MartinLogan Xstat Summit X User Manual
tm
S u m m i t X
u s e r ’ s m a n u a l
Serial Numbers: ________________ / ________________
Record your serial numbers here for easy reference. You will need this
information when filling out your warranty registration. Summit X’s serial
number is located near the bottom of the backplate and on the shipping
container. Each individual unit has a unique serial number.
25Hz Setting: ________________ / ________________
left channel right channel
50Hz Setting: ________________ / ________________
left channel right channel
Summit X
Tested to Comply
with FCC Standards
FO R HO ME O R OF FI CE U SE
This device complies with part 15 of
the FCC Rules. Operation is subject
to the following two conditions: (1)
This device may not cause harmful
interference, and (2) this device must
accept any interference received,
in cluding interference that may
cause undesired operation.
Thank you—the MartinLogan owner,
for loving what we do,
and
making it possible for us to do what we love.
Contents
Contents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Installation in Brief . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Controls and Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
AC Power Connection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Signal Connection
Break-In
25 & 50Hz Level Controls
Placement and Room Acoustics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Listening Position
The Wall Behind the Listener
The Wall Behind the Speakers
The Side Walls
Experimentation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Final Placement
The Extra “Tweak” . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Enjoy Yourself
Your Room
Terminology
Rules of Thumb . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Dipolar Speakers and Your Room
Solid Footing
Dispersion Interactions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Controlled Horizontal Dispersion
Controlled Vertical Dispersion
Three Major Types of Dispersion
Home Theater. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Electrostatic Advantages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Full Range Operation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
MartinLogan Exclusives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
XStat™ Transducer
CLS™ (Curvilinear Line Source)
Generation 2 Diaphragm
MicroPerf Stator
Vacuum Bonding
AirFrame™ Technology
Controlled Dispersion PoweredForce™
Electrostatic Loudspeaker History . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Frequently Asked Questions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Troubleshooting. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
General Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Specifications
Warranty and Registration
Serial Number
Service
Dimensional Drawings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Glossary of Audio Terms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
In accordance with the European Union WEEE (Waste Electrical
and Electronic Equipment) directive effective August 13, 2005,
we would like to notify you that this product may contain regulated materials which upon disposal, according to the WEEE
directive, require special reuse and recycling processing.
The lightning bolt flash with arrowhead symbol, within
The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle is
WARNING! Do not use your Summit X loudspeakers outside of the country of original sale—voltage requirements
vary by country. Improper voltage can cause damage that will be potentially expensive to repair. The Summit X is
shipped to authorized MartinLogan distributors with the correct power supply for use in the country of intended
sale. A list of authorized distributors can be accessed at www.martinlogan.com or by emailing info@martinlogan.com.
4 Contents
an equilateral triangle, is intended to alert the user to
the presence of uninsulated “dangerous voltage” within
the product’s enclosure that may be of sufficient magnitude to constitute a risk of electric shock.
intended to alert the user to the presence of important
operating and maintenance (servicing) instructions in
the literature accompanying the appliance.
For this reason MartinLogan has arranged with our distributors
in European Union member nations to collect and recycle this
product at no cost to you. To find your local distributor please
contact the dealer from whom you purchased this product,
email info@martinlogan.com, or visit the distributor locator at
www.martinlogan.com.
Please note, only this product itself falls under the WEEE
directive. When disposing of packaging and other related
shipping materials we encourage you to recycle these items
through the normal channels.
InstallatIon In BrIef
We know you are eager to hear your Summit X speakers,
so this section is provided to allow fast and easy set up.
Once you have them operational, please take the time to
read, in depth, the rest of the information in this manual.
It will give you perspective on how to attain the greatest
possible performance from this most exacting transducer.
If you should experience any difficulties in the setup or
operation of your Summit X speakers, please refer to the
Room Acoustics, Placement, or Operation sections of
this manual. Should you encounter a persistent problem
that cannot be resolved, please contact your authorized
MartinLogan dealer. They will provide you with the appropriate technical analysis to alleviate the situation.
WARNING!
• Hazardousvoltagesexistinside—donot
remove cover.
• Referservicingtoaqualifiedtechnician.
• Topreventfireorshockhazard,donot
expose this module to moisture.
• Turnamplifieroffandunplugspeakerifany
abnormal conditions occur.
• Turnamplifieroffbeforemakingorbreaking
any signal connections!
• Donotoperateifthereisanyvisualdamage
to the electrostatic panel element.
• Donotdrivespeakerbeyonditsratedpower.
• Thepowercordshouldnotbeinstalled,
removed, or left detached from the speaker
while the other end is connected to an AC
power source.
• Useonlywithagroundedelectricaloutlet.
• Nocandlesorothersourcesofopenflame
should be placed on the speaker.
• Noliquidseitheringlassesorvasesshouldbe
placed on speaker.
• Speakershouldnotbeexposedtodrippingor
splashing liquids.
• Theterminalsmarkedwiththelightningbolt
symbol should be connected by an instructed
person or by way of ready made terminals.
• Thepowercordshouldremainreadilyoperable should any abnormal conditions occur.
Step 1: Unpacking
Remove your new Summit X speakers from their packaging.
Step 2: Placement
Place each Summit X at least two feet from the back wall
and angle them slightly toward your listening area. This is
a good place to start. Please see the Placement section
(pages 10–14) of this manual for more details.
Step 3: Power Connection (AC) (see warning)
Your Summit X speakers require AC power to energize
their electrostatic cells and to power the PoweredForce™
woofers. Using the AC power cords provided,
in
first to the AC power receptacle on the rear panel of the
speaker
nection, and then to a wall outlet. Please see AC Power
Connection (pages 8) of this manual for more details.
Step 4: Signal Connection
Use the best speaker cables you can. Higher quality cables,
available from your specialty dealer, are recommended
and will give you superior performance. Spade connectors
are suggested for optimum contact and ease of installation.
Attach your speaker cables to the signal input section on the
rear panel. Be consistent when connecting speaker leads to
the terminals on the back of the Summit X. Take great care
to assign the same color to the (+) terminal on both the
left and right channels. If bass is weak and you cannot
discern a tight, coherent image, you may need to reverse
the (+) and (–) leads on one side to bring the system into
proper polarity.
For detailed setup instructions, please turn to the Controls
and Connections section (Page 7–9) of this manual for
more details.
Step 5: Control Settings
Set the 25 and 50 Hz Bass Level Control knobs to 0dB.
Please see 25 and 50Hz Level Control (page 7) for more
details.
Step 6: Listen and Enjoy
Now, you may turn on your system and enjoy!
, making sure that you have made a firm
plug them
con-
Installation in Brief 5
IntroduCtIon
Congratulations! You have invested in one of the world’s
premier loudspeaker systems.
The MartinLogan Summit X™ represents an advanced
combination of sonic technologies establishing an unprecedented direction for audiophile design. The result of
years of research, the new Summit X™ hybrid electrostatic loudspeaker features PoweredForce™ and XStat™
technologies, dramatically reducing cabinet size, yet
establishing new standards for efficiency, dynamics and
precision in a floorstanding loudspeaker.
The luminous legacy of MartinLogan subwoofer engineering and research not only produced some of the
world’s most sophisticated subwoofers, but has also
yielded new breakthroughs. Through integrated engineering of advanced amplification and transducer designs,
PoweredForce™ bass technology results in usable bass
extension down to 24Hz, immense bass dynamics and
precision beyond the reach of traditional passive box
systems—all from an enclosure not much larger than a
case of wine! Additionally, low-frequency equalization
capabilities, integrated into advanced PoweredForce™
technology, allow precision calibration for optimal room
integration.
Housed within a radical, ultra-rigid extruded aluminum
AirFrame™, the Summit X’s CLS XStat™ transducer builds
upon the legacy of MartinLogan’s electrostatic heritage
with the incorporation of advanced vacuum bonding and
MicroPerf stat panels, providing even greater efficiency and
precision. The integration of electrical interface technology developed by MartinLogan’s CLX™ engineering team
extends effortless dynamics and purity, resulting in even
higher sonic standards of efficiency and precision.
Featuring an advanced crossover topology derived from
the award winning CLX™ loudspeaker, MartinLogan
carefully hand-builds each Summit™ X crossover utilizing precision point-to-point wiring, audiophile-grade
polypropylene capacitors and high-purity air-core coils.
This advanced crossover topology flawlessly preserves
microscopic subtleties while effortlessly handling the
broadest range of dynamics contained within even the
most demanding sonic source.
The materials in your new Summit X speakers are of
the highest
ing enjoyment and
constructed from the highest quality composite material
for acoustical integrity and features hand rubbed wood
veneers.
Through rigorous testing, the curvilinear electrostatic
panel has proven itself to be one of the most durable and
reliable transducers available today. Fabricated from a
custom tool punched high-grade steel, the patented panel
is coated with a special polymer that is applied via a proprietary electrostatic bonding process. This panel assembly
houses a membrane just 0.0005 of an inch thick. Ruggedly
constructed and insulated, the panel is rated to easily
handle up to 300 watts of continuous power with no deleterious effects.
The other sections of your User’s Manual explain in detail
the operation of your Summit X speakers and the philosophy applied to their design. A clear understanding of
your speakers will insure that you obtain maximum performance and pleasure from this most exacting transducer. It
has been designed and constructed to give you years of
trouble-free listening enjoyment.
quality and will provide years of endur-
deepening respect. The cabinetry is
6 Introduction
Controls and ConneCtIons
25Hz Level Knobs
The 25Hz Level knob sig-
nificantly adjusts the level
between 20 and 30Hz by
±10dB. This is an area where
peaks and dips of different
amplitudes often manifest in
real environments. This set-
ting is dependent on room
size and construction, system
configuration and personal
preference
Bicolor Amplifier Status Light
This multi-color LED indi-
cates the current status of the
amplified PoweredForce™
woofer system.
No color: No power. The
Summit X is not plugged in.
Blue: Play mode. This indicates
the Summit X detects an audio
signal and is operating normally.
Red: Standby mode. This
indicates the Summit X has
detected no audio signal for
approximately 15 minutes.
Flash ing Re d: Safe mode.
This indicates if the Summit
X’s temperature has exceeded nominal operating range
or that anothe r er ror has
occured. Normal operation
will resume when available.
This can also occur after initial
plug in or while transitioning
to standby mode. This is normal and will clear upon music
signal or after entering standby mode.
SERIAL NUMBER
Light Knob
The light control allows the
Summit X’s three lights to be
turned on and off.
50Hz Level Knobs
The 50Hz Level knob significantly adjusts the level
between 40 and 60Hz by
±10dB. This is an area where
peaks and dips of different
amplitudes often manifest in
real environments. This setting is dependent on room
size and construction, system
configuration and personal
preference.
Signal Input
These binding posts provide a
place to connect the Summit
X to your amplifier.
AC Power Connection
Your MartinLogan Summit
X speakers use an internal
power suppl y to energiz e
their electrostatic cells and
PoweredForce™ woofers, and
must be connected to an AC
power source.
Diaphragm Charge Status Light
This green LED indicates diaphragm charge status.
No color: The c ircuit has
turned off due to lack of signal
for over 15 minutes.
Green: Play mode. This indicates the Summit X detects an
audio signal and the ESL diaphragm is charged.
Figure 1. Summit X Controls and Connections
Controls and Connections 7
AC Power Connection
Your Summit X speakers use an internal power supply to energize their electrostatic cells and the amplified
PoweredForce™ woofer system, and must be connected
to an AC power source. For this reason they are provided
with the proper IEC standard power cords. These cords
should be firmly inserted into the AC power receptacles
on the rear connection panel of the speakers, then to any
convenient AC wall outlet.
The Summit X integrates a signal sensing power supply
which will switch off after 15 minutes without music signal, and requires less than four seconds to recharge the
panels when a music signal is present.
Your Summit X speakers are wired for the power service
supplied in the country of original consumer sale. The
AC power rating applicable to a particular unit is specified both on the packing carton and on the serial number
plate attached to the speaker. If you remove your Summit X
speakers from the country of original sale, be certain that
the AC power supplied in any subsequent location is
suitable before connecting and operating the speakers.
Substantially impaired performance or severe damage may
occur to a Summit X speaker if operation is attempted from
an incorrect AC power source.
WARNING! The power cord should not be
installed, removed, or left detached from the
speaker while the other end is connected to an
AC power source.
Connections are made at the signal input section on the
rear electronics panel of the Summit X. Use spade connectors for optimum contact and ease of installation.
Hand tighten the binding posts, but do not overtighten—
do not use a tool to tighten the binding posts.
Be consistent when connecting the speaker cables to the
signal input terminals. Take care to assign the same color
cable lead to the (+) terminal on both the left and right
channel speakers. If bass is weak and you cannot discern
a tight, coherent image, you may need to reverse the (+)
and (–) leads on one speaker to bring the system into
proper polarity.
WARNING! Turn your amplifier off before
making or breaking any signal connections!
Break-In
When you first begin to play your Summit X speakers the
bass will sound weak. This is due to the high quality, longlife components used in the woofers. Our custom made,
butyl surround woofers require approximately 72 hours of
break-in at 90 dB (moderate listening levels) before any
critical listening. The break-in requirements of the crossover components (and, to a lesser degree, the electrostatic
panel) are equivalent.
25 & 50 Hz Level Controls
Signal Connection
Use the best speaker cables you can. The length and type
of speaker cable used in your system will have an audible
effect. Under no circumstance should a wire of gauge
higher (thinner) than #16 be used. In general, the longer the length used, the greater the necessity of a lower
gauge, and the lower the gauge, the better the sound,
with diminishing returns setting in around #8 to #12.
A variety of cables are available whose
claim better performance than standard heavy gauge wire.
We have verified this in many cases, and the improvements
available are often more noticeable than the differences
between wires of different gauge. The effects of cables
may be masked if equipment is not of the highest quality.
8 Controls and Connection
manufacturers
After you have determined the speaker position and primary listening position (see pages 10–1) you will want to
adjust the 25Hz and 50Hz level controls.
On the rear of the Summit X are two knobs that control
the 25Hz and 50Hz frequency responses by ±10db.
MartinLogan engineers have found this frequency area
(20–75Hz) to be problematic. Low frequencies tend to
react to a room environment by creating nodes (boomy
and unnatural bass) or nulls (weak bass). By adjusting the
25Hz and 50Hz level knobs you can ‘dial out’ undesirable nodes or nulls and create a balanced and seamless
presentation.
To help find the optimal setting for your room, play familiar material with low frequency information (such as a
drum or a pipe organ). When adjusting the 25Hz and
50Hz levels we recommend doing so with two or three
people—one located at the listening position and one or
two people at the controls.
1 Start with the 25Hz and 50Hz level knobs set to 0dB.
The person at the listening position needs to become
familiar with the sound at this setting. Remember, only
the person in the listening position should judge the
bass integration. Nodes and nulls change dramatically
throughout every location in a room. A person adjusting the controls on the speaker will experience an
entirely different bass performance than a person sitting in the listening position.
2 Adjust the 25Hz level knob by +10dB. In most cases
the bass will sound boomy and unnatural. Return
the setting to 0dB and listen to the speaker again for
a moment. Next, adjust the 25Hz knob by –10dB. In
most cases the bass will sound thin. Return the setting
to 0dB and listen again for a moment.
Now you have an idea of the control you have over
the 25Hz output. If you feel the bass is too boomy
at 0dB, adjust towards the negative settings. If it is
to thin at 0dB, adjust toward the positive settings.
Repeat this procedure using increasingly smaller
amounts (8dB, 6dB, 4dB, etc.) until you find a setting
where the low bass sounds balanced—remember
to return the knob to 0dB and listen for a moment
between each adjustment. Once you’ve found the best
sounding setting for your room, make a note of the setting.
experiment with speaker placement or the location of the
listening position—sometimes even the subtlest adjustments will make huge changes!
3 Repeat step 2 to adjust the 50Hz level knob
4 Setting one level may effect enough change that the
other is no longer ideal. Once you have determined
and noted the settings for both knobs repeat this procedure with finer adjustments around the points
you’ve already chosen.
Remember—due to the unpredictabililty of every listening room, experimentation is essential when setting
up a loudspeaker. It may take several attempts to find a
combination of control settings, speaker positions, and
listening position that is ideal for you and your listening
preferences. If you still hear anomalies, you may need to
Controls and Connection 9
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