Ascent

Incomparable ESL Precision

From an audio culture built on the dedication needed to explode myth after myth—designers, engineers, and artisans each cultivating perfection—comes the new MartinLogan Ascent.

Ascent expresses the unique MartinLogan language of form and function. It embodies the look and break-through technology of its sibling—Prodigy—in a sculpted cabinet that is sleek, compact, and beautifully finished. Its all new design leverages both the MartinLogan CLS (curvilinear line source) electrostatic technology and our long experience in hybrid speaker system design. Ascent maintains controlled dispersion—for minimal room interaction—while providing outstanding dynamic range, imaging, and detail.

Launched in 2000

Price when discontinued:
$4,195.00

Press

Awards

Specifications

Specifications are subject to change without notice

Frequency Response

35–22,000 Hz ±3dB

Recommended Amplifier Power

20—400 watts per channel

Horizontal Dispersion

30°

Vertical Dispersion

48" (122cm) line source

Sensitivity

90dB/2.83 volts/meter

Impedance

4 Ohms, 1.2 at 20kHz Compatible with 4, 6, or 8 Ohm rated amplifiers.

Crossover Frequency

280 Hz

High Frequency Transducer

48" (122cm) CLS™ electrostatic transducer

Low Frequency Transducer

10" (25.4cm) high excursion, high rigidity cone with extended throw drive assembly, non-resonance chamber format

Components

Custom wound audio transformer, polypropylene capacitors, air core coils

Audio Controls

Bass Control Switch: -3dB below 200Hz

Inputs

Custom 5-way bi-wire binding posts

Weight

72 lbs. (32.5 kg)

Dimensions

64" x 13" x 22 "
(162.6cm x 33cm x 55.9cm)

Customer Reviews For Ascent

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Chuck L.

  • Wednesday, October 23, 2013

Outstanding ESL's!
I purchased a used pair of Ascents six months ago as a replacement for my JBL4311's. The best stereo decision I've ever made! I loved the JBL's (purchased them in 1988 when I separated from the Air Force) but the Martins had a much better, much more detailed sound. I am running them with a pair of Adcom 555's in bridged mono mode and using an Emotive XDA-2 as a DAC and Pre amp and a Martin Logan sub. I'll skip the poetry usually associated with high end audio and just say that I love listening again to all my favorite music, and hearing things I had never heard before!

JES

  • Friday, May 10, 2013

Still amazing
Have owned my Ascent for ten years now and they still make people say Wow !!!! Big soundstage, crisp and detailed sound with a deep bass. Althoug bass could need a bit more current from the amp to get that last bit of contol. (Jeff Rowland Concentra Ii) The ability to reproduce every fiber in a guitarstring or that feeling in vocal voices is still on top