Dipolar Speakers and Your Room, Solid Footing

on the floor or solid surface, it can shake as it produces sound and, consequently, the sound can be compromised. If your speaker is sitting on the carpet and only foot gliders are used, the bass can be ill defined and even boomy. The use of spikes is recommended to insure secured footing for your speakers. (See Solid Footing, this page, for spike infor- mation and installation instructions).

Dipolar Speakers and Your Room

MartinLogan electrostatic loudspeakers are known as dipolar radiators. This means that they produce sound from both their fronts and their backs. Consequently, musical infor- mation is reflected by the wall behind them and may arrive either in or out of step with the information produced by the front of the speaker.

The low frequencies can either be enhanced or nulled by the position from the front wall. Your CLS IIz’s have been designed to be placed two to three feet from the front wall (the wall in front of the listening position) to obtain the best results; however, your room may see things differently. So listening to the difference of the bass response as a result of the changes in distance from the front wall can allow you to get the best combination of depth of bass and tonal balance.

Now that you know about reflective surfaces and resonant objects, you can see how the midrange and high frequencies can be affected. The timing of the initial wave as it radiates to your ears, and then the reflected information as it arrives at your ears later in time, can result in confusion of the pre- cious timing information that carries the clues to imaging. Consequently the result is blurred imaging and excessive brightness. Soft walls, curtains, wall hangings, or sound dampeners (your dealer can give you good information here) can be effective if these negative conditions occur.

Solid Footing

After living and experimenting with your CLS IIz’s, you may want to use ETC (Energy Transfer Coupler) Spikes (See Figure 1), which are available from your local MartinLogan dealer or on our website at www.martinlogan.com. With the use of these spikes, the CLS IIz will become more firmly planted on the floor and, consequently, bass will tighten and imaging will become more coherent and detailed. It is best not to implement the spikes, however, until you are secure in the positioning, as the spikes can damage the floor if the speaker is moved. MartinLogan ETC spikes will fit any common 1/4 inch thread insert that may be found on your other audio equipment (racks, speakers, etc.).

Spike Installation Instructions:

1.Carefully lay your speaker on its side to gain access to the bottom.

2.Remove existing feet or spikes. Thread new spikes into holes and screw them in all of the way.

3.Tighten jam nut snugly by hand. Do not over tighten the nut.

4.Right the speaker.

Caution: Make sure your hands and any cabling are clear of the spikes. Do not slide speaker as spikes are sharp and can damage your floor or carpet.

5.Adjust to level by rotating spikes. Tighten the jam nut securely when satisfied that speaker is level.

Caution: Walking the speaker may result in a broken spike.

Figure 1. The ETC Spike.

Room Acoustics 9

CLS IIz specifications

The MartinLogan CLS IIz is a sophisticated hybrid electrostatic loudspeaker that exemplifies the brand's commitment to innovation and exceptional audio performance. This model is a continuation of the legendary CLS design, which has garnered a loyal following among audiophiles and music enthusiasts alike.

One of the standout features of the CLS IIz is its electrostatic transducer design. Unlike conventional dynamic speakers that rely on moving coils and cones, electrostatic speakers use a thin, electrically charged diaphragm sandwiched between two stators. This design allows the CLS IIz to produce sound with extraordinary clarity, speed, and precision, making it particularly well-suited for accurately reproducing the nuances of vocal performances and acoustic instrumentation.

The CLS IIz also integrates a new, more advanced version of the brand's Curvilinear Line Source technology. This innovation provides a wider and more consistent sound dispersion pattern, resulting in an expansive soundstage that immerses listeners in their favorite recordings. The speaker’s tall, slender design further enhances this effect, allowing for an impressive imaging capability that places sounds precisely within the listening environment.

Another key characteristic of the CLS IIz is its frequency response. The speaker is capable of reproducing frequencies from an astonishingly low 38 Hz to a remarkable 25 kHz. This wide frequency range ensures that music and audio content are delivered with great depth and richness, fully capturing the lower bass notes while maintaining the sparkling clarity of high-frequency sounds.

In terms of build quality, the CLS IIz features a sturdy yet elegant cabinet that minimizes resonance and vibration, allowing for pure audio reproduction. The speaker's sleek aesthetic is complemented by high-quality finishes, ensuring that it looks as good as it sounds, making it an attractive addition to any audio setup.

Additionally, the CLS IIz boasts versatility in its setup, allowing for positioning flexibility that accommodates various room sizes and acoustic conditions. This ensures that enthusiasts can achieve optimal sound quality regardless of their environment.

In summary, the MartinLogan CLS IIz is a marvel of modern audio engineering that combines cutting-edge technologies with a commitment to high fidelity sound. With its electrostatic design, advanced dispersion capabilities, wide frequency response, and elegant build, the CLS IIz stands as a testament to MartinLogan's dedication to providing an unparalleled listening experience.