ELAC Uni-fi UB5 vs. MartinLogan Motion 50XTi

ELAC Uni-fi UB5 Bookshelf Speakers MartinLogan Motion 50XTi Center Channel Speaker
MSRP
$500 $1800
Dimensions (H × W × D)
12.81” × 7.94” × 12.19”
325mm × 202mm × 310mm
7.60” × 22.80” × 12.80”
193mm × 579mm × 325mm
Power Type
Passive Passive
Frequency Response
46-25,000 Hz 50-25,000 Hz
Amazon.com
Amazon.com

Key Takeaways

TLDR Summary: In a showdown of sonic prowess, the ELAC Uni-fi UB5 bookshelf speakers present a stunning value, delivering a cohesive, rich soundstage with remarkable clarity for their class. Their concentric driver design ensures a precise audio experience. However, the MartinLogan Motion 50XTi, while not a direct competitor as a center channel speaker, exudes premium audiophile charm with its Folded Motion tweeter, offering exceptional dialogue clarity and a lush midrange that anchors home theater setups. Both excel in their realms, the ELAC in stereo authenticity, and the MartinLogan in cinematic vocal performance, each catering to different aspects of the audiophile's quest for acoustic excellence.

Speaker Comparison

When it comes to outfitting a premium audio system, aficionados often find themselves in a dilemma of choice. Today, we're putting a spotlight on two heavy-hitters in the realm of high-fidelity speakers. On one side, there's the ELAC Uni-fi UB5 Bookshelf Speakers—a darling of audiophiles for their remarkable clarity and value. On the other, we have the MartinLogan Motion 50XTi Center Channel Speaker, renowned for its electrostatic speaker lineage and superb dialogue reproduction. Given their respective pedigrees, comparing these two is less about declaring a winner and more about appreciating their unique contributions to an immersive soundstage.

Design and Build Quality

The ELAC Uni-fi UB5 presents a no-frills, functional design, offering a sturdy build that exudes a certain understated elegance. The three-way speaker design, featuring a concentric midrange and tweeter, is housed in a traditional boxy enclosure, which may seem pedestrian to some yet remains timeless. In contrast, the MartinLogan Motion 50XTi takes a bolder approach with its sleek, modern aesthetic and the signature Folded Motion Tweeter, which immediately sets it apart visually. The build quality is top-notch, with a luxurious finish that mirrors its premium sound output.

ELAC Uni-fi UB5 Bookshelf Speakers
ELAC Uni-fi UB5 arrow (at Amazon.com)

Sound Quality: The Listening Experience

Listening to the ELAC Uni-fi UB5, one is immediately struck by the sheer coherence of its sound delivery. The concentric driver design ensures a pinpoint soundstage that allows for a truly immersive experience. The bass is tight and controlled, the mids are detailed and expressive, and the highs have a crispness that adds to the realism of the audio reproduction. On the flip side, the MartinLogan Motion 50XTi specializes in delivering crystal-clear dialogues and a broad soundstage that makes it an ideal center channel in a home theater setup. The Folded Motion Tweeter offers an airy top end that makes movie soundtracks come alive.

Power Handling and Efficiency

The ELAC Uni-fi UB5, with its 4 Ohm impedance and nominal efficiency, may require a bit more power from your amplifier to truly sing. This isn't a speaker that will reach its full potential with a budget receiver, so pairing it with a capable amplifier is key. The MartinLogan 50XTi, on the other hand, is a bit more forgiving in terms of power requirements. It operates comfortably at 4 Ohms as well, but its efficient design means it can make the most out of every watt, allowing for a broad dynamic range even at lower volumes.

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

When it comes to depth and warmth of sound, the ELAC UB5s might just edge out with their ability to deliver a full-bodied performance that belies their compact size. The bass reflex design aids in providing a richness that will satisfy most listeners, especially those who appreciate a well-rounded sound signature. The MartinLogan Motion 50XTi, while not lacking in low-end presence, is tailored to excel in midrange clarity, which makes voices and central audio elements stand out with precision and depth.

Positioning in a Room

Both speakers demand careful consideration when it comes to placement. The ELAC UB5s are rear-ported, which means they'll benefit from some breathing room away from walls to minimize bass boominess. In this aspect, they're a bit more demanding of your room's acoustics. The MartinLogan, despite its center channel designation, also craves space to let its sound radiate and achieve the intended sound dispersion. That said, its versatility in placement makes it a bit easier to integrate into a variety of setups without compromising on performance.

At the end of the day, the choice between the ELAC Uni-fi UB5 bookshelf speakers and the MartinLogan Motion 50XTi center channel speaker may come down to the specific needs of your audio system. The UB5s are an exceptional choice for music lovers looking for an all-round performer, while the Motion 50XTi is ideal for those who prioritize movie watching and want the dialogue and on-screen action to take center stage with impeccable clarity. Each brings to the table a unique set of qualities, and either would be a worthy addition to an audiophile’s collection — or the heart of a home theater system.


Check Current Prices:

ELAC Uni-fi UB5 Bookshelf Speakers
ELAC Uni-fi UB5 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.