Elac SUB1010 vs. MartinLogan Motion 2i

Elac SUB1010 120W 10” Powered Subwoofer MartinLogan Motion 2i Bookshelf Speakers
MSRP
$150 $200
Dimensions (H × W × D)
13.25” × 12.19” × 12.19”
337mm × 310mm × 310mm
10.00” × 4.70” × 4.60”
254mm × 119mm × 117mm
Power Type
Powered Passive
Frequency Response
37-200 Hz 110-23,000 Hz
Amazon.com
Amazon.com

Key Takeaways

TLDR Summary: In the realm of sonic enhancement, the Elac SUB1010 brings power to the low end with its robust 120-watt amplifier and 10-inch driver, designed to enrich home theater experiences with deep, impactful bass. Contrastingly, the MartinLogan Motion 2i bookshelf speakers offer an elegant solution for those craving clarity and detail. Their compact form belies their ability to deliver a wide soundstage and articulate highs, courtesy of the Folded Motion tweeters. While the SUB1010 excels in rumble and depth, the Motion 2i shines with precision and nuance, making them an intriguing study in the balanced interplay of a full-range system.

Speaker Comparison

When we're delving into the realms of audio fidelity, one cannot help but appreciate the nuances that different components bring to the sonic table. On one end of the spectrum, we have the Elac SUB1010 120W 10” Powered Subwoofer, a behemoth dedicated to excavating the depths of bass frequencies, while on the other, the MartinLogan Motion 2i Bookshelf Speakers, a pair that promises to deliver a broad stereo image and crisp high-frequency detail. But to understand their true value, one must look beyond the surface and understand the synergy and distinction between these two fundamentally different audio devices.

Design and Build

The Elac SUB1010 is designed with one mission in mind: to provide powerful, room-filling bass. Its 10-inch driver is housed in a no-nonsense, utilitarian box that prioritizes function over form. This is a subwoofer that wears its heart on its sleeve, with a straightforward aesthetic that says, "I'm here to work." Conversely, the MartinLogan Motion 2i speakers exude a sleek elegance with their curved lines and the signature perforated steel grille. They are built not just to sound good, but to complement the decor of a modern living space.

Elac SUB1010 120W 10” Powered Subwoofer
Elac SUB1010 arrow (at Amazon.com)

Sound Quality

Sound quality is where these two contenders flex their muscles, albeit in different weight classes. The Elac SUB1010, with its 120 watts of amplification, delivers a robust low-end that can be both heard and felt. The sheer power and impact of its bass can bring action movies to life or add the necessary gravitas to a bass-heavy music track. In contrast, the MartinLogan Motion 2i's are designed to excel in clarity and precision. Their Folded Motion tweeters offer an airy, transparent treble that reveals the delicate details in music, while their compact woofers ensure that midrange frequencies are handled with poise and warmth.

Both the Elac SUB1010 and the MartinLogan Motion 2i's serve different roles in a sound system. The subwoofer is the foundation, providing the kind of seismic bass that you don't just hear, but also feel in your bones. Without such depth, a system can sound thin or incomplete. The Motion 2i's, on the other hand, are the artists, painting a sonic picture full of vibrant colours and textures. Their soundstage is impressively wide for speakers of their size, with a stereo image that allows for precise instrument placement and an immersive listening experience.

MartinLogan Motion 2i Bookshelf Speakers
MartinLogan Motion 2i arrow (at Amazon.com)

Integration and Versatility

Integrating a subwoofer like the Elac SUB1010 into an existing system can transform the listening experience, but it requires careful calibration. Finding the right crossover settings and placement in the room is key to achieving a seamless blend with your main speakers. The MartinLogan Motion 2i's are more forgiving in this regard. As standalone bookshelf speakers, they are more plug-and-play, though they do benefit from thoughtful positioning and, potentially, pairing with a suitable subwoofer for a more full-range sound.

The versatility of the Motion 2i's also extends to their application in various setups. Whether as part of a compact stereo system or serving as satellite speakers in a surround sound setup, they adapt well to different roles. The Elac SUB1010, with its singular focus on low frequencies, is less versatile but absolutely indispensable in a home theater context or when listening to music that demands true bass depth and power.

In conclusion, the Elac SUB1010 and the MartinLogan Motion 2i's are impressive in their respective domains. For those seeking to shake the room with thunderous bass, the SUB1010 is the go-to choice. For audiophiles who crave pristine highs and a detailed soundstage, the Motion 2i bookshelf speakers shine. In the ultimate analysis, these two are not competitors but rather complementary forces that, when combined, can elevate a sound system from good to exceptional.


Check Current Prices:

Elac SUB1010 120W 10” Powered Subwoofer
Elac SUB1010 120W 10” Powered Subwoofer
MartinLogan Motion 2i Bookshelf Speakers
MartinLogan Motion 2i 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.