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Will excessive smoke or dust cause any prob-
lems with my electrostatic speakers?
Exposure to excessive contaminants such as smoke
or dust may potentially affect the performance of the
electrostatic membrane, and may cause discoloration
of the diaphragm membrane. When not in use for
extended periods, you should unplug the speakers and
cover them with the plastic bags in which the speakers
were originally packed. It is a good idea to vacuum
the electrostatic portion of each speaker three or four
times a year. See the vacuuming FAQ.
A problem has recently developed with my
MartinLogan speakers. The right speaker
seems to be hissing even when the amplifier
and such are not connected. I was wonder-
ing if this sounds like any problem you have
encountered previously and have a simple
solution for or might it be something which will
need to be looked into more carefully.
Your speakers are dusty. See the vacuuming FAQ. The
electrostatic charge on the element has attracted airborne
dust or pollen. Since 1993, all of our speakers have
been built with a charging circuit board that only charg-
es the electrostatic element when music plays. At other
times they are not charged and cannot collect dust. You
can get the same benefit by simply unplugging them
whenever they are not in use. A power strip is an easy
way to do that.
Could my children, pets, or myself be shocked
by the high-voltage present in the electrostatic
panel?
No. High voltage with low current is not dangerous.
As a matter of fact, the voltage in our speakers is 10
times less than the static electricity that builds up on the
surface of your television screen.
How do MartinLogan speakers hold up over a
long term in the humidity of tropical climates?
We should tell you that MartinLogan indeed has a very
substantial number of customers in tropical regions of
the world. Our speakers have been serving them nicely
for many years. This concern may have come from our
earlier design of speakers, which were charged con-
tinuously. Since 1993, all of our speakers have been
designed so that they only charge the panel while
music is being played. This improvement has made a
tremendous difference in the consistent performance of
our product. There may be a little more maintenance
involved in humid regions when not in an air condi-
tioned environment. Simply enough, the concern is to
keep the electrostatic panels dust free. Humidity will
combine with any dust on the panel to make it slightly
conductive. This will result in a slight pathway for the
charge to leave the membrane of the speaker. The solu-
tion is simple. They only require occasional vacuuming
with a strong vacuum hose.
How do I vacuum my MartinLogan speakers?
Vacuuming will be most effective if the speakers have
been unplugged for six hours to twelve hours (or over-
night). You need not worry about the vacuum pressure
damaging the "delicate" membrane. It is extraordi-
narily durable. Dirt and dust may be vacuumed off. Use
an open hose with your finger tips at the opening act-
ing as a soft bumper to prevent the hose from scratching
the coating of the panel. When vacuuming or blowing
off your panels do so to both sides, but focus the major-
ity of your attention on the front of the panels.
Should I unplug my speakers during a thun-
derstorm?
Yes, or before. It’s a good idea to disconnect all of
your audio/video components during stormy weather.
20 Frequently Asked Questions