MartinLogan Motion 35XTi vs. MartinLogan Motion 50XTi

MartinLogan Motion 35XTi Bookshelf Speaker MartinLogan Motion 50XTi Center Channel Speaker
MSRP
$1500 $1800
Dimensions (H × W × D)
13.50” × 7.60” × 11.80”
343mm × 193mm × 300mm
7.60” × 22.80” × 12.80”
193mm × 579mm × 325mm
Power Type
Passive Passive
Frequency Response
50-25,000 Hz 50-25,000 Hz
Amazon.com
Amazon.com

Key Takeaways

TLDR Summary: In the realm of pristine audio, MartinLogan's Motion 35XTi bookshelf and 50XTi center channel speakers are titans of clarity and precision. The 35XTi bookshelf speakers excel in delivering expansive soundscapes, perfect for immersive stereo listening. They offer detailed highs with their Folded Motion XT tweeters and balanced mids from the aluminum cone woofers. Meanwhile, the 50XTi center channel anchors home theaters with rich, articulate dialogue, utilizing similar tweeter technology and larger woofers for weightier vocal presence. Both models share MartinLogan's elegant design and build quality, ensuring that either choice elevates the auditory experience of any dedicated audiophile.

Speaker Comparison

When diving into the high-fidelity world of MartinLogan's renowned Motion series, the 35XTi bookshelf speaker and the 50XTi center channel speaker emerge as two titans in their lineup, both boasting the exquisite Folded Motion XT tweeters that MartinLogan is famous for. These tweeters are not your run-of-the-mill audio transducers; they operate on a principle akin to an accordion by squeezing air, which results in significantly less distortion compared to traditional dome tweeters. The outcome, as any audiophile would attest, is a pristine, lifelike treble that seems to disperse seamlessly into the room, enveloping the listener in a cocoon of detailed soundscapes.

Design Philosophy & Audience

The 35XTi bookshelf speaker is crafted with the audiophile in mind, someone who has a penchant for a stereo setup that can deliver a sound so clear and precise, it's like the musicians are performing in the room with you. On the other hand, the 50XTi center channel is engineered to anchor the dialogue and action of your favorite films and television shows, ensuring that the spoken word is never lost amidst the rumbles of an on-screen explosion or the soaring score of a cinematic moment. Both speakers inherit the elegant aesthetic MartinLogan is known for, however, their designs cater to different audio experiences within a home theater or a pure music listening environment.

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

Sound Quality & Performance

When it comes to sound, the Motion 35XTi bookshelf speaker delivers an expansive soundstage that can easily fill a room with its rich, detailed performance. Each note is articulated with precision, and the bass response, while not earth-shattering due to its bookshelf size, is tight and incredibly accurate. In contrast, the Motion 50XTi center channel speaker is the powerhouse of clear and articulate dialogue. Its larger cabinet size and dedicated midrange drivers ensure that it can handle the dynamic range of movie soundtracks without breaking a sweat, making it an essential component of any home theater system.

Integrating the two within the same system reveals the true harmonious nature of the Motion series. The 35XTi works flawlessly with the 50XTi, creating a seamless front soundstage where the transition from the delicate nuances of a film's score on the bookshelf speakers to the clear, crisp dialogue from the center channel is virtually indistinguishable. This synergy is not just by chance but by design, allowing listeners to become completely immersed in the audio without being pulled away by inconsistencies in timbre or quality.

MartinLogan Motion 50XTi Center Channel Speaker
MartinLogan Motion 50XTi arrow (at Amazon.com)

Placement Flexibility & Aesthetics

While bookshelf speakers are known for their versatility in placement, the 35XTi goes a step further with its compact footprint, allowing it to be placed in tighter spaces without sacrificing performance. Whether it's positioned on a dedicated stand or nestled into a bookshelf, the speaker maintains its sonic integrity. The 50XTi, with its larger form factor, is destined to sit proudly beneath your screen, and its width is often aligned with the television it complements, offering an aesthetic symmetry that pleases the eye and centers the sound.

Both the Motion 35XTi and 50XTi are built with the same high-quality materials and attention to detail that MartinLogan is renowned for. The luxurious finishes, whether it's the gloss black, matte white, or red walnut, provide a sophisticated look that can easily integrate into a variety of decors. The build quality not only serves to enhance the visual appeal but also contributes to the acoustic performance, ensuring that vibrations are minimized and sound is projected efficiently and accurately.

In conclusion, while both the MartinLogan Motion 35XTi bookshelf speaker and the 50XTi center channel speaker share a common lineage and are designed to complement each other within a system, they cater to different roles and preferences within the audiophile and home theater communities. The 35XTi excels in musicality and is ideal for those seeking an intimate listening experience, while the 50XTi is the go-to for a central anchor in a surround sound setup, ensuring dialogue and on-screen action are delivered with authority. Regardless of your choice, both speakers stand as testaments to MartinLogan's commitment to exceptional sound and elegant design.


Check Current Prices:

MartinLogan Motion 35XTi Bookshelf Speaker
MartinLogan Motion 35XTi Bookshelf Speaker
MartinLogan Motion 50XTi Center Channel Speaker
MartinLogan Motion 50XTi 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.