Bic Acoustech PL-200 II vs. MartinLogan Motion 50XTi

Bic Acoustech PL-200 II Subwoofer MartinLogan Motion 50XTi Center Channel Speaker
MSRP
$420 $1800
Dimensions (H × W × D)
17.25” × 14.88” × 19.50”
438mm × 378mm × 495mm
7.60” × 22.80” × 12.80”
193mm × 579mm × 325mm
Power Type
Powered Passive
Frequency Response
21-200 Hz 50-25,000 Hz
Amazon.com
Amazon.com

Key Takeaways

TLDR Summary: In the realm of home audio, the BIC Acoustech PL-200 II and MartinLogan Motion 50XTi serve distinct roles, yet both aim to enhance your listening experience. The PL-200 II is a potent subwoofer providing deep, thunderous bass, essential for a cinematic feel. Conversely, the 50XTi excels in vocal clarity and midrange detail, crucial for a center channel speaker anchoring dialogue and on-screen action. Both boast excellent build quality and performance for their respective tasks—bass authority from BIC and articulate, immersive soundscapes from MartinLogan—but they cater to different aspects of the audio spectrum.

Speaker Comparison

When it comes to assembling a high-fidelity home theater system, audiophiles and cinephiles alike often find themselves weighing the importance of earth-shattering lows against the clarity of dialogue and the nuances of the human voice. The BIC Acoustech PL-200 II Subwoofer and the MartinLogan Motion 50XTi Center Channel Speaker epitomize this conundrum, each offering a different slice of the audio spectrum for a truly immersive experience. While the BIC Acoustech PL-200 II is designed to provide robust bass, the MartinLogan Motion 50XTi serves up crystal-clear midrange and treble frequencies with precision and warmth.

One must first consider the design philosophy and engineering prowess behind each device. The BIC Acoustech PL-200 II is a beast in its own right, housing a 12-inch front-firing long-throw powered subwoofer bolstered by BIC's proprietary "BASS-reflex" technology. This design is aimed at ensuring deep, powerful bass that can bring action scenes to life. In contrast, the MartinLogan Motion 50XTi, with its Folded Motion tweeter and dual 6.5-inch aluminum cone woofers, is built to deliver exceptional clarity and detail in the mid to high-frequency range, essential for understanding spoken words and catching subtle details in music.

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

Powerful Bass vs. Detailed Clarity

The BIC Acoustech PL-200 II is a clear winner for those seeking a subwoofer that can shake the room without distorting at high volumes. Its ability to hit the low-end frequencies with authority makes it an ideal choice for movie buffs looking to feel the rumble of explosions or the tension of a suspenseful soundtrack. The MartinLogan Motion 50XTi, on the other hand, shines in delivering articulate and precise vocals, making it a top contender for the central piece in a surround sound setup where dialogue and on-screen interactions are key.

Build Quality and Aesthetics

In terms of build quality, both manufacturers have gone to great lengths to ensure their products not only sound fantastic but also look the part in any modern living space. The BIC Acoustech PL-200 II sports a sleek, black finish that is unobtrusive and blends well with most decors. MartinLogan's Motion 50XTi boasts a more sophisticated look, with its signature perforated steel grille and real wood veneer cabinet options, offering a level of elegance that is both seen and heard.

MartinLogan Motion 50XTi Center Channel Speaker
MartinLogan Motion 50XTi arrow (at Amazon.com)

Integration into Home Theater Systems

When it comes to integration, the BIC Acoustech PL-200 II is relatively straightforward to incorporate into an existing setup, with its adjustable crossover and volume controls allowing for seamless blending with other speakers. The MartinLogan Motion 50XTi requires a bit more finesse, with its advanced Folded Motion tweeter capable of revealing the shortcomings of lesser-quality speakers or electronics in the signal chain. However, when paired with components of equal caliber, it truly excels in creating a cohesive and immersive soundstage.

It's also worth noting the difference in frequency response between these two audio titans. The PL-200 II comfortably covers the lower end of the spectrum down to 21Hz, while the Motion 50XTi's frequency response starts at a higher 65Hz but extends up to a sparkling 25kHz. This means that while the subwoofer specializes in the kind of guttural presence that can be felt as much as heard, the center channel speaker provides the crispness and detail necessary for complex musical scores and the human voice.

In conclusion, the BIC Acoustech PL-200 II and the MartinLogan Motion 50XTi serve different, albeit complementary, roles in a home theater system. The PL-200 II is the go-to option for deep and dynamic bass, while the Motion 50XTi excels in delivering an accurate and detailed midrange and treble. For audiophiles and cinephiles looking to elevate their home theater experience, the combination of both could well be the ticket to sonic nirvana. As in all things audio, the choice ultimately boils down to one's personal preferences and the specific demands of the space and the rest of the audio system.


Check Current Prices:

Bic Acoustech PL-200 II Subwoofer
Bic Acoustech PL-200 II Subwoofer
MartinLogan Motion 50XTi Center Channel Speaker
MartinLogan Motion 50XTi 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.