Glossary of Audio Terms

AC. Abbreviation for alternating current.

Active crossover. Uses active devices (transistors, ICs, tubes) and some form of power supply to operate.

Amplitude. The extreme range of a signal. Usually mea- sured from the average to the extreme.

Arc. The visible sparks generated by an electrical discharge.

ATF. The abbreviation for advanced thin film.

Bass. The lowest frequencies of sound.

Bi-Amplification. Uses an electronic crossover, or line-level passive crossover, and separate power amplifiers for the high and low frequency loudspeaker drivers.

Capacitance. That property of a capacitor which deter- mines how much charge can be stored in it for a given potential difference between its terminals, measured in farads, by the ratio of the charge stored to the potential difference.

Capacitor. A device consisting of two or more conducting plates separated from one another by an insulating material and used for storing an electrical charge. Sometimes called a condenser.

Clipping. Distortion of a signal by its being chopped off. An overload problem caused by pushing an amplifier beyond its capabilities. The flat-topped signal has high levels of harmonic distortion which creates heat in a loudspeaker and is the major cause of loudspeaker component failure.

CLS. The abbreviation for curvilinear line source.

Crossover. An electrical circuit that divides a full bandwidth signal into the desired frequency bands for the loudspeaker components.

dB (decibel). A numerical expression of the relative loudness of a sound. The difference in decibels between two sounds is ten times the Base 10 logarithm of the ratio of their power levels.

DC. Abbreviation for direct current.

Diffraction. The breaking up of a sound wave caused by some type of mechanical interference such as a cabinet edge, grill frame or other similar object.

Diaphragm. A thin flexible membrane or cone that vibrates in response to electrical signals to produce sound waves.

Distortion. Usually referred to in terms of total harmonic distortion (THD) which is the percentage of unwanted har- monics of the drive signal present with the wanted signal. Generally used to mean any unwanted change introduced by the device under question.

Driver. See transducer.

Dynamic Range. The range between the quietest and the loudest sounds a device can handle (often quoted in dB).

Efficiency. The acoustic power delivered for a given elec- trical input. Often expressed as decibels/watt/meter (dB/w/m).

ESL. The abbreviation for electrostatic loudspeaker.

Headroom. The difference, in decibels, between the peak and RMS levels in program material.

Hybrid. A product created by the marriage of two different technologies. Meant here as the combination of a dynam- ic woofer with an electrostatic or ATF transducer.

Hz (Hertz). Unit of frequency equivalent to the number of cycles per second.

Imaging. To make a representation or imitation of the original sonic event.

Impedance. The total opposition offered by an electric circuit to the flow of an alternating current of a single fre- quency. It is a combination of resistance and reactance and is measured in ohms. Remember that a speaker’s imped- ance changes with frequency, it is not a constant value.

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MartinLogan 1000 user manual Glossary of Audio Terms
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1000 specifications

The MartinLogan 1000 is a remarkable achievement in the realm of high-end audio speakers, showcasing the perfect blend of cutting-edge technology and exquisite craftsmanship. At the core of the 1000's design is the innovative electrostatic transducer that provides an unparalleled listening experience. This technology allows for a rapid response and a wide frequency range, capturing subtle nuances in music that other speakers may miss.

One of the standout features of the MartinLogan 1000 is its electrostatic panel, which uses a thin, flexible diaphragm placed between two electrically charged plates. This design ensures minimal distortion, resulting in sound reproduction that is more accurate and true to the original recording. The speaker's ability to create an expansive soundstage is another defining characteristic, allowing listeners to perceive depth and detail that is often lost in conventional dynamic speakers.

In addition to the electrostatic technology, the MartinLogan 1000 incorporates advanced imaging and dispersion techniques. The speakers are designed to deliver precise sound localization, allowing listeners to easily pinpoint individual instruments and vocals within a mix. This is particularly beneficial for audiophiles who seek an immersive listening experience akin to that of attending a live performance.

The cabinet of the MartinLogan 1000 is crafted with a strong emphasis on aesthetics and function. Constructed from high-quality materials, it boasts a sleek and modern appearance that fits seamlessly into any home environment. The use of premium wood veneers enhances its visual appeal while also contributing to the structural integrity of the speaker.

Connectivity is another strong suit of the MartinLogan 1000. The speaker is designed to integrate effortlessly with a variety of audio systems, featuring multiple input options to accommodate all types of setups. This versatility ensures that users can maximize their audio experience, whether they are listening to their favorite vinyl records or streaming high-resolution digital files.

Overall, the MartinLogan 1000 stands out as a premium choice for serious music enthusiasts. Its combination of electrostatic technology, precise imaging, and elegant design make it a top contender in the high-end speaker market. For those who demand exceptional audio fidelity and aesthetic beauty, the MartinLogan 1000 delivers, making it an investment worth considering for any serious home audio setup.
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