ELAC ARB51 Navis vs. MartinLogan Motion 4i

ELAC ARB51 Navis Powered Bookshelf Speakers MartinLogan Motion 4i Bookshelf Speakers
MSRP
$2000 $250
Dimensions (H × W × D)
13.58” × 7.44” × 9.45”
345mm × 189mm × 240mm
12.60” × 5.60” × 5.70”
320mm × 142mm × 145mm
Power Type
Powered Passive
Frequency Response
44-28,000 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 arena of powered bookshelf excellence, the ELAC ARB51 Navis is a formidable contender, boasting a trifecta of drivers meticulously tuned for an audiophile's delight, with a detailed, full-bodied sound that belies its compact form. Contrastingly, the MartinLogan Motion 4i, though passive, impresses with its signature Folded Motion tweeter, delivering a crisp, articulate high-end that pairs beautifully with its dynamic bass performance. The Navis may lead for those seeking an all-in-one solution, while the Motion 4i appeals to traditionalists favoring separate components. Both represent pinnacle engineering, but your choice hinges on preference for convenience versus customization.

Speaker Comparison

In the world of bookshelf speakers, the quest for the perfect blend of form, function, and audio fidelity is a never-ending journey. Two notable contenders in this arena are the ELAC ARB51 Navis Powered Bookshelf Speakers and the MartinLogan Motion 4i Bookshelf Speakers. While both aim to satisfy the discerning ears of audiophiles, their approaches to sound reproduction and design philosophy offer a study in contrasts that's as intriguing as it is instructive.

Design and Build Quality

From the outset, the Navis ARB51 makes a strong impression with its elegant, no-nonsense aesthetics and robust build quality. The cabinet's solid construction and the heft of the speakers reflect a design that prioritizes acoustic integrity. In contrast, the MartinLogan Motion 4i offers a sleek, unique look with the brand's signature perforated steel grille and the distinctive Folded Motion tweeter jutting out from the top. Their build is commendable, though they don't feel quite as fortress-like as the Navis ARB51.

ELAC ARB51 Navis Powered Bookshelf Speakers
ELAC ARB51 Navis arrow (at Amazon.com)

Sound Engineering and Drivers

The ELAC ARB51 is a true active speaker with each driver receiving its own dedicated amplifier, which allows for a more controlled and precise output. The custom-designed concentric driver pairs a 4-inch aluminum midrange with a 1-inch soft-dome tweeter, while a 5.25-inch aluminum woofer takes care of the low end. On the other hand, the Motion 4i relies on MartinLogan's innovative Folded Motion tweeter to deliver crisp highs and a 4-inch aluminum cone woofer paired with a rear-firing bass port for the mids and lows. The clever use of the Folded Motion tweeter gives the 4i an edge in high-frequency clarity and dispersion.

The sound signature of each speaker is markedly different due to these design choices. The ELAC ARB51's tri-amp configuration ensures that each frequency range is handled with meticulous care, producing a balanced and accurate soundstage that is hard to fault. The MartinLogan Motion 4i, while not powered, still delights with its airy and detailed high end, although its bass response is less pronounced when compared to the ARB51's potent and articulate lows.

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

Connectivity and Functionality

Functionality is another area where the ELAC ARB51 shines, given its powered nature. The convenience of built-in amplification cannot be overstated, and it means less clutter and fewer components to worry about. You have a variety of input options including balanced XLR, RCA, and wireless capabilities with an additional adapter. Conversely, the Motion 4i is passive, necessitating an external amplifier or receiver. This could be seen as a downside for those seeking simplicity, but it offers flexibility for audiophiles looking to tailor their system's sound with different amplifier pairings.

The ELAC ARB51 and MartinLogan Motion 4i both cater to discerning listeners, but they appeal to slightly different preferences in speaker functionality and system integration. The ARB51 is the epitome of modern convenience with its self-contained system, while the Motion 4i speaks to the traditional audiophile's desire to experiment with amp pairings and system synergy.

Conclusion

Choosing between the ELAC ARB51 Navis Powered Bookshelf Speakers and the MartinLogan Motion 4i Bookshelf Speakers ultimately comes down to personal preference and listening priorities. The ARB51 is a powerhouse, offering an all-in-one solution with deep, impactful sound, while the Motion 4i presents a more ethereal audio experience with its exceptional high-frequency performance. Both sets of speakers are capable of delivering exquisite sound, but they do so in their own unique ways. No matter which path one takes, the destination is the same: pure, unadulterated audio pleasure.


Check Current Prices:

ELAC ARB51 Navis Powered Bookshelf Speakers
ELAC ARB51 Navis Powered Bookshelf Speakers
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.