The world s most sophisticated in-ceiling loudspeaker features four drivers, including a Folded Motion XT Obsidian tweeter, dual 3.5-inch unidirectional carbon fiber multi-section cone midrange drivers with a Nomex backer, and a matching 8-inch woofer seamlessly blended with a flagship-class Vojtko crossover network constructed from audiophile-grade components. A pre-installation bracket is available.

Flagship Class Performance In-Wall and In-Ceiling Speakers

From extreme home theater to transcendent 2-channel listening, Masterpiece CI is the pinnacle of discreet in-wall and in-ceiling loudspeaker design state-of-the-art Truth in Sound. Featuring lightning-fast, low-distortion, Folded Motion XT Obsidian tweeters, flagship-class Vojtko crossover networks, and unidirectional carbon fiber multi-section cone drivers with a Nomex backer, the Masterpiece CI Series offers the biggest, boldest, and most lifelike performance possible a tribute to the acoustic achievements of MartinLogan s original iconic masterpiece, our flagship floorstanding electrostatic speakers.

Folded Motion XT Obsidian Tweeters

MartinLogan s signature Folded Motion tweeter utilizes an extremely low mass diaphragm that squeezes air, thus demanding significantly less excursion than the typical 1-inch dome tweeter. Its folded design allows for a much larger surface area (compared to that of a regular 1-inch dome tweeter), controlled dispersion characteristics, and vanishingly low distortion. It s a miracle of audio engineering that s able to deliver much of the high-frequency detail and speed of a large, dynamic electrostatic panel in a small space. Folded Motion XT tweeters, advance thin-film transducer technology even further, with a 40% larger radiating surface and 80x30-degree controlled dispersion. This tweak increases audible bandwidth without sacrificing details and minimizes distortion to an unprecedented level while increasing efficiency and the tweeter s already lightning-fast response time. The result superior realism and alarming specificity that is aurally astounding, and only by MartinLogan. Masterpiece CI Series Folded Motion XT Obsidian tweeters feature a black diaphragm.

Powerful Mid-Frequency and Bass Drivers With Unidirectional Carbon Fiber Multi-Section Cones With a Nomex Backer

Custom built, low-distortion drivers pair high-power magnet structures with unidirectional carbon fiber multi-section cone diaphragms with a Nomex backer to deliver massive excursion and sound output, preserve minute bass details and maximize power handling capability, all without a hint of distortion. The use of unidirectional carbon fiber yields a cone that is twice as strong as steel with a sixth of the density, providing exceptional rigidity without adding excessive weight. The multi-section design of Masterpiece CI drivers serves to reduce resonant modes within the driver, allowing for a smoother response. Nomex backers improve overall driver performance by damping the cone to prevent deleterious ringing and reduce break up modes a crucial requirement for extremely rigid cone materials. These exceptional woofers ensure a smooth, non-resonant response necessary for seamless blending with the extreme accuracy of high-resolution Folded Motion tweeters.

Sealed Back Box Enclosure

Sistine 4XC utilizes a dense, ejection molded back box with a sealed design that helps keep sound from leaking through the wall to unintended areas of the home, while also providing predictable airspace for the woofers to perform their best.

The most significant benefit of a built-in, acoustically inert, and sealed back box is predictable volume and a construction methodology that removes the variables of the wall cavity size and construction quality from the acoustic equation, guaranteeing a consistent, accurate performance, regardless of installation. By maintaining complete control over driver performance, crossover design, and cabinet construction, Masterpiece CI in-wall and in-ceiling speakers can achieve an emotionally engaging experience on par with the rarified performance of the world s most exceptional floorstanding speakers.

Die-cast Aluminum Mounting-Lock System

A simple, yet robust die-cast aluminum mounting-lock system maximizes strength while allowing quick, trouble-free installation. Pocketed screw holes help hold the drill steady, making installation a snap. When not in use, mounting locks are secured within a self-contained housing. When moved into place, they couple the chassis firmly to the ceiling or wall, increasing the rigidity of surfaces. If ever removed, the locks retract and latch back in their housings. Each speaker includes a full-size installation template featuring quick-reference instructions, and die-cut guides for marking the cutout hole.

In-Ceiling Installation Handle

An installation handle, included with the Sistine 4XC, allows you to comfortably hold the in-ceiling speaker in position during complicated overhead installations.

Spring-Loaded Binding Posts

Spring-loaded binding posts feature a large 4.5mm wire access hole and connect via banana plug, pin, or 10AWG bare wire.

Micro-Perforated Grilles

Sistine 4XC features an ultra-low profile, paintable, micro-perforated grilles with no visible bezel for a near-invisible integration into any wall or ceiling. A series of powerful magnets hidden inside the speaker quickly secure grilles into place, reducing the risk of warping or damage during installation. Optional square grilles are available for the Sistine 4XC.

Proprietary Vojtko Crossover Networks

Carefully hand-built using only the most exceptional polypropylene and polyester capacitors, custom wound and large steel laminate low-DCR inductors, and double thick PCBs, Masterpiece CI Series crossovers employ MartinLogan s proprietary Vojtko topology for vanishingly low distortion and seamless driver integration. This precision-tuned network preserves even the most microscopic sonic nuances while handling the full dynamics of any source.

Vojtko crossovers are named after MartinLogan's chief audio technologist, Joe Vojtko. His unique approach to crossover design is as big of a part of the "MartinLogan Sound" as are electrostatic and Folded Motion thin-film driver technologies. A Vojtko crossover isn't so much a set of design requirements as it is a philosophy.

Hand-Selected Components

Vojtko crossovers are designed in such a way that all drivers are kept within their optimal frequency range and balanced with one another. The drivers themselves are as much a part of a Vojtko crossover as are capacitors and resistors. Before the design of any crossover begins, drivers are carefully selected or designed to operate within a very intentional frequency range and with precise and predictable performance parameters. Vojtko crossovers are always built from high-quality parts, and care is taken to avoid overly complex topologies a straightforward objective due to the careful selection of woofers and tweeters. The final (and most critical) aspect of a Vojtko Crossover is that final voicing is conducted in a space that is indicative of a real-world environment. This pragmatic approach allows MartinLogan speakers to sound their best in real-world rooms.

Pre-Installation Brackets (sold separately)

Pre-installation brackets are available for every model in the Masterpiece CI Series, except for the Statement 40XW, which requires unique considerations for installation.