MartinLogan Motion 30i vs. MartinLogan Motion 35XTi

MartinLogan Motion 30i Center Channel Speaker MartinLogan Motion 35XTi Bookshelf Speaker
MSRP
$900 $1500
Dimensions (H × W × D)
6.90” × 16.50” × 10.50”
175mm × 419mm × 267mm
13.50” × 7.60” × 11.80”
343mm × 193mm × 300mm
Power Type
Passive Passive
Frequency Response
65-25,000 Hz 50-25,000 Hz
Amazon.com
Amazon.com

Key Takeaways

TLDR Summary: The MartinLogan Motion 30i and 35XTi are stellar exemplars of audio finesse. The 30i center channel, with its articulate dialogue reproduction, anchors home cinema with exceptional clarity. The 35XTi, a bookshelf variant, boasts an expanded soundstage ideal for immersive stereo listening. Both feature MartinLogan's esteemed Folded Motion tweeters, ensuring crisp highs, while distinct driver configurations tailor their sonic footprints. The 30i excels in multichannel setups, whereas the 35XTi shines in both dedicated music systems and as part of a larger array. Choosing between them hinges on usage: home theater aficionados lean to the 30i, audiophiles to the 35XTi.

Speaker Comparison

When it comes to refining the home audio experience, center channel and bookshelf speakers each serve pivotal roles in a well-rounded system. At the heart of many discerning audiophiles' setups, you'll likely find a product from the reputable MartinLogan. Today, we're pitting two of their notable offerings against each other: the Motion 30i center channel speaker and the Motion 35XTi bookshelf speaker. While both hail from the same Motion series and share a design philosophy, they are tailored for different acoustic responsibilities within the audio landscape of your home theater or listening room.

The Role and Design of the Motion 30i Center Channel Speaker

The MartinLogan Motion 30i is crafted to anchor dialogues and action directly to your screen with precision and clarity. This speaker is designed to seamlessly integrate with the Motion series, equipped with MartinLogan's signature Folded Motion tweeter. This innovative tweeter design ensures crisp highs without the harshness that can sometimes accompany metal tweeters. The dual 5.5-inch aluminum cone woofers in the 30i deliver mid-range frequencies with accuracy, making sure that every word and detail is cleanly presented. The cabinet's internal bracing reduces resonance and stands as a testament to MartinLogan's commitment to superior build quality.

MartinLogan Motion 30i Center Channel Speaker
MartinLogan Motion 30i arrow (at Amazon.com)

The Motion 35XTi Bookshelf Speaker: A Standalone Performer

On the other hand, the Motion 35XTi bookshelf speaker is a standalone performer designed for versatility. While it can be part of a larger system, its capabilities allow it to shine even in a two-channel setup. Like its center channel counterpart, it features the Folded Motion tweeter, but pairs it with a larger 6.5-inch aluminum cone woofer. This configuration enables the 35XTi to produce a broader frequency range with deeper lows and an expansive soundstage. The bookshelf design allows these speakers to fit in more compact spaces, yet their performance can easily fill a room with rich and detailed sound.

Comparing Acoustic Performance

When it comes to acoustic performance, both the Motion 30i and 35XTi share a remarkable ability to articulate fine details in music and soundtracks. However, their differences become evident in their intended use cases. The Motion 30i's focus on mid-range allows it to excel in maintaining vocal clarity, which is essential for a center channel dedicated to dialogues in movies and television. The Motion 35XTi, with its superior low-frequency response, provides a more balanced and full-bodied sound, making it ideal for music enthusiasts who appreciate depth and nuance in their audio playback.

MartinLogan Motion 35XTi Bookshelf Speaker
MartinLogan Motion 35XTi arrow (at Amazon.com)

The cabinet design also plays a crucial role in the sound signature of these speakers. The Motion 30i's acoustically inert cabinet ensures minimal distortion, so the sound remains pure and focused, whereas the 35XTi's larger volume cabinet provides a resonance that complements its bass capabilities. Listeners might find that the Motion 30i projects a more immediate sound field due to its center channel orientation, while the 35XTi creates an immersive experience with its wider dispersion.

The Aesthetic Harmony and Build Quality

From an aesthetic standpoint, both speakers exude the elegant and contemporary design one expects from MartinLogan. Whether it's the Motion 30i's horizontal layout designed to sit neatly below a screen or the 35XTi's traditional bookshelf form, they both boast a high-gloss finish and modern lines that will complement any room. Their build quality is equally commendable, with solid cabinets and precision-engineered components that reflect the brand's dedication to excellence. This ensures that not only do these speakers sound sublime, but they also stand as works of art in any home.

Ultimately, choosing between the MartinLogan Motion 30i center channel speaker and the Motion 35XTi bookshelf speaker comes down to the specific needs of your audio setup. For those looking to heighten the cinematic experience with crystal-clear dialogue and on-screen sound effects, the Motion 30i is an essential component. For audiophiles who prioritize musicality and a broad soundstage, the Motion 35XTi offers an impressive solution. Whichever you choose, you're in for an audio treat that lives up to the MartinLogan legacy of high-fidelity sound.


Check Current Prices:

MartinLogan Motion 30i Center Channel Speaker
MartinLogan Motion 30i Center Channel Speaker
MartinLogan Motion 35XTi Bookshelf Speaker
MartinLogan Motion 35XTi Bookshelf 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.