MartinLogan Motion 35XTi vs. Presonus Eris E3.5

MartinLogan Motion 35XTi Bookshelf Speaker Presonus Eris E3.5 3.5” Near Field Studio Monitor
MSRP
$1500 $100
Dimensions (H × W × D)
13.50” × 7.60” × 11.80”
343mm × 193mm × 300mm
10.24” × 7.00” × 7.68”
260mm × 178mm × 195mm
Power Type
Passive Powered
Frequency Response
50-25,000 Hz 80-20,000 Hz
ASR Score
n/a 1.5
ASR Score w/Subwoofer
n/a 4.3
Amazon.com
Amazon.com

Key Takeaways

TLDR Summary: In the realm of high-fidelity audio, the MartinLogan Motion 35XTi bookshelf speaker and the PreSonus Eris E3.5 studio monitor serve distinct audiences. The Motion 35XTi, with its luscious ribbon tweeter and articulate bass, caters to audiophiles seeking a sophisticated, room-filling soundstage. In contrast, the Eris E3.5 is tailored for content creators and home studio enthusiasts, offering transparent sound reproduction and mixing accuracy at an accessible price point. Both excel within their niches, but the choice between them hinges on the listener's priorities: the lavish sonic embrace of the MartinLogan versus the precise, unembellished clarity of the PreSonus.

Speaker Comparison

When we delve into the realm of high-fidelity audio, the nuances between different speaker models can redefine the listening experience. Today, we're pitting two distinct offerings against each other: the MartinLogan Motion 35XTi bookshelf speaker and the PreSonus Eris E3.5 near field studio monitor. These two contenders serve different masters – the audiophile's musicality against the precision of studio monitoring – but both aim to deliver exceptional sound within their domains.

Design Philosophy and Audiophile Aspirations

The MartinLogan Motion 35XTi speaks the language of audiophile dreams, with its sleek design and refined aesthetic that exudes an undeniable premium feel. Crafted for the connoisseur, it features MartinLogan's signature Folded Motion XT tweeter, which promises fast transient response and a wide, yet controlled sound dispersion pattern that is music to any audiophile's ears. Pair this with a high-performance aluminum cone woofer, and you have a recipe for detailed and dynamic audio that dances around the room with a lifelike presence.

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

Studio Precision and Practicality

Conversely, the PreSonus Eris E3.5 takes a more utilitarian approach. These monitors are the workhorses of home studios, offering flat frequency response for accurate sound reproduction. The Eris E3.5 is designed to deliver the truth, warts and all, so that content creators can mix with confidence. With a compact size that fits almost any workspace, they provide a clear and honest representation of your audio, which is essential for making critical mix decisions.

Performance and Listening Experience

When it comes to performance, the MartinLogan Motion 35XTi showcases its prowess through a robust soundstage that's capable of unfurling layers upon layers of audio detail. The highs are crisp without being piercing, the mids articulate and expressive, and the lows, while not earth-shattering, are precise and well-integrated. This speaker invites you to rediscover your music collection, revealing nuances in tracks you thought you knew inside and out.

Presonus Eris E3.5 3.5” Near Field Studio Monitor
Presonus Eris E3.5 arrow (at Amazon.com)

In contrast, the PreSonus Eris E3.5 focuses on delivering a flat, unembellished sound that provides a clear canvas for audio production. The bass response is respectable for its size, but it's the midrange detail and clear highs that make it a valuable tool for audio editing and mixing. It's not about flattery with the Eris E3.5; it's about revealing the truth in your recordings, and in that regard, it performs admirably.

Price and Accessibility

Price is another arena where these two speakers diverge significantly. The MartinLogan Motion 35XTi sits at a higher price point, positioning itself as an investment in audio luxury. This is a speaker for those who are willing to allocate a significant portion of their budget to the pursuit of sonic perfection. It's not just an audio device; it's an audio experience that comes with a price tag to match.

Meanwhile, the PreSonus Eris E3.5 is the epitome of affordability and accessibility. These monitors offer incredible value for those on a budget, whether you're a budding producer or an enthusiast seeking an accurate sound for multimedia consumption. The Eris E3.5 brings studio monitoring into the home with a cost-conscious mindset, providing a realistic entry point for those looking to elevate their audio game without breaking the bank.


Check Current Prices:

MartinLogan Motion 35XTi Bookshelf Speaker
MartinLogan Motion 35XTi Bookshelf Speaker
Presonus Eris E3.5 3.5” Near Field Studio Monitor
Presonus Eris E3.5 3.5” Near Field Studio Monitor
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.