Martin Logan Theos Electrostatic Floorstanding Loudspeaker First Look

MartinLogan, is now shipping their new Theos Electrostatic floorstanding loudspeaker system.  They claim its the most affordable hand-built electrostatic speaker with real wood finishes and custom bi-wire capable binding posts. While most people would hardly consider $5k affordable, true audiophiles will spare no expense for audio nirvana which goes double for Electrostatic enthusiasts.

Theos features a passive 8-inch high excursion woofer and an ultra-low turbulence down-firing bass port providing detailed bass down to 43Hz. New hand-rubbed, real wood finishes and flexible set-up options also enhance the Theos appeal.

Martin Logan claims the 9.2-inch wide by 44-inch tall XStat electrostatic transducer (speaker panel) on the Theos required careful mechanical engineering to achieve their distinct 30-degree controlled dispersion pattern. To accomplish this, MartinLogan engineers reduced the gauge thickness of Theos’s steel stators, which not only achieves the desired arc, but also drastically increases the visual transparency of the panel. According to Martin Logan, the reduced gauge does not alter performance characteristics of Theos' electrostatic panel. However, as a natural byproduct of tighter build tolerances, visual transparency of the panel is increased significantly.  Theos' new XStat panel is so visually transparent that it's said to nearly vanish when you're sitting and listening.  The sign of a good speaker is to sonically disappear into the room.  Martin Logan takes this notion up a notch implying it will also visually disappear.  If true, this type of cloaking technology would be the envy of even a Romulan. 

Borrowing from the name of MartinLogan’s Chief Audio Technologist, Joe Vojtko, the Theos uses Advanced Vojtko™ Filtering. This proprietary audiophile quality network is hand-built using precision point-to-point wiring, polypropylene capacitors, massive air-core coils, and a custom wound toroidal audio transformer.  It's always welcomed when a loudspeaker company doesn't skimp on parts nor downplays their importance on the overall sonic impact on the system.

Theos also features a fully passive woofer in a bass reflex design and custom bi-wire capable binding posts giving audio enthusiasts the highest level of flexibility in amplifier selection and connectivity—from single wired solid state systems to vertical or horizontal bi-amplified tube installations. For ease of install, Theos also features a low-voltage DC power supply that eliminates the need for a traditional, heavy IEC power cord.

Theos’ state-of-the-art features include:

• CLS™ XStat™ electrostatic transducer

• Ultra rigid AirFrame™

• Fully passive design

• 8-inch aluminum cone woofer in a bass reflex design

• Precision built Vojtko™ crossover network boasting advanced ML topology

• Custom bi-wire toolless binding posts

• Custom ETC™ spikes

• Real wood finish options

Initial shipments of Theos will be offered in three hand-rubbed real-wood finishes including black ash, dark cherry, and zebrawood. Custom finishes are also available through authorized dealers.

US retail price is $4,995 per pair for standard finishes.

For more information, please visit www.martinlogan.com/theos. MartinLogan is also active in social media and can be found on Twitter, Flickr, Facebook and Youtube.

About MartinLogan, Ltd.

MartinLogan, one of the most respected names in audio, is located in Lawrence, Kansas. The speaker systems, incorporating MartinLogan's patented CLS (Curvilinear Line Source) XStat high-resolution electrostatic technology and Folded Motion transducers, range in price from $199.95 each to over $30,000 a pair (U.S. Retail). The subwoofer systems range in price from $495 to $3,495 (U.S. Retail).

Unless otherwise indicated, this is a preview article for the featured product. A formal review may or may not follow in the future.