Bic Acoustech PL-200 II vs. MartinLogan Motion 15i

Bic Acoustech PL-200 II Subwoofer MartinLogan Motion 15i Bookshelf Speaker
MSRP
$420 $900
Dimensions (H × W × D)
17.25” × 14.88” × 19.50”
438mm × 378mm × 495mm
11.40” × 6.80” × 9.50”
290mm × 173mm × 241mm
Power Type
Powered Passive
Frequency Response
21-200 Hz 60-25,000 Hz
Amazon.com
Amazon.com

Key Takeaways

TLDR Summary: In the realm of deep, room-filling bass, the BIC Acoustech PL-200 II subwoofer stands as a powerhouse, delivering thunderous lows that bolster home theater experiences. On the flip side, the MartinLogan Motion 15i bookshelf speakers shine with articulate mids and crystalline highs, courtesy of their iconic Folded Motion tweeters. The PL-200 II excels in anchoring cinematic rumble and music depth, while the Motion 15i offers detailed soundstaging and musical finesse. Together, they could create a compelling, full-range setup, but when choosing between them, one must consider if visceral bass or refined detail takes precedence in their sonic landscape.

Speaker Comparison

An audiophile's journey is always about achieving that perfect pitch, the most authentic thump, or the clearest treble. When it comes to choosing a component, it's often a comparison of apples to oranges, given the diverse roles each piece of equipment plays in the grand orchestra of a home audio system. Such is the case when we pit the BIC Acoustech PL-200 II Subwoofer against the MartinLogan Motion 15i Bookshelf Speaker. Both are stellar in their rights, but they cater to very different acoustic cravings.

Foundational Bass vs. Refined Detail

The BIC Acoustech PL-200 II is a force to be reckoned with when it comes to laying down the low-end foundation of your soundstage. Its 12-inch front-firing driver, coupled with a BASH-designed amplifier, delivers 1000 watts of dynamic peak output, bringing an authoritative bass response that can shake the room. In contrast, the MartinLogan Motion 15i, with its precision-built advanced topology Vojtko crossover and the iconic Folded Motion tweeter, offers a nuanced and detailed sound spectrum that highlights the textures and layers of music with finesse.

Bic Acoustech PL-200 II Subwoofer
Bic Acoustech PL-200 II arrow (at Amazon.com)

Design Philosophy: Purpose Meets Aesthetics

The design ethos of both brands reveals their focus. The PL-200 II, with its no-frills, all-black aesthetic, is built to deliver powerful bass without drawing attention to itself visually. This is a subwoofer that prioritizes performance and presence in the audio realm over physical appearance. MartinLogan, on the other hand, has sculpted the Motion 15i to be as much a visual treat as an aural one. The sleek cabinet design, available in high-gloss finishes, houses the exquisite Folded Motion tweeter, which is not only a striking visual element but an acoustic innovation as well.

Room Integration: Filling Spaces with Sound

When it comes to integrating into a room's soundscape, the PL-200 II and Motion 15i serve different purposes. The BIC subwoofer is a beast that requires careful placement to avoid overwhelming the space with bass, yet when dialed in, it provides an immersive cinematic experience. The Motion 15i speakers are more forgiving with placement, thanks to their controlled dispersion pattern, and they can deliver an expansive soundstage that belies their bookshelf size. They provide clarity and detail that can enhance the overall balance of a well-rounded system.

MartinLogan Motion 15i Bookshelf Speaker
MartinLogan Motion 15i arrow (at Amazon.com)

Complementary Capabilities in the Audiophile's Arsenal

Ultimately, comparing the BIC Acoustech PL-200 II Subwoofer to the MartinLogan Motion 15i Bookshelf Speaker is about understanding their roles in a complete audio system. While the PL-200 II is all about that essential, room-filling bass that supports the weight of movies and music, the Motion 15i brings a level of detail and clarity that elevates the listening experience. They complement each other, with the subwoofer filling in the lower spectrum and the bookshelf speakers handling the mids and highs. Together, they can form a well-rounded system that satisfies both the home theater enthusiast and the discerning audiophile.


Check Current Prices:

Bic Acoustech PL-200 II Subwoofer
Bic Acoustech PL-200 II Subwoofer
MartinLogan Motion 15i Bookshelf Speaker
MartinLogan Motion 15i Bookshelf 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.