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 measured from the average to the extreme.

Arc. The visible sparks generated by an electrical discharge.

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 determines 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.

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 harmonics 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 electrical input. Often expressed as decibels/watt/meter (dB/w/m).

ESL. 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 dynamic woofer with an electrostatic 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 frequency. It is a combination of resistance and reactance and is measured in ohms. Remember that a speaker’s impedance changes with frequency, it is not a constant value.

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MartinLogan CLS IIz user manual Glossary of Audio Terms
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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.
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