ELAC ARB51 Navis vs. MartinLogan Motion 50XTi

ELAC ARB51 Navis Powered Bookshelf Speakers MartinLogan Motion 50XTi Center Channel Speaker
MSRP
$2000 $1800
Dimensions (H × W × D)
13.58” × 7.44” × 9.45”
345mm × 189mm × 240mm
7.60” × 22.80” × 12.80”
193mm × 579mm × 325mm
Power Type
Powered Passive
Frequency Response
44-28,000 Hz 50-25,000 Hz
Amazon.com
Amazon.com

Key Takeaways

TLDR Summary: The ELAC ARB51 Navis and MartinLogan Motion 50XTi serve different niches in the high-fidelity arena. The ARB51 is a self-powered bookshelf speaker blending audiophile finesse with convenience, featuring a custom-designed midrange/tweeter and an app-controlled DSP. Meanwhile, the Motion 50XTi is a dedicated center channel crafted to anchor home theater dialogue with its Folded Motion XT tweeter and robust mid-bass drivers. The ELAC excels in music reproduction with its all-in-one design, whereas the Motion 50XTi is tailored for cinematic clarity, necessitating an external amplifier. Choosing between them hinges on whether your priority is music or movies.

Speaker Comparison

Greetings, fellow audiophiles! Today, we're venturing into an intriguing comparison that isn't quite apples to apples but is sure to intrigue those of you looking to refine your home audio systems. We're juxtaposing the finesse of ELAC's ARB51 Navis Powered Bookshelf Speakers against the prowess of MartinLogan's Motion 50XTi Center Channel Speaker. Although one may argue that comparing powered bookshelf speakers to a center channel speaker is an unusual matchup, it is precisely this unique combination that reveals some fascinating insights into the design philosophies and acoustic characteristics of these audio juggernauts.

Design and Build Quality

At first glance, the ELAC ARB51 Navis exudes a sophisticated simplicity with its sleek, no-nonsense design. It boasts a custom-designed concentric driver that ensures a precise soundstage, enhanced by the robust construction that ELAC is known for. Meanwhile, the MartinLogan Motion 50XTi, with its distinctive folded motion tweeter and luxurious real-wood veneer finish, presents a more avant-garde appeal that is as much a statement piece as it is a center channel speaker. Both units feature impeccable build quality, but they cater to different aesthetic sensibilities and system configurations.

ELAC ARB51 Navis Powered Bookshelf Speakers
ELAC ARB51 Navis arrow (at Amazon.com)

Sound Signature and Performance

The ELAC ARB51 pushes the envelope with its powered design, delivering a clear, balanced, and nuanced sound that rivals much larger systems. The integrated amplification means these speakers are not only space-saving but also optimized for synergy, reducing the need for external components. The MartinLogan Motion 50XTi, on the other hand, shines as the linchpin of a surround sound setup, projecting dialogue and on-screen effects with an articulate and dynamic presence that is hard to match. The Motion 50XTi excels in clarity and detail retrieval, thanks in part to its heralded folded motion tweeter.

Integration and Versatility

When it comes to integrating these speakers into your home audio system, the ELAC ARB51s offer great versatility as standalone units or as part of a larger setup. Their self-powered nature simplifies the audio chain and makes them a fantastic choice for both newcomers and seasoned audiophiles looking for a minimalist setup. The MartinLogan Motion 50XTi, being a dedicated center channel, is inherently designed to anchor a multi-channel home theater system. It can seamlessly blend with other speakers in the Motion series to create a cohesive and immersive audio experience.

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

Where the ELAC ARB51s can serve as the heart of both a high-fidelity stereo system and a part of a multichannel array, the Motion 50XTi is more specialized in its role. However, this specialization is not without its merits, as the 50XTi's performance in delivering crystal-clear dialogue and center-stage audio is exceptional. The choice between the two may ultimately come down to the primary use-case of the listener—whether the priority is music or movies.

Value and Investment

In considering the investment, one must weigh the initial cost against the long-term value. The ELAC ARB51 speakers are a significant investment upfront due to their active design, but they potentially eliminate the need for an external amplifier, which could offset the higher price tag for some users. The MartinLogan Motion 50XTi also demands a premium, justified by its superb craftsmanship and the brand's reputation for creating some of the most transparent speakers on the market. Both are investments in high-end audio, but the deciding factor will be the user's specific needs and existing equipment.

Ultimately, whether you lean towards the ELAC ARB51 Navis Powered Bookshelf Speakers or the MartinLogan Motion 50XTi Center Channel Speaker, you are choosing between two exceptional paths to audio nirvana. The ELACs offer a more plug-and-play solution with their all-in-one design, while the MartinLogan rewards those with a dedicated home theater system seeking an unmatched center channel performance. Either way, the listener's ears will be the judge, and they're unlikely to be disappointed.


Check Current Prices:

ELAC ARB51 Navis Powered Bookshelf Speakers
ELAC ARB51 Navis Powered Bookshelf Speakers
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.