MartinLogan Motion 35XTi vs. MartinLogan Motion 6i

MartinLogan Motion 35XTi Bookshelf Speaker MartinLogan Motion 6i Center Channel Speaker
MSRP
$1500 $300
Dimensions (H × W × D)
13.50” × 7.60” × 11.80”
343mm × 193mm × 300mm
5.20” × 17.50” × 4.00”
132mm × 444mm × 102mm
Power Type
Passive Passive
Frequency Response
50-25,000 Hz 120-23,000 Hz
Amazon.com
Amazon.com

Key Takeaways

TLDR Summary: In the pantheon of MartinLogan's illustrious audio offerings, the Motion 35XTi and Motion 6i serve different yet equally pivotal roles. The 35XTi, a bookshelf speaker with its Folded Motion XT tweeter and luscious mids, caters to the discerning audiophile seeking a robust stereo image with a sprinkle of that high-end sparkle. Meanwhile, the Motion 6i center channel speaker, with its articulate dialogue reproduction and seamless integration, anchors a home theater experience. While each excels in its arena—pure music enjoyment or cinematic immersion—it is in their combination that MartinLogan's prowess in creating a cohesive and immersive soundstage truly shines.

Speaker Comparison

When it comes to high-fidelity audio, few brands elicit the sense of anticipation and respect that MartinLogan does. Today, we are going to compare two of MartinLogan's offerings: the Motion 35XTi bookshelf speaker and the Motion 6i center channel speaker. While both speakers embody the brand's dedication to sonic excellence, they cater to different needs within a home theater system. The Motion 35XTi is a shining example of bookshelf speaker design, meant to deliver a full and immersive sound, whereas the Motion 6i is a center channel speaker designed to anchor dialogue and action directly to your screen.

Design Philosophy and Aesthetics

The Motion 35XTi and Motion 6i are cut from the same cloth with respect to design philosophy, boasting sleek lines and a modern aesthetic that MartinLogan is known for. However, the bookshelf model, the 35XTi, is a bit more versatile due to its compact size, allowing it to fit snugly in various listening environments. The Motion 6i, with its horizontal orientation, is purposely built to complement a home theater setup, typically nestled below or above a TV or projector screen. Both units feature the signature MartinLogan perforated steel grille, which adds a touch of sophistication to their appearance.

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

Sound Signature and Performance

The MartinLogan Motion 35XTi bookshelf speakers are designed to deliver an expansive soundstage and precise imaging, thanks to their Folded Motion XT tweeters. These tweeters ensure crisp and detailed high-frequency response that audiophiles crave. The Motion 6i, on the other hand, uses a Folded Motion tweeter, which, while still exceptional, is designed to prioritize clear and intelligible dialogue. Both speakers are equipped with aluminum cone woofers, but the 35XTi boasts a larger driver, allowing for deeper bass and a richer overall sound.

When evaluating performance, the 35XTi exhibits a level of versatility that makes it adept for both music and movie soundtracks. The Motion 6i, while it could serve as a standalone speaker, is really optimized for its role in a surround sound system, anchoring the center channel with authority and ensuring that vocals cut through the mix without overpowering subtler cinematic details. This specialization of the Motion 6i is key for a cohesive and enveloping home theater experience.

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

Integration and Setup

Integrating the Motion 35XTi into an existing setup is relatively straightforward, with the speakers being forgiving in terms of placement. They can be used on bookshelves, stands, or even wall-mounted, providing flexibility in creating the perfect listening space. The Motion 6i, given its central role in a home theater, requires more careful placement to align with the visual center of the screen. It also benefits greatly from being part of a MartinLogan system but can mesh with other brands if needed. However, to achieve the most coherent soundstage, matching the 6i with other Motion series speakers is recommended.

Both the 35XTi and the 6i come with a variety of connection options, supporting bi-wiring or bi-amping, which can provide an even more tailored listening experience. That said, the Motion 6i is often used in a single-wire setup due to its specific role in a surround configuration. It's worth mentioning that both speakers benefit from a high-quality amplifier or receiver to truly shine, so investing in good electronics is a must to extract the full potential of either speaker.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the MartinLogan Motion 35XTi and the Motion 6i serve distinct purposes but share the same commitment to audio excellence. The 35XTi is a standout bookshelf speaker, perfect for audiophiles looking for an immersive experience in both music and movies. On the other hand, the Motion 6i is a dedicated center channel powerhouse that ensures clear and precise dialogue in a home theater system. Whichever you choose, you are guaranteed an auditory experience that lives up to the MartinLogan legacy.


Check Current Prices:

MartinLogan Motion 35XTi Bookshelf Speaker
MartinLogan Motion 35XTi Bookshelf 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.