Dayton Audio T652-AIR vs. MartinLogan Motion 4i

Dayton Audio T652-AIR Tower Speakers MartinLogan Motion 4i Bookshelf Speakers
MSRP
$250 $250
Dimensions (H × W × D)
30.00” × 7.10” × 9.50”
762mm × 180mm × 241mm
12.60” × 5.60” × 5.70”
320mm × 142mm × 145mm
Power Type
Passive Passive
Frequency Response
45-20,000 Hz 70-23,000 Hz
ASR Score
n/a 1.5
ASR Score w/Subwoofer
n/a 5.1
Amazon.com
Amazon.com

Key Takeaways

TLDR Summary: In the clash of Dayton Audio's T652-AIR tower speakers and MartinLogan's Motion 4i bookshelf models, we're comparing David and Goliath. The T652-AIR brings affordability and a robust soundstage with its tower design, offering a tantalizing AIR tweeter for crisp highs. Meanwhile, MartinLogan's Motion 4i, though pricier, delivers its signature audiophile-grade clarity and precision, thanks to the celebrated Folded Motion tweeter. The choice hinges on space, budget, and listening preferences—Dayton for the cost-conscious, spacious sound lover; MartinLogan for the discerning ear demanding nuanced audio in a compact form. Choose wisely, audiophiles.

Speaker Comparison

There's something mesmerizing about the quest for the perfect sound. The Dayton Audio T652-AIR Tower Speakers and the MartinLogan Motion 4i Bookshelf Speakers are both commendable contenders in the arena of audio excellence, yet they cater to distinctly different audiences. The former, standing tall with its floor-standing design, invites listeners into a soundstage with presence and depth, while the latter, a compact bookshelf model, promises a pristine clarity and precision that MartinLogan is renowned for. It is a tale of two philosophies in speaker design, and diving into the nuances of each reveals a wealth of choice for the discerning audiophile.

The Tower of Power: Dayton Audio T652-AIR

The Dayton Audio T652-AIR Tower Speakers are an intriguing proposition for those who long for the full-bodied resonance that only larger drivers in a sizeable cabinet can provide. These towers boast a dual 6.5-inch woofer configuration complemented by a 1-inch AMT tweeter, a feature that stands out in their price range. The AMT tweeter, known for its ribbon-like qualities, delivers an airy and detailed top end without the harshness that some traditional domes can exhibit. The bass response is robust, thanks to the generous cabinet volume and dual-woofer setup, making these towers particularly well-suited for larger rooms where they can flex their acoustic muscles.

Dayton Audio T652-AIR Tower Speakers
Dayton Audio T652-AIR arrow (at Amazon.com)

The Pinnacle of Precision: MartinLogan Motion 4i

On the other side of the ring, the MartinLogan Motion 4i Bookshelf Speakers are a testament to the company's relentless pursuit of audio refinement. The Motion 4i features MartinLogan's signature Folded Motion tweeter, a device that manages to squeeze an enormous sound from a remarkably small space. This technology results in incredible detail retrieval and a lightning-fast transient response, traits that are highly coveted in the high-fidelity landscape. The 4-inch aluminum cone woofer, paired with the intricate crossover network, ensures that the Motion 4i delivers a balanced and articulate performance in the mids and lows, albeit with a more controlled bass response relative to the Dayton's due to its compact enclosure.

Space, Style, and Suitability

One of the most pressing considerations when choosing between these two speakers is the listening environment. The T652-AIRs demand space, not just for physical placement but also for the sound to breathe and develop. They are unapologetically conspicuous, and their height commands attention in any room. Conversely, the MartinLogan Motion 4i speakers are the epitome of subtlety and versatility. These svelte sonic artisans can find a home on a bookshelf or a stand, blending into the décor with an understated elegance that belies their exceptional performance.

MartinLogan Motion 4i Bookshelf Speakers
MartinLogan Motion 4i arrow (at Amazon.com)

The aesthetic contrast is as clear as the audible one; the Dayton Audio towers have a utilitarian vibe, their design focused on delivering the most bang for the buck. They're not without their charms, but they prioritize function. The MartinLogans, with their sleek lines and high-gloss finish, are a visual statement as much as an auditory one. They exude a premium feel that aligns with their more upscale price point.

Aural Ambition vs. Financial Finesse

Audiophiles are all too familiar with the balancing act between sonic ambition and financial finesse. The T652-AIRs represent an outstanding value proposition, bringing a semblance of high-end audio within reach of a modest budget. They are a testament to Dayton Audio's philosophy of making hi-fi attainable. The MartinLogan Motion 4i, while not exorbitantly priced, still commands a premium that reflects its refined engineering and exquisite sound. It caters to an audience that is willing to invest more for the incremental gains in sound accuracy and the prestige that comes with the brand.

Ultimately, the choice between the Dayton Audio T652-AIR Tower Speakers and the MartinLogan Motion 4i Bookshelf Speakers is not merely one of budget but of preference and purpose. The T652-AIRs are well-suited for the audiophile who wants to feel the music as much as hear it, filling the room with an engaging and dynamic presence. The Motion 4is, on the other hand, are for the purist who seeks a transparent window into the recording, appreciating the nuances and finesse that come with an exacting reproduction of sound. Both have their charms, and both serve their niches with distinction – the joy, as always, is in the audition.


Check Current Prices:

Dayton Audio T652-AIR Tower Speakers
Dayton Audio T652-AIR Tower Speakers
MartinLogan Motion 4i Bookshelf Speakers
MartinLogan Motion 4i 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.