MartinLogan Motion 20i vs. MartinLogan Motion 2i

MartinLogan Motion 20i Tower Speaker MartinLogan Motion 2i Bookshelf Speakers
MSRP
$2000 $200
Dimensions (H × W × D)
36.60” × 6.80” × 11.70”
930mm × 173mm × 297mm
10.00” × 4.70” × 4.60”
254mm × 119mm × 117mm
Power Type
Passive Passive
Frequency Response
46-25,000 Hz 110-23,000 Hz
Amazon.com
Amazon.com

Key Takeaways

TLDR Summary: In the realm of high-fidelity audio, the MartinLogan Motion 20i tower speaker and the Motion 2i bookshelf speaker present two distinct listening experiences. The 20i towers, with their larger cabinet and robust driver configuration, offer a more expansive soundstage and deeper bass extension, making them suitable for audiophiles seeking a full-range, room-filling performance. On the flip side, the Motion 2i bookshelf speakers, compact and versatile, deliver a detailed and articulate sound, ideal for smaller spaces or as part of a larger surround setup. Both share MartinLogan's acclaimed Folded Motion tweeter, ensuring a smooth, refined high-end.

Speaker Comparison

When it comes to high-fidelity audio, the name MartinLogan evokes a sense of auditory prestige that few other brands can match. The company's dedication to sonic excellence is evident in every product they craft, and this is particularly true when comparing the MartinLogan Motion 20i tower speaker with the MartinLogan Motion 2i bookshelf speaker. Both are sculpted with the audiophile in mind, and each offers a distinctive listening experience that reflects the company's commitment to acoustic innovation.

The Tower of Power: MartinLogan Motion 20i

The Motion 20i towers are a statement piece, not just in form but in sonic stature. Standing upright, these speakers demand a presence in any room they inhabit. With dual 5.5-inch aluminum cone woofers and a Folded Motion tweeter, the Motion 20i delivers sound with a breadth and depth that is hard to match. The bass response is taut and extended, thanks to the larger cabinet volume, which allows the woofers adequate space to flex their muscles, creating an immersive soundstage that can fill a room with ease.

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

Compact Companion: MartinLogan Motion 2i

The MartinLogan Motion 2i, on the other hand, is the more diminutive counterpart, designed to offer the brand's signature sound in a compact form factor. Featuring a 3.5-inch aluminum cone woofer and the same high-performance Folded Motion tweeter found in the 20i, the Motion 2i punches well above its weight class. Its smaller size makes it ideal for intimate listening spaces or as part of a surround setup, ensuring that the listener doesn't have to compromise on quality when space is at a premium.

Sound Signature and Performance

In terms of sound signature, both the Motion 20i and Motion 2i speakers carry the hallmark of MartinLogan's engineering prowess. The Motion 20i's larger drivers and cabinet size result in a sound that's more capable of handling the dynamic swings of orchestral pieces or the demanding bass of electronic music. Meanwhile, the Motion 2i offers a surprisingly robust performance, with clarity and detail that belies its smaller stature. However, it may lack the low-end authority of its larger sibling, making it less suited to larger rooms or bass-heavy genres without the support of a subwoofer.

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

Another point of difference lies in the Folded Motion tweeter technology. While both speakers utilize this innovative design, the tower's larger form factor allows for a more expansive dispersion of high frequencies, providing an open and airy top-end that is both articulate and effortless. The Motion 2i shares this crisp tweeter performance but delivers it in a more focused sweet spot, which can be a benefit in smaller listening environments or near-field setups.

Room Integration and Aesthetics

When it comes to integrating these speakers into a living space, the Motion 20i towers are undeniably more of a visual statement. Their elegant lines and slender profile make them an attractive addition to any room, but they do require more floor space. The Motion 2i bookshelf speakers are more discreet and can be placed on shelves or stands, making them versatile and less intrusive. Both models feature high-quality finishes and materials that reflect MartinLogan's attention to detail and design ethos, so regardless of size, they'll contribute to the aesthetic of any room they're in.

In conclusion, the choice between the MartinLogan Motion 20i towers and the Motion 2i bookshelf speakers ultimately hinges on the listener's space, budget, and sonic preferences. The Motion 20i is for the audiophile who demands full-range performance and is prepared to accommodate the speakers' grandeur, while the Motion 2i is perfect for those seeking exceptional sound in a more compact and adaptable package. Whichever path you choose, MartinLogan's dedication to auditory excellence ensures a transcendent listening experience that's hard to forget.


Check Current Prices:

MartinLogan Motion 20i Tower Speaker
MartinLogan Motion 20i Tower Speaker
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.