Bic Acoustech PL-200 II vs. MartinLogan Motion 4i

Bic Acoustech PL-200 II Subwoofer MartinLogan Motion 4i Bookshelf Speakers
MSRP
$420 $250
Dimensions (H × W × D)
17.25” × 14.88” × 19.50”
438mm × 378mm × 495mm
12.60” × 5.60” × 5.70”
320mm × 142mm × 145mm
Power Type
Powered Passive
Frequency Response
21-200 Hz 70-23,000 Hz
ASR Score
n/a 1.5
ASR Score w/Subwoofer
n/a 5.1
Amazon.com
Amazon.com

Key Takeaways

TLDR Summary: In the showdown between the Bic Acoustech PL-200 II Subwoofer and MartinLogan Motion 4i Bookshelf Speakers, it's a classic battle of depth versus detail. The PL-200 II is a powerhouse, designed to deliver earth-shaking bass that brings cinema to life in your living room. In contrast, the Motion 4i shines with clarity, offering a crisp high-end and midrange detail that's perfect for vocal and instrumental nuance. For home theater enthusiasts, the PL-200 II will anchor your soundstage, while audiophiles seeking a more refined stereo experience will treasure the Motion 4i's articulate performance. Choose based on your listening priorities: visceral impact or sonic precision.

Speaker Comparison

When delving into the intricate world of high-fidelity audio, enthusiasts often weigh their options in terms of power, clarity, and the ability to faithfully reproduce the sonic spectrum. In this comparison, we examine two distinct offerings: the Bic Acoustech PL-200 II Subwoofer, a beast known for its thunderous low-end, against the MartinLogan Motion 4i Bookshelf Speakers, celebrated for their pristine highs and articulate midrange. While both are designed to elevate your listening experience, their approach and their specialties differ significantly.

Power and Depth: Bic Acoustech PL-200 II

The Bic Acoustech PL-200 II is a force to be reckoned with; its 12-inch front-firing long-throw powered subwoofer, coupled with a BASH designed amplifier, delivers up to 1000 watts of dynamic peak power. This subwoofer is engineered to provide a robust, room-filling bass that can go down to 21 Hz, making it an ideal choice for those seeking to feel the rumble of an explosion or the rhythmic pulse of a bass guitar in their chest. It is less about the subtlety of sound and more about the sheer impact it can deliver, which is something the MartinLogan Motion 4i speakers approach quite differently.

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

Clarity and Precision: MartinLogan Motion 4i

The MartinLogan Motion 4i bookshelf speakers, on the other hand, boast a Folded Motion Tweeter, which excels in producing crystal-clear highs without the harshness that can sometimes plague lesser tweeters. With a high-resolution detail that extends to 25,000 Hz, these speakers present an airy and open soundstage, allowing for pinpoint accuracy in vocal and instrumental separation. While they may lack the overpowering bass of the PL-200 II, the Motion 4i speakers offer a full-bodied sound that can be just as immersive, especially when paired with complementary components in a well-balanced system.

Design and Build

The aesthetics and build quality of audio equipment are often as important as their acoustic performance. The PL-200 II flaunts a more traditional, utilitarian design, with a no-frills black finish that prioritizes function over form. It is sturdy and meant to be felt more than seen, fitting seamlessly into a dedicated home theater without drawing unnecessary attention to itself. Conversely, the MartinLogan Motion 4i speakers carry the brand's signature sleek design, with an elegant airframe blade construction and a captivating high-gloss piano black finish that is as much a visual statement as it is a testament to their premium build quality.

MartinLogan Motion 4i Bookshelf Speakers
MartinLogan Motion 4i arrow (at Amazon.com)

Both the Bic Acoustech PL-200 II and the MartinLogan Motion 4i are crafted with quality components and are built to last, but the Motion 4i speakers add a touch of class that will appeal to those who value aesthetics as much as sound. While the rugged simplicity of the PL-200 II is appealing in its own right, it might not satisfy those who desire their sound system to complement their interior design.

Integrating into Your Audio System

Integrating either of these fine products into your existing audio setup requires consideration of existing components and desired outcomes. The PL-200 II subwoofer with its powerful bass is a fantastic addition to a home theater system that's lacking in low-end punch. Its performance in movie explosions and action sequences is undeniable, and it offers a visceral experience that smaller systems cannot match. The MartinLogan Motion 4i speakers are more versatile in that they can shine in both music and cinematic applications, though for bass-heavy genres or blockbuster movies, they might need the support of a dedicated subwoofer to achieve the full spectrum of sound.

The Bic Acoustech PL-200 II and the MartinLogan Motion 4i cater to different listening preferences and needs. For the audiophile who craves an encompassing bass that you can feel in your bones, the PL-200 II is a clear choice. However, for listeners who prioritize a balanced, detailed sound and sophisticated design, the MartinLogan Motion 4i speakers present a compelling option. In the end, the best audio system is one that brings the most personal enjoyment, and either of these options has the potential to satisfy the discerning listener, depending on what they seek in their sonic adventures.


Check Current Prices:

Bic Acoustech PL-200 II Subwoofer
Bic Acoustech PL-200 II Subwoofer
MartinLogan Motion 4i Bookshelf Speakers
MartinLogan Motion 4i Bookshelf Speakers
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.