NEWS: Martin Logan develops the world's first fully active electrostatic speaker

US-based speaker specialist Martin Logan has unveiled what it claims is the world's first fully active hybrid loudspeaker. The £2090 Purity model (above) has a built-in 200W digital power amplifier, meaning that no external power amps are needed to drive the speakers.

And because the Purity has a line-level input, it can be connected directly to any line-level source component with its own volume level control, such as an iPod/portable media player, flatscreen TV, PC or CD player with output controls.

Alternatively, the Purity can be used in a conventional hi-fi separates system by connecting the speakers to a separate preamp. Or if you wish to bypass the internal amplification, you can connect them to an external power amp at speaker level via the supplied binding posts, just like a conventional speaker.

For those who want an affordable electrostatic speaker design without internal amplification, Martin Logan now offers the £1599 Source.

Unlike conventional cone/dome speakers, electrostatic designs incorporate a thin electrostatic panel that is charged with electric current to vibrate the air.

Both the Purity and the Source share the following technology:

  • CLS Generation 2 electrostatic panel
  • MicroPerf stators
  • AirFrame technology
  • High-rigidity, high-excursion woofer
  • Vojtko crossover
  • Dipole sound radiation
  • Tool-less binding posts
  • Adjustable base and spikes
  • Choice of dark cherry or black finishes
  • In addition, the Purity has an internal 200W amp, low-distortion aluminium-cone woofers and +/- 3dB bass control.
  • Both models are distributed in the UK by Absolute Sounds (0208 971 3909).
Andy Clough

Andy is Global Brand Director of What Hi-Fi? and has been a technology journalist for 30 years. During that time he has covered everything from VHS and Betamax, MiniDisc and DCC to CDi, Laserdisc and 3D TV, and any number of other formats that have come and gone. He loves nothing better than a good old format war. Andy edited several hi-fi and home cinema magazines before relaunching whathifi.com in 2008 and helping turn it into the global success it is today. When not listening to music or watching TV, he spends far too much of his time reading about cars he can't afford to buy.