Aperion Audio Intimus 5B vs. MartinLogan Motion 6i

Aperion Audio Intimus 5B Bookshelf Speakers MartinLogan Motion 6i Center Channel Speaker
MSRP
$450 $300
Dimensions (H × W × D)
12.00” × 6.75” × 8.00”
305mm × 171mm × 203mm
5.20” × 17.50” × 4.00”
132mm × 444mm × 102mm
Power Type
Passive Passive
Frequency Response
80-20,000 Hz 120-23,000 Hz
Amazon.com
Amazon.com

Key Takeaways

TLDR Summary: In the clash of compact titans, the Aperion Audio Intimus 5B bookshelf speakers offer a lush, room-filling soundstage that belies their modest footprint, with a warm midrange and surprisingly authoritative bass. Meanwhile, the MartinLogan Motion 6i center channel speaker, with its advanced Folded Motion tweeter, excels in clarity and precision, delivering crisp dialogues and a pristine high-frequency response. For stereo music enthusiasts, the Intimus 5Bs provide an immersive experience, whereas the Motion 6i shines in a home theater setup, anchoring the on-screen action with laser-focused vocal reproduction. Each excels in its arena, making this more about usage than outright supremacy.

Speaker Comparison

When we delve into the realms of high-fidelity audio, it's often the case that we're confronted with an abundance of choice. Such is the case when comparing the Aperion Audio Intimus 5B Bookshelf Speakers to the MartinLogan Motion 6i Center Channel Speaker. Both speakers offer a significant improvement over your average run-of-the-mill models, but they serve quite different purposes within a home audio system. The Intimus 5Bs are bookshelf speakers designed for stereo listening, while the Motion 6i is a center channel, primarily geared towards enhancing dialogue in home theater setups.

The Aperion Intimus 5B - A Pair for Pure Music Lovers

The Aperion Audio Intimus 5B bookshelf speakers are a haven for audiophiles who crave a pristine music listening experience. Sporting a 5.25-inch woven-fiberglass woofer and a 1-inch silk dome tweeter, these speakers deliver a balanced and detailed sound that brings out the nuances in your favorite recordings. The Intimus 5Bs possess a warm tonal balance, with a soundstage that's both wide and deep, allowing for an immersive listening environment. The bass is tight and punchy, while the treble is clear without being piercing, making them an excellent choice for an array of musical genres.

Aperion Audio Intimus 5B Bookshelf Speakers
Aperion Audio Intimus 5B arrow (at Amazon.com)

The MartinLogan Motion 6i - Clear Dialogues and Cinematic Thrills

In contrast, the MartinLogan Motion 6i is a powerhouse when it comes to delivering crystal clear dialogue in a home theater setup. This speaker features MartinLogan's renowned Folded Motion tweeter, which excels at producing a wide, yet precise soundstage, giving the impression that the sound is coming directly from the screen. The Motion 6i's compact and sleek design is intended to complement modern flat-screen televisions, both aesthetically and acoustically. It's an excellent match for those who prioritize vocal clarity and detail when watching movies or television shows.

Design and Build Quality: Aesthetics Meets Acoustics

The Intimus 5B and Motion 6i both boast solid construction and a design that's built to last. The Intimus 5Bs have a classic bookshelf speaker look with a clean, unobtrusive style that can blend well into any room. The real-wood veneer finish not only adds to its aesthetic appeal but also to its resonance-damping properties. Meanwhile, the Motion 6i, with its sleek, piano black finish and the iconic curved grille, provides a modern touch that's likely to draw the eye. Its build quality is designed to minimize diffraction and provide a focused audio performance that complements its stunning looks.

MartinLogan Motion 6i Center Channel Speaker
MartinLogan Motion 6i arrow (at Amazon.com)

While both the Aperion Audio Intimus 5B and the MartinLogan Motion 6i are a cut above the ordinary, they cater to different aspects of the audio experience. The Intimus 5Bs are versatile, ideal for both music and home cinema, but with a definite leaning towards music. On the other hand, the Motion 6i is a specialized speaker that focuses on enhancing the center channel, which is crucial for dialogue and on-screen effects in a multi-channel surround setup.

Setting up the Intimus 5Bs is relatively straightforward; they're unpretentious in their placement requirements and provide a forgiving listening experience even in less than ideal rooms. Conversely, the Motion 6i, while not overly finicky, may require a bit more care in placement to ensure the dialogue is anchored correctly to the screen, especially in larger rooms or unconventional layouts.

In conclusion, choosing between the Aperion Audio Intimus 5B and the MartinLogan Motion 6i boils down to what you value most in your audio system. If your pursuit is musical fidelity and sonic versatility, the Intimus 5Bs should be high on your list. But, if your heart is set on home theater and you're looking to elevate your movie-watching experience with exceptional dialogue clarity, the MartinLogan Motion 6i will not disappoint. Both speakers are exemplary in their respective fields, and either would make a significant contribution to any audiophile's collection.


Check Current Prices:

Aperion Audio Intimus 5B Bookshelf Speakers
Aperion Audio Intimus 5B Bookshelf Speakers
MartinLogan Motion 6i Center Channel Speaker
MartinLogan Motion 6i Center Channel Speaker
Amazon.com
Amazon.com

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Disclaimer: the speaker data listed on this website are correct to the best of our knowledge, but we do not guarantee the accuracy of the data. Please double-check any measurements with the manufacturer before making a final purchasing decision.