MartinLogan Monolith III Questions, Do I need an amplifier with high current capability?

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Questions

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 high-voltage present in our speakers is10 times less than the static electricity that you generate when you take off a sweater. (About 30,000 volts!)

What size of an amplifier should I use with the Monoliths?

We recommend an amplifier with 100 to 200 watts per channel for most applications.

Do I need an amplifier with high current capability?

No. The Monolith's impedance characteristics do not require that a high current amplifier be used. However, it is important that the amplifier be stable operating into varying impedance loads.

Should I unplug my Monoliths during a thunderstorm?

Yes. Or before. It’s a good idea to disconnect all of your audio/video components during stormy weather.

Will my electric bill go ‘sky high’ by leaving my speakers plugged in all the time?

No. A pair of Monoliths draw about 5 watts maximum.

Is there likely to be any interaction between the Monoliths and the television in my Audio/Video system?

Actually, there is less interaction between a television and an electro- static speaker than between a television and a conventional system. The magnets in conventional speak- ers do interact with televisions tubes. However, we do recommend that you keep your speakers at least one foot away from the television because of the dynamic woofer they employ.

Will excessive smoke or dust cause any problems?

Exposure to excessive smoke or dust may potentially affect the performance of the electrostatic membrane. When not in use, you should unplug the speaker and cover with the plastic bags that the speakers were originally packed in.

If my child punctured the diaphragm with a pencil, stick, or similar item., how extensive would the damage to the speaker be?

You should probably replace the electrostatic element. However, this depends upon the extent of the damage.

Will exposure to sunlight affect the life or performance of the Monolith?

We recommend that you not place your Monoliths in direct sunlight as the ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun can cause deterioration of the electrostatic membrane. However, small exposures to UV should not cause a problem.

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Monolith III User's Manual

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Contents Monolith III Speaker System Contents Introduction Installation in Brief PlacementPower Connection AC Signal ConnectionMonolith III Specifications Monolith III SpeakerHistory Page7 AC Power Connection ConnectionIIIp Connection TWO Bi-wire Connection for the Monolith IIIpONE Standard Connection for Monolith IIIp Three Passive Bi-amplification Page11 Introduction IIIx ConnectionPackaging Monolith IIIx Crossover connection Crossover Settings IIIx OperationBass Contour Controls Your Room and BassTuning Your Room Monolith IIIx Crossover Bass Contour controlsMusical Tastes IIIx Operation IIIx Technical DescriptionTheory of Operation Monolith IIIx Crossover block diagram of circuit Your Room Room AcousticsTerminology Rules of Thumb Bipolar Speakers and Your RoomVertical Dispersion Horizontal DispersionDispersion Concepts Placement General PlacementBack Wall Front WallExperimentation Final WordGeneral Information Associated EquipmentCare Solid FootingElectrostatic Concept An Electrostatic TransducerAn Electromagnetic Transducer Martin-Logan Exclusives Full Range OperationCurvilinear Line Source Hybrid TechnologyVapor Deposited Film Transducer IntegrityQuestions Do I need an amplifier with high current capability?Troubleshooting No OutputGlossary Page31