MartinLogan Motion 15i vs. MartinLogan Motion 60XTi

MartinLogan Motion 15i Bookshelf Speaker MartinLogan Motion 60XTi Tower Speaker
MSRP
$900 $3750
Dimensions (H × W × D)
11.40” × 6.80” × 9.50”
290mm × 173mm × 241mm
48.00” × 11.40” × 14.40”
1219mm × 290mm × 366mm
Power Type
Passive Passive
Frequency Response
60-25,000 Hz 35-25,000 Hz
Amazon.com
Amazon.com

Key Takeaways

TLDR Summary: The MartinLogan Motion 15i bookshelf and 60XTi tower speakers epitomize high-fidelity elegance. The compact 15i delivers a detailed soundstage with its Folded Motion tweeter, perfect for intimate spaces. In contrast, the towering 60XTi embraces the same airy highs but couples them with deep, authoritative bass and dynamic range, courtesy of its larger drivers and cabinet. The 15i suits smaller, acoustically sensitive environments, while the 60XTi thrives in expansive rooms, offering a more immersive experience. Both share the brand's sonic purity and craftsmanship, but diverge in power and presence, offering tailored choices for the discerning audiophile.

Speaker Comparison

The world of high-fidelity audio is eternally beguiling, offering a multitude of choices for the discerning listener. Today, we're zeroing in on two offerings from a brand that has become synonymous with transparent, detailed sound: MartinLogan. In the spotlight are the MartinLogan Motion 15i bookshelf speakers and the MartinLogan Motion 60XTi tower speakers. Both are exemplary in their class, but they cater to different auditory appetites and spatial considerations.

Design Philosophy and Aesthetics

At first glance, the MartinLogan Motion 15i and the MartinLogan Motion 60XTi might share a family resemblance, but they tell different tales when it comes to their design philosophy. The Motion 15i adheres to the classic bookshelf paradigm, offering a compact form factor that's perfect for intimate listening spaces or as part of a larger surround sound setup. The Motion 60XTi, on the other hand, is a tower speaker that commands presence, designed to be more of a standalone statement piece that can fill a room with its robust stature.

MartinLogan Motion 15i Bookshelf Speaker
MartinLogan Motion 15i arrow (at Amazon.com)

Sound Characteristics

When the music plays, the Motion 15i projects a sound that belies its smaller size. The bookshelf speaker, with its precise Folded Motion tweeter, handles high frequencies with an airy delicacy that's pure MartinLogan. The midrange is articulate, displaying a sense of warmth and intimacy that makes them perfect for nuanced listening sessions. Conversely, the Motion 60XTi's larger cabinet volume and additional drivers—including a sizeable 8.25-inch woofer—deliver a sound that's not just bigger, but it's also more authoritative, with a depth and scale that can effortlessly energize a larger room.

The bass response between the two speakers is, understandably, quite distinct. The Motion 15i, while commendable for its size, cannot compete with the sheer low-end presence of the Motion 60XTi. This tower speaker's dual woofers serve up a rich and textured bass that can plunge into the depths without muddying the sonic image. For bass aficionados or those who shy away from adding a separate subwoofer to the mix, the Motion 60XTi stands as the clear winner.

MartinLogan Motion 60XTi Tower Speaker
MartinLogan Motion 60XTi arrow (at Amazon.com)

Imaging and Soundstage

Imaging and soundstage are parameters where MartinLogan traditionally excels, and these two speakers do not disappoint. The Motion 15i, with its compact design, offers a precise and focused soundstage, which is heightened by its ability to disappear acoustically within a room. Listeners might find themselves surprised at how these bookshelf speakers can cast a soundstage that seems to extend beyond their physical borders. The Motion 60XTi, with its larger frame and dedicated midrange driver, produces a more expansive soundstage that can deliver a live concert experience right in your living room. The speaker's ability to maintain clarity and separation between instruments at higher volumes is impressive.

Flexibility in placement is another aspect to consider. The Motion 15i can be placed on shelves or stands, and its performance is less affected by room placement than the Motion 60XTi. Tower speakers, while offering grander scale, often require careful placement to achieve optimal sound dispersion and to avoid bass buildup in corners. This might necessitate some experimentation with positioning in the listening room to find the sweet spot for the Motion 60XTi, but the results are worth the effort.

Conclusion

Choosing between the MartinLogan Motion 15i and the MartinLogan Motion 60XTi hinges on the listener's space, budget, and sonic preference. The Motion 15i is an excellent choice for those seeking high-resolution audio in a smaller package, perfect for apartments or complementing a home theater. The Motion 60XTi is the go-to for audiophiles yearning for full-range sound and the visceral impact of a live performance. Regardless of choice, both speakers carry the MartinLogan pedigree, promising an immersive and emotionally engaging listening experience that's hard to match.


Check Current Prices:

MartinLogan Motion 15i Bookshelf Speaker
MartinLogan Motion 15i Bookshelf Speaker
MartinLogan Motion 60XTi Tower Speaker
MartinLogan Motion 60XTi Tower 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.