Feature tm Fully Powered Hybrid Electrostatic Loudspeaker u s e r ’ s m a n u a l
Feature Tested to Comply with FCC Standards FOR HOME OR OFFICE USE Serial Number: _________________________________ Record your serial number here for easy reference. You will need this information when filling out your warranty registration. Feature’s serial number is located on backplate and on the shipping container. This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules.
Thank you—the MartinLogan owner, for loving what we do, and making it possible for us to do what we love.
Contents Contents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Installation in Brief . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 AC Power Connection Status Light Line Level (RCA) Connection Speaker Level Connection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Installation We know you are eager to hear your new MartinLogan loudspeaker, so this section is provided to allow fast and easy set up. Once your new speaker is operational, please take the time to read, in depth, the rest of the information in the enclosed manual. It will give you perspective on how to attain the greatest possible performance from this most exacting transducer.
Introduction Congratulations! You have invested in one of the world’s premier loudspeaker systems. Internally powered with a high-resolution digital amplifier, the Feature provides an unprecedented level of system connection flexibility. Equipped with a standard line-level input, the Feature is able to connect directly to devices such as digital music players, flat screen televisions, or even computers.
Connections AC Power Connection Because your Feature speaker uses an internal power supply to energize its electrostatic panel and to power the internal amplifier, it must be connected to an AC power source. For this reason it is provided with the proper IEC standard power cords. These cords should be firmly inserted into the AC power receptacles on the rear connection panel of the speaker, then to any convenient AC wall outlet (see figure 2 & 3).
(i.e. volume control). Usually this is a headphone or preamp output. However, as this varies from device to device we recommend referencing your device’s user manual. Please note: When making or breaking connections from devices that utilize the Line Level input a popping noise may occur. This is caused by grounding and static discharge interaction. It is normal and to be expected when using this method of connection.
Installation Installation Options On the Television or Stand If your television provides a wide, level and stable platform, the Feature can be placed directly on top of the television (see figure 3). The Feature may also be placed on an equipment stand. When used this way, the non-skid rubber grip feet should be used beneath the Feature to provide stability. On the Floor Placing the Feature on the floor might position it too low to blend with the front speakers.
Required hardware (included): in the top holes and two rubber bumpers in the bottom holes. Test fit the speaker. Adjust the bracket positions until the speaker fits. IMPORTANT! At this point do not allow the speaker to hang freely—there are not enough screws installed to fully support its weight. 10 Drill two more pilot holes (per bracket) at the screw hole locations on the left & right sides of both wall brackets.
Home Theater It had long been the practice of stereo buffs to connect their television to a stereo system. The advantage was the use of the larger speakers and more powerful amplifier of the stereo system. Even though the sound was greatly improved, it was still mono and limited by the broadcast signal. In the late 1970’s and early 1980’s two new home movie formats became widely available to the public: VCR and laser disc. By 1985, both formats had developed into very high quality audio/video sources.
Electrostatic Advantages How can sound be reproduced by something that you are able to see through? Electrostatic energy makes this possible. Where the world of traditional loudspeaker technology deals with cones, domes, diaphragms and ribbons that are moved with magnetism, the world of electrostatic loudspeaker deals with charged electrons attracting and repelling each other. To fully understand the electrostatic concept, some background information will be helpful.
MartinLogan Exclusives CLS™ (Curvilinear Line Source) Since the beginning of audio, achieving smooth dispersion has been a problem for all designers. Large panel transducers present unique challenge because the larger the panel, the more directional the dispersion pattern becomes. Wide range electrostats have long been one of the most problematic transducers because they attain their full range capabilities via a large surface area.
Electrostatic history In the late 1800’s, any loudspeaker was considered exotic. Today, most of us take the wonders of sound reproduction for granted. After a short time, Rice and Kellogg had narrowed the field of “contestants” down to the cone and the electrostat. The outcome would dictate the way that future generations would refer to loudspeaker as being either “conventional” or “exotic”. It was 1880 before Thomas Edison had invented the first phonograph.
In 1947, Arthur Janszen, a young Naval engineer, took part in a research project for the Navy. The Navy was interested in developing a better instrument for testing microphone arrays. The test instrument needed an extremely accurate speaker, but Janszen found that the cone speaker of the period were too nonlinear in phase and amplitude response to meet his criteria.
Frequently Asked Questions How do I clean my speaker? Use a dust free cloth or a soft brush to remove the dust from your speaker. We also recommend a specialty cloth (available at the Xtatic shop at www.martinlogan. com) that cleans your speaker better than anything else we have tried. For the wood surfaces it is acceptable to slightly dampen the cloth. Do not spray any kind of cleaning agent on or in close proximity to the electrostatic element.
Will excessive smoke or dust cause any problems with my electrostatic speakers? Exposure to excessive contaminants such as smoke or dust may potentially affect the performance of the electrostatic membrane, and may cause discoloration of the diaphragm membrane. When not in use for extended periods, you should unplug the speakers and cover them with the plastic bags in which the speakers were originally packed. It is a good idea to vacuum the electrostatic portion of each speaker three or four times a year.
Troubleshooting No Output • Check that all your system components are turned on. • Check your speaker wires and connections. • Check all interconnecting cables. • Try hooking up a different speaker. The lack of output could point to a problem with other equipment in your system (amp, pre-amp, processor, etc.) Weak or no Output from Electrostatic Panel, Loss of Highs • Check the power cord.
General Information Specifications* System Frequency Response 61–20,000 Hz ± 3db Dispersion: Horizontal: 30 Degrees Sensitivity 93 dB/2.83 volts/meter (binding posts) 95 dB/0.1 volts/meter (line level unput) Impedance 2,000 Ohms (binding posts) 33,000 Ohms (line level input) Crossover Frequency: 450Hz, 4000Hz Components Custom-wound toroidal audio transformer, air core coils, polypropylene capacitors Tweeter Type: 1” (2.5 cm) neodymium soft dome Midrange Type: CLS™ Electrostatic Woofer Type Two 5.25” (13.
Dimensional Drawings On Non-Skid Grip Feet Plan View (Top) Front Elevation: (no stand rotation) Back Elevation: (no stand rotation) AC & Signal Side Elevation 20 Dimensional Drawings
With Bracket Plan View (Top) Front Elevation: (no stand rotation) Back Elevation: (no stand rotation) AC & Signal Side Elevation Wall Bracket Dimensional Drawings 21
Glossary of Audio Terms AC. Abbreviation for alternating current. DC. Abbreviation for direct current. Active crossover. Uses active devices (transistors, IC’s, tubes) and some form of power supply to operate. 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. Amplitude. The extreme range of a signal. Usually measured from the average to the extreme. Arc.
Inductance. The property of an electrical circuit by which a varying current in it produces a varying magnetic field that introduces voltages in the same circuit or in a nearby circuit. It is measured in henrys. Inductor. A device designed primarily to introduce inductance into an electrical circuit. Sometimes called a choke or coil. Linearity. The extent to which any signal handling process is accomplished without amplitude distortion. Midrange. The middle frequencies where the ear is the most sensitive.
WARNING! Do not use your Feature loudspeaker outside of the country of original sale—voltage requirements vary by country. Improper voltage can cause damage that will be potentially expensive to repair. The Feature is shipped to authorized MartinLogan distributors with the correct power supply for use in the country of intended sale. A list of authorized distributors can be accessed at www.martinlogan.com or by emailing info@martinlogan.com. ® Lawrence, Kansas, USA tel 785.749.0133 fax 785.749.
