ELAC Uni-fi UB5 vs. MartinLogan Motion 20i

ELAC Uni-fi UB5 Bookshelf Speakers MartinLogan Motion 20i Tower Speaker
MSRP
$500 $2000
Dimensions (H × W × D)
12.81” × 7.94” × 12.19”
325mm × 202mm × 310mm
36.60” × 6.80” × 11.70”
930mm × 173mm × 297mm
Power Type
Passive Passive
Frequency Response
46-25,000 Hz 46-25,000 Hz
Amazon.com
Amazon.com

Key Takeaways

TLDR Summary: In the arena of high-fidelity audio, the ELAC Uni-fi UB5 bookshelf speakers clash with the MartinLogan Motion 20i floorstanders. The Uni-fi UB5, designed by audio maestro Andrew Jones, delivers a coherent soundstage with its concentric driver design, offering remarkable imaging and depth in a compact form. The MartinLogan Motion 20i, with its signature Folded Motion tweeter, provides an airy treble experience and a broader spatial presence, typical of tower speakers. Both are stellar performers in their classes, but your choice may hinge on space considerations, aesthetic preference, and whether you prioritize surgical imaging or room-filling sonics.

Speaker Comparison

When embarking on the journey to find the perfect speaker, an audiophile's path is strewn with numerous choices, each promising to bring them closer to audio nirvana. In the realm of high-fidelity sound, the ELAC Uni-fi UB5 bookshelf speakers and the MartinLogan Motion 20i tower speakers stand as two formidable contenders, albeit catering to different segments of the audio enthusiast market. At first glance, one might assume that comparing a bookshelf to a tower speaker is an apples-to-oranges scenario, but a closer examination reveals a nuanced battleground of performance, design, and value.

Acoustic Design and Sound Quality

The ELAC Uni-fi UB5, designed by the renowned Andrew Jones, exemplifies audio craftsmanship in a compact form. Its three-way speaker design provides a separate driver for bass, mids, and highs, allowing for a more accurate frequency response and a soundstage that belies its size. In contrast, the MartinLogan Motion 20i, a two-way tower speaker, employs MartinLogan's signature Folded Motion tweeter, which delivers an astoundingly quick and accurate treble response, paired with a duo of aluminum cone woofers that ensure a taut and controlled bass presence that's hard to match.

ELAC Uni-fi UB5 Bookshelf Speakers
ELAC Uni-fi UB5 arrow (at Amazon.com)

Physical Footprint and Aesthetics

Bookshelf speakers, such as the UB5, offer the allure of a smaller footprint, making them a favorite among those who need to optimize space without compromising on quality. Their ability to fit into more confined areas or on stands makes them versatile and adaptable. Conversely, the Motion 20i, with its slim and tall profile, exudes a sense of elegance and becomes an integral piece of the room's visual aesthetic. Though they require more floor space, they often eliminate the need for additional stands and fill the room with a more powerful presence, both acoustically and visually.

Power and Performance

When it comes to power handling and overall performance, the differences between these two speakers become more evident. The ELAC Uni-fi UB5's sensitivity is modest, and they prefer a bit of power to truly shine, which may necessitate a higher quality amplifier. In contrast, the Motion 20i speakers are more accommodating, with a higher sensitivity and an easier load for amplifiers to drive, granting them a degree of versatility and allowing them to perform well with a wider variety of amplification.

MartinLogan Motion 20i Tower Speaker
MartinLogan Motion 20i arrow (at Amazon.com)

The ELAC's concentric midrange/tweeter design guarantees a coherent time-domain response, offering an immersive and convincing three-dimensional soundstage. The MartinLogan Motion 20i, with its distinct Folded Motion tweeter, presents a sparkling top-end that some listeners might find more revealing and detailed, particularly with well-recorded highs. The bass response of the Motion 20i is also more pronounced, owing to its larger cabinet and dedicated bass drivers, which might negate the need for a separate subwoofer in smaller to medium-sized rooms.

While the ELAC Uni-fi UB5 aims for transparency and neutrality, it's incredible how these bookshelf speakers can produce such a full-bodied sound, rich with texture and warmth. However, the MartinLogan Motion 20i, with its larger drivers and cabinet volume, can deliver a greater dynamic range, bringing an undeniable vigor to music and film soundtracks that can fill larger spaces more effectively.

In terms of connectivity and compatibility, both sets of speakers cater to a traditional setup with their binding post terminals, ensuring they can integrate seamlessly with most audio systems. While the ELAC Uni-fi UB5 might benefit from careful pairing with electronics to bring out their best, the MartinLogan Motion 20i is more forgiving and can be an easier fit into an existing system without the need for specialized equipment.

Deciding between the ELAC Uni-fi UB5 and the MartinLogan Motion 20i ultimately comes down to the listener's space, budget, and sonic preferences. For those seeking a more compact solution that delivers a balanced and accurate sound, the UB5 is an excellent choice. But for listeners who crave the commanding presence and dynamic prowess of a floor-standing speaker, the Motion 20i is sure to satisfy with its room-filling capabilities and detailed highs. As always with high-fidelity audio, the proof is in the listening, and both of these speakers warrant a thorough audition to truly appreciate their distinct sonic characteristics.


Check Current Prices:

ELAC Uni-fi UB5 Bookshelf Speakers
ELAC Uni-fi UB5 Bookshelf Speakers
MartinLogan Motion 20i Tower Speaker
MartinLogan Motion 20i Tower Speaker
Amazon.com
Amazon.com

Affiliate Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

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.