MartinLogan Motion 20i vs. MartinLogan Motion 6i

MartinLogan Motion 20i Tower Speaker MartinLogan Motion 6i Center Channel Speaker
MSRP
$2000 $300
Dimensions (H × W × D)
36.60” × 6.80” × 11.70”
930mm × 173mm × 297mm
5.20” × 17.50” × 4.00”
132mm × 444mm × 102mm
Power Type
Passive Passive
Frequency Response
46-25,000 Hz 120-23,000 Hz
Amazon.com
Amazon.com

Key Takeaways

TLDR Summary: The MartinLogan Motion 20i is a sleek floor-standing speaker that delivers a broad soundstage and deep bass via its bi-wire capable design and Folded Motion tweeter. In contrast, the Motion 6i center channel speaker offers a more compact solution tailored for crystal-clear dialogue and midrange, perfect for anchoring home theater systems. While the 20i excels in immersive music and movie experiences with its larger drivers, the 6i specializes in vocal clarity, making them complementary forces in a high-fidelity audio setup. Both embody MartinLogan's ethos of precise sound, but cater to distinct roles in any audiophile's soundscape.

Speaker Comparison

When it comes to high-fidelity audio, few brands command the same respect as MartinLogan. Dedicated audiophiles are always keen to explore how a brand's offerings compare across different categories, and in the case of MartinLogan, there's a lot to dissect. Let's delve into the MartinLogan Motion 20i Tower Speaker and the MartinLogan Motion 6i Center Channel Speaker. While both hail from the same Motion Series and share a design philosophy, they cater to different audio experiences within a home theater setup. The Motion 20i is a floor-standing speaker designed to deliver a robust stereo image, whereas the Motion 6i is a center channel speaker engineered to anchor dialogue and action directly to your screen.

Design Philosophy and Aesthetics

Both the Motion 20i and the 6i embody MartinLogan's sleek and modern design language. The Motion 20i stands tall with its elegant cabinet that not only looks the part but also contributes to its acoustic performance. The Motion 6i, though smaller and more discrete, maintains the same level of sophistication. Both speakers boast the signature perforated steel grille and are available in multiple finishes to blend seamlessly into any decor. The Motion 20i, being a tower speaker, naturally takes up more space and presents more of a visual statement in the room.

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

Performance Drivers

At the heart of both speakers are the Folded Motion tweeters, a MartinLogan innovation that claims to minimize distortion and provide a lightning-fast response time. The Motion 20i features a larger 5.5-inch aluminum cone midrange driver and two of the same size woofers, promising a rich and full-bodied sound. In contrast, the Motion 6i, although equipped with the same Folded Motion tweeter, incorporates a pair of smaller 3.5-inch aluminum cone woofers. This difference in driver size and configuration is key to understanding the distinct auditory signature of each speaker. The Motion 20i is capable of standing on its own as a stereo pair, while the Motion 6i is optimized for clear, concise center channel duties in a multi-speaker array.

Soundstage and Imaging

With its floor-standing design, the Motion 20i naturally creates a more expansive soundstage, making it more immersive for music and movies alike. Due to its height and driver arrangement, it flawlessly generates a vertical sound dispersion that fills a room with ease. The Motion 6i, meanwhile, focuses on delivering a precise horizontal soundstage that complements the accompanying left and right speakers, ensuring that dialogue and on-screen effects are locked in place. The Motion 6i's sound is more directional, a necessity for a speaker responsible for conveying the subtleties of spoken words and central sound effects in a cinematic experience.

MartinLogan Motion 6i Center Channel Speaker
MartinLogan Motion 6i arrow (at Amazon.com)

What is particularly impressive about the Motion 20i is its ability to produce deep bass without the need for an accompanying subwoofer, thanks to its well-designed cabinet and dual woofers. This makes it a great choice for audiophiles who prefer a minimalist setup without sacrificing low-end performance. On the flip side, the Motion 6i, while not designed to shake the room with bass, still manages to deliver tight and controlled low frequencies that complement the main front speakers and subwoofer in a home theater configuration.

Integration into a home theater system is where these two speakers diverge. The Motion 20i, with its detailed and expansive sound, is an excellent choice for the front left and right channels and can be paired with a Motion series center channel for a cohesive sound. The Motion 6i, despite its smaller stature, is a powerhouse in its own right, specifically designed to anchor a multi-channel system. It's crucial in delivering clear and crisp dialogues, ensuring that nothing gets lost in complex soundtracks or action-packed scenes.

Ultimately, the choice between the MartinLogan Motion 20i and the Motion 6i will depend on the specific needs and configuration of your audio system. Both are stellar performers in their respective roles with the Motion 20i excelling in stereo applications and the Motion 6i reigning supreme as the central anchor of a surround sound setup. Whichever you choose, rest assured that you're getting a piece of MartinLogan's passion for sonic excellence and a testament to their commitment to high-quality audio reproduction.


Check Current Prices:

MartinLogan Motion 20i Tower Speaker
MartinLogan Motion 20i Tower Speaker
MartinLogan Motion 6i Center Channel Speaker
MartinLogan Motion 6i 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.