Note that this is a discontinued product. You may want to visit the brand's page here to browse their newer products.
What reviewers think
Bloggers and YouTubers have tried this product—so we've summarized their strongest opinions below. Links to full reviews follow.
Product Strengths
- Excellent sound quality that matches the current generation of MartinLogan ESL speakers in presentation
- Can be tuned to match prior generations of MartinLogan ESL speakers
- Powered woofers are easy to drive, and the built-in Anthem Room Correction optimizes their response curve
- Dynamic range and ability to reproduce mid-bass with authority, making for a solid center image
- Connectivity options are available
Product Considerations
- Size and height limit placement options
- Performance suffers due to relatively limited horizontal dispersion if seated far off-axis
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The Illusion ESL C34A has better bass extension than the MartinLogan Focus ESL C18
- It had more dynamic capabilities in the midbass, as well as better extension, clearer midrange and better high-frequency extension than the MartinLogan Stage
- The HTM1 is the only other center channel that compares in terms of vocal clarity and dynamic capabilities to the Bowers & Wilkins HTM1 D2
Takeaway: The Illusion ESL C34A is a world-class center channel that perfectly matches MartinLogan systems, providing excellent sound quality. Tone-control capabilities offer some flexibility to blend this center channel with other speakers as well.
What are hifi reviews useful for? (1) Identifying products you should demo in person at a dealer. (2) Learning which products reviewers unanimously praise as the best they've heard (this means they probably are legitimately great). (3) Identifying a product's attributes that satisfy your idiosyncratic needs and tastes. Beyond that, we often discount what reviewers say because they heap praise on most products—and are often apprehensive about publishing strong criticism or comparisons between products. Further, they seldom have more than a few products on-hand, often relying on their memories to compare past products. Always listen for yourself.
All
Illusion ESL C34A
reviews
[{"title":"MartinLogan Illusion ESL C34A Center-Channel Speaker Reviewed","link":"https://hometheaterreview.com/martinlogan-illusion-esl-c34a-center-channel-speaker-reviewed","source":"Home Theater Review","datePublished":"2017"}]
An excellent review of a great product
/
Publisher
/
3/1/2022
An excellent review of a great product
Publisher
/
3/1/2022
Video Review
Manufacturer details
Features
Specifications
- Frequency Response: 45–23,000 Hz ±3dB
- Recommended Amplifier Power: 20—600 watts per channel
- Horizontal Dispersion: 30°
- Sensitivity: 90 dB/2.83 volts/meter
- Impedance: 6 Ohms
- Crossover Frequency: 500, 2000 Hz
- High Frequency Transducer: Two 1.25" x 2.4" (3.2cm x 6.1cm) Folded Motion XT Transducers with 4.5" x 2.75" (11.4cm x 7cm) diaphragm
- Mid Frequency Transducer: Patented CLS™ XStat™ electrostatic transducer
- Panel Dimensions: 8" x 34.5" (20.3 x 87.6cm)
- Radiating Area: 276 in² (1,778 cm²)
- Low Frequency Transducer: Four 6.5" (16.5cm) cast basket, aluminum cone
- Amplifier: 1x 250 watts/channel (4 ohms), 500 watts peak
- Weight: 90 lbs. (40.9 kg)
- Dimensions: 23.75" x 32.35" x 23.1" (60.3cm x 82.2cm x 58.6cm)
Description
Illusion ESL C34A is the ultimate performance floorstanding center channel loudspeaker that blurs the lines between performance and reality by combining the dynamics of a 34-inch wide XStat CLS electrostatic transducer with the detailed imaging capability of Folded Motion XT tweeters, four 6.5-inch PoweredForce Forward™ woofers powered by a 250-watt Class-D amplifier, and controlled by a 24-Bit Vojtko™ DSP Engine and ARC™ (Anthem Room Correction).
Release Timeline
Manufacturer Site
Brand highlights
Taking a step back to look at reviewers' thoughts of the brand's entire lineup—not just this product—what stands out most is the following:
- MartinLogan's defining CLS (Curvilinear Line Source) electrostatic panel technology provides exceptionally wide horizontal high-frequency dispersion, exceeding that of traditional flat panels and offering a more immersive soundstage.
- The brand uniquely integrates powered dynamic woofers with its electrostatic panels, employing custom DSP engines and advanced crossover designs to achieve seamless blending and extended, well-defined bass response.
- MartinLogan's commitment to full-range sound reproduction, even in smaller models, results in a "large" sound that defies the speaker's physical size, projecting height and scale often unmatched by comparably sized speakers.
- They provide Anthem Room Correction (ARC) as an option, allowing users to tailor the bass response to their specific listening environment and achieve optimal integration between the speakers and the room's acoustics.
Select products
Select product comparisons
Motion Series
- Positioning: The entry-level lineup, offering a balance of performance and affordability.
- Description: Uses the Gen2 Folded Motion Tweeter, which provides clear and detailed sound. Compared to the Motion XT Series, it uses Woven Fiberglass midrange drivers, making it more budget-friendly while still delivering quality sound for small to medium-sized rooms.
Motion XT Series
- Positioning: A step up from the Motion Series, offering enhanced performance and features.
- Description: Stands out with its high-performance Nomex-Reinforced Kevlar midrange drivers and Gen2 Folded Motion XT Tweeter, delivering more detail and power than the standard Motion Series.
ElectroMotion Series
- Positioning: Positioned as a mid-range option, combining advanced technologies for a superior audio experience.
- Description: Features advanced thin film transducer technologies, including electrostatic and Folded Motion designs, offering greater accuracy and style compared to the Motion XT Series.
Masterpiece Series
- Positioning: The flagship lineup, representing the pinnacle of MartinLogan's electrostatic loudspeaker design.
- Description: Renowned for its groundbreaking electrostatic loudspeakers, which provide the most immersive and detailed sound experience in the lineup. It surpasses the ElectroMotion Series with its larger soundstage and advanced engineering.
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Avg. Product Price
$500
Used For Sale
467
Available (Scroll Down)
Brand Popularity
5
of 900+
Badges
Top 50 Brand
Top 250 Brand
Products Listed
81
Founding Year
1982
Our take on the brand
Martin Logan is one of the most established names in high-end audio, best known as a pioneer of electrostatic panel speakers. Electrostatics offer a unique, tactile transient response that many audiophiles find addictive—once people hear them, they often become lifelong fans. In some ways, these speakers are comparable to Magnepan’s dipole designs. However, Martin Logan also offers more traditional cone-driver speakers, providing something for a range of tastes and setups.
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Brand Page
Our interview with the brand
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Martin Logan
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What if you spend more?
ADAM Audio
A44H
699
699
/
5
Reviews
With a 19-inch width, the horizontally oriented A44H can sit on a standard rack shelf or be mounted above or below a display. The completely new design also enables the A44H to serve as a center speaker in immersive and 3D speaker configurations. Dual 4-inch long-throw woofers and the X-ART tweeter deliver a wide frequency range, while onboard DSP-based tuning capabilities enable you to tweak the sound easily.
ADAM Audio is renowned for its innovative ART tweeters, which enhance the Air Motion Transformer concept by moving air four times faster than their folds for high-definition sound. Their monitors, especially the S Series, are favored by sound engineers for their accurate and transparent sound, advanced engineering, and reduced distortion, while the T Series offers affordable, high-performance studio monitors.
Expand Details
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Our summary
Product Strengths
- Compact, comfortable, and easy to place, with a lower profile.
- Delivers a powerful, dynamic, and precise sound that delivers an enjoyable experience.
- A rotatable tweeter allows for both horizontal and vertical placement, providing flexibility in different setups.
- On-board DSP-based room correction options, and integration with Sonarworks SoundID Reference for refined tuning.
- A wide sweet spot that is immersive and enjoyable to listen to.
Product Considerations
- The bass response may not be as present or suitable for music production with many sub-bass frequencies.
- The dial for input level adjustment is not stepped, which may make precise matching more difficult.
- Some reviewers suggest a sub may be needed depending on the material being worked with, to supplement the 4-inch woofers.
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to the ADAM Audio A7X model, the A44H offers a similar response curve.
Takeaway: The A44H monitors offer a unique form factor, versatile placement options, and a detailed sound, making them a great option for smaller spaces or immersive setups. The built-in DSP and integration with Sonarworks provide extensive room correction and customization capabilities.
Video review
Our take on the brand
ADAM Audio is renowned for its innovative ART tweeters, which enhance the Air Motion Transformer concept by moving air four times faster than their folds for high-definition sound. Their monitors, especially the S Series, are favored by sound engineers for their accurate and transparent sound, advanced engineering, and reduced distortion, while the T Series offers affordable, high-performance studio monitors.
Product Page
Product Page
Definitive Technology
Dymension DM30
899
899
/
2
Reviews
Definitive Technology is a hifi speaker brand known for its bipole design, which radiates sound from both front and back to create a more spacious soundstage. Their speakers feature unique technologies like Linear Response Waveguide for better off-axis listening and Intelligent Bass Control for precise bass adjustments while maintaining midrange balance, with many models incorporating built-in powered subwoofers.
Expand Details
Our summary
Product Strengths
- Four 5.25-inch drivers, one tweeter, and an 8-inch subwoofer with two passive radiators provide a bigger sound.
- Clear dialogue is delivered, especially important for a center channel speaker.
- Timbre matches well with other Definitive Technology speakers, even older models.
- Neutral, accurate sound is delivered without being harsh.
- A deep and wide soundstage is produced.
Product Considerations
- The speaker cloth material may not perfectly match older Definitive Technology speakers, appearing as a slightly different shade of black.
- The base was not as good as the older model.
- The DM30 is a large speaker, requiring adequate space.
Takeaway: The Dymension DM30 is a great center channel speaker that provides clear dialogue and a wide soundstage, which enhances the home theater experience. It is a worthwhile addition that fits well with other Definitive Technology speakers and delivers excellent performance for movies and music.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Definitive Technology is a hifi speaker brand known for its bipole design, which radiates sound from both front and back to create a more spacious soundstage. Their speakers feature unique technologies like Linear Response Waveguide for better off-axis listening and Intelligent Bass Control for precise bass adjustments while maintaining midrange balance, with many models incorporating built-in powered subwoofers.
Product Page
Product Page
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