Customer Ratings & Reviews

I've been buying hi-fi and video gear for 45 of my 60 years on this planet. I even worked in the industry in it's heydays in the late 70's - mid 80's and have always enjoyed audio & video as a hobby. Over the years I've owned hundreds of audio & video components from cassette tape decks to laser disc players, from turntables to reel-to-reel decks, even my share of VHS and Beta VCR's. And lots of stuff in-between. Along with that I have owned a vast array of loudspeakers starting with my first serious speakers - a pair of RSL Model 8's. Those were followed by the then the legendary Pioneer HPM-100's and Polk Model 10's. I've even ventured to the exotic - purchasing a pair of Acoustat 1+1's and Carver AL-III's back in the early and late 90's. But alas, I got married, had two kids and the budget for hi-fi gear took a bit of a back seat. So it was with true enthusiasm, and a nice tax return, that I made the move to buy my new Martin Logan EM ESL-X speakers in April! And I was not disappointed. It was like reliving my youth and being able to enjoy real high-end sound again. I matched them with a Martin Logan EM ESL-C center channel, Dynamo 1100X Sub and 4 of the Motion FX for surround. It makes an amazing 7.1 package and I am enjoying my music and movies like never before. The level of detail, imaging and nuance are incredible. As cliche as it sounds, and I am as skeptical as anybody, I am hearing things in my music that I have never heard before. The sound of the electrostatic panels is revealing and mesmerizing - and like no other speaker I have ever owned. The complimentary subwoofer, center channel and surround speakers make it a must have for my movie viewing. I can highly recommend all of these speakers without reservation and truly consider this a check off the old bucket list and look forward to years of musical and movie enjoyment! It's worth noting that I bought these during the height of the pandemic and Magnolia-Best Buy gave me great support online and over the phone in spite of all the store closures and distractions. The purchase and delivery were flawless with the exception of one defective woofer grill that was swiftly replaced. A big thanks to Magnolia-Best Buy for all their support during a very trying time!

Phenomenal sound stage without woofer distortion. Sound is clean and pure. Matched with the esl c center channel, you won’t find a better clarity. A subwoofer is a must though.

I listened to the ESL models in the store and took a leap of faith in ordering these. I was not disappointed. They sound better and tend to have less of a 'sweet spot' the ESL's had. I went to the store to basically buy some B&W CM10's, but I asked the salesman what else he had. I was impressed by the ESL's. I will say these speakers are 'bright' with very tight high/mid-range. That's what I prefer, but I realize that might not appeal to everyone. If you like the ESL's in the store, you'll like these even better. It was a great purchase for me. Very happy.

My first pair of Martin Logan speakers and I got blown away. Great sound stage, crispy clear sound, wonderful if you are vocal or acoustic lover. Bass is ok but you can always add an extra subwoofer or two. Compared with friends 702s2, I really like this one better.

Truly amazing...no other comment needed. On a side note - they say there's a 100 hours break in period, and although the speakers are amazing from the beginning, I've noticed the projection of the sound field field appears to have widened with use. You can close your eyes and it believe the music is live in the room it's so real. We love jazz, and piano (and all instruments really) sound as if the player is in the room. Movies sound better than ever as well. Sub woofer isn't optional though. There's bass and it's very natural. However, to get the theater low end bass effect, that one thing isn't there. And no speaker in my experience takes the place of a sub woofers. I have two standalone subs and they complement the speakers beautifully.

Hello everyone! I just bought MartinLogan-Electromotion 8” speakers .I was very happy when I listen music , the base and treble very clear . But these speakers did not worked well I karaoke , I not recommend if you bring these speakers to sing a song .

All I can say is wow. These things put out amazing sound. I do not have the most sophisticated ear but now understand what is meant by sound stage. The best sound quality is in the focal point of the two speakers but you will not be disappointed anywhere in the room.

We owned the entry level ESL's and decided to upgrade. We now have the ability to bi-amp which makes a world of difference. 250 for mid's and highs and 250 to power the sub. Together with our EM-C2 and Motion FX surrounds, the sound reproduction is now full of sounds we were not able to hear before. Highly recommended. PS: Make sure to power these babies properly. They can take it!!!

These speakers are ridiculous. The sound is crisp and rich. I have a denon powering these. Is a pair of these work better than a sound bar. I highly suggest going with these even in apartment. There is no heavy sound pressureIs making the neighbors upset. Is there worth every penny. I can hardly wait to expand into a full surround set up when I have my own home.

Martin Logan ESL speakers have a wonderful clarity and why I own 3 pairs for my theater experience.

Went and visited Magnolia 3 times to listen to these and couldn’t wait to get a pair home. Have not tuned them in and got them placed right. Used ARC room correction and after 100 hours or so will do it again. I pairs these with the center channel and 1100 dynamo sub. Took my encore energy surround system and turned it into a 7.1 system. Excellent product.

Seriously, the best speakers you can buy in this price range. Electrostic speaker beat anything out there, period. Go to Magnolia and listen to them.

Great speakers, true sound playback. Compact not intrusive footprint.

For the price These are the most amazing speakers out there ! They are expensive, but thousands of dollars cheaper than anything that compares. My friends literally bring their CS’s over to listen to them at my house !

First time buying electrostatic speakers and they definitely have a unique sound. The pair we bought were open box so one speaker was missing the screen on the backside. Luckily, sound quality it still great once you get the positioning just right for your room setup.

[Employee of bestbuy] I've researched and waited to purchase a pair of the ESL speakers. The sound and aesthetic are amazing!

Best set of speakers I have purchased (2nd pair). My set up: 2 fronts ESLXL, Balanced force 212, motion surrounds and center!! Best sound ever

One of the best sounding speakers on the market superb.

I love these speakers. It looks great, sounds marvelous and makes a statement when you see it on display. Now I enjoy my home movies and shows.