MartinLogan Motion 4i vs. MartinLogan Motion 60XTi

Speaker Comparison

When it comes to the high-fidelity audio experience, MartinLogan is a brand that consistently speaks to those who refuse to compromise on sound quality. Whether it's the compact elegance of a bookshelf speaker or the imposing presence of a floor-standing tower, the brand's passion for sonic perfection shines through. Today, we find ourselves comparing two siblings from the MartinLogan family - the Motion 4i bookshelf speakers and the Motion 60XTi floor-standing towers. Each has its own role to play in the pursuit of audio nirvana, but how do they stack up against each other?

The Scale of Sound

At first glance, the most obvious difference between the Motion 4i and the Motion 60XTi is their size. The Motion 4i bookshelf speakers are designed to fit into more intimate spaces, blending into a room with a subtlety that belies their acoustic capabilities. On the other hand, the Motion 60XTi towers are unapologetically statuesque, commanding attention and space. They are capable of filling larger rooms with ease, thanks to their more substantial cabinets and driver arrays. The scale of sound is thus inherently tied to the physical scale of these two options, setting the stage for how they perform in different listening environments.

Driving Force

Delving deeper into technical prowess, the Motion 4i is equipped with a 4-inch aluminum cone woofer paired with a 1-inch x 1.4-inch Folded Motion tweeter. This combination allows for an impressive performance that is both nimble and responsive. Conversely, the Motion 60XTi boasts two 8-inch aluminum cone woofers and a larger 1.25-inch x 2.4-inch Folded Motion XT tweeter. The result is a more forceful low-end delivery and a greater sense of dynamism. While the Motion 4i performs admirably for its size, the 60XTi is in another league, offering an authoritative and visceral listening experience.

Soundstage and Imaging

When it comes to soundstage, both speakers exhibit MartinLogan's signature sound - open, airy, and precise. However, the Motion 60XTi's larger drivers and cabinet volume create a more expansive soundstage with greater depth and width. The larger speakers project a sound that seems to detach from their physical bounds and fill the room. The Motion 4i, although more constrained by its compact form, still delivers a surprisingly broad soundstage that can easily deceive the listener into thinking they're hearing a larger speaker. Imaging is precise with both, but the Motion 60XTi provides a more holographic representation of the musical event.

The nuances in the high frequencies are handled with finesse by both speaker models. The Folded Motion tweeters used in both the Motion 4i and the Motion 60XTi are renowned for their lightning-fast transient response and lack of distortion, even at high volumes. This tweeter technology is a MartinLogan hallmark and serves to bridge the gap between the two siblings. Both the Motion 4i and 60XTi present the treble with clarity and detail that is sure to delight audiophiles and casual listeners alike.

Where the speakers diverge most strikingly is in their portrayal of the midrange and bass frequencies. The dual 8-inch woofers in the Motion 60XTi allow for a midrange that is lush and present, with bass that is both deep and tight. In contrast, the single 4-inch woofer of the Motion 4i, while commendable, can't reproduce the same level of full-bodied sound and extension in the lows. Listeners keen on experiencing the full spectrum of their music, including the resonant depth of a cello or the punch of a kick drum, may lean towards the power of the 60XTi.

Ultimately, the choice between MartinLogan's Motion 4i bookshelf speakers and the Motion 60XTi towers boils down to the listener's space, preference, and purpose. The Motion 4i shines as an excellent choice for those with space constraints or seeking a high-quality secondary system. The Motion 60XTi, on the other hand, is unquestionably the go-to for audiophiles aiming to recreate the grandeur of live performances in their living rooms. Both speakers offer the exquisite sonic characteristics MartinLogan is revered for, ensuring that regardless of the choice, the music will always be the star of the show.