MartinLogan has reinforced the benefit of electrostatic technology: uncanny audio accuracy.

Parts of an Electrostatic Transducer

A) Diaphragm B) Spars C) Stators

 

An electrostatic transducer has three components: stators, a diaphragm, and spars (non-conductive spacers that keep the tall assembly stationary), assembled as a sandwich. The diaphragm is an ultra-light fiom impregnated with an electrically conductive material and stretched taut between two stators, which are perforated steel sheets coated with an insulator.

When the speaker is operating, the diaphragm is charged with an electrostatic field of fixed positive voltage. The two stators, between which the diaphragm is stretched, are charged with voltages of equal strength but opposite polarity. These charges occur in instantaneously alternating pulses according to the signal received from your audio equipment. When the charge on one stator is positive, the charge on the other is negative.

Because like charges repel and opposite charges attract, the diaphragm's constantly positive charge force it to move forward or backward depending on the stator charges. With this movement, an electrostatic transducer translates an electrical audio signal into the diaphragm motion that produces sound waves in your room.

 

Electrostatic Forces At Work

Opposite charges attract. Like charges repel. The diaphragm holds a constant positive charge.