Dayton Audio B652-AIR vs. MartinLogan Motion 8i

Dayton Audio B652-AIR 6-1/2” Bookshelf Speakers MartinLogan Motion 8i Center Channel Speaker
MSRP
$85 $450
Dimensions (H × W × D)
11.81” × 7.06” × 6.44”
300mm × 179mm × 164mm
5.60” × 22.00” × 5.20”
142mm × 559mm × 132mm
Power Type
Passive Passive
Frequency Response
70-20,000 Hz 70-23,000 Hz
ASR Score
1.5 n/a
ASR Score w/Subwoofer
4.6 n/a
Amazon.com
Amazon.com

Key Takeaways

TLDR Summary: In the realm of affordable, high-performance speakers, the Dayton Audio B652-AIR bookshelf units, with their AMT tweeters, deliver remarkable clarity and spacious soundstaging on a budget, offering enthusiasts a taste of audiophile flavor without the usual investment. In contrast, the MartinLogan Motion 8i center channel speaker, a higher-end choice, boasts the brand's renowned Folded Motion tweeter, ensuring crisp, precise dialogue and a seamless blend with other speakers in a home theater setup. While each serves a different purpose, the comparison highlights the spectrum of quality audio options available, from the entry-level Dayton Audio to the sophisticated, articulate MartinLogan.

Speaker Comparison

When venturing into the realm of hi-fi audio, the comparison between Dayton Audio B652-AIR 6-1/2” Bookshelf Speakers and MartinLogan Motion 8i Center Channel Speaker presents a fascinating study in value versus premium performance. These two products sit at quasi-polar opposites of the audio spectrum, offering unique selling points that cater to different segments of the audio enthusiast community. Dayton Audio, known for delivering budget-friendly solutions, brings to the table the B652-AIR, a speaker that challenges the preconceived notions of affordable audio gear quality. On the other hand, MartinLogan's Motion 8i center channel is a testament to high-end audio engineering, promising an exquisite auditory experience that aligns with the brand's prestigious standing in the audiophile market.

Design Philosophy and Build Quality

The Dayton B652-AIR speakers boast a simple, no-frills design that emphasizes functionality over aesthetic flourish. With a black ebony pica vinyl cabinet finish, they offer a classic look that should blend well with most decors. The build quality is solid for the price point, but it's evident that the focus here is on keeping the costs down. In contrast, the MartinLogan Motion 8i exudes luxury with its sleek, curvilinear design and high-gloss piano black finish. The build quality is exceptional, featuring MartinLogan's renowned perforated steel grille and a robust cabinet that feels every bit as premium as its price would suggest.

Dayton Audio B652-AIR 6-1/2” Bookshelf Speakers
Dayton Audio B652-AIR arrow (at Amazon.com)

Sound Quality and Performance

Focusing on sound performance, the Dayton B652-AIR is surprisingly articulate for its price bracket. The addition of the Air Motion Transformer (AMT) tweeter provides a crisp, detailed high-end that's typically absent in this tier of speakers. However, its overall sound can't quite compete with the richness and breadth that the MartinLogan Motion 8i delivers. MartinLogan's Folded Motion Tweeter, inspired by AMT technology, offers an exceptionally smooth, nuanced treble response with lightning-fast transient handling that makes dialogue and high-frequency details sparkle in a way that's simply mesmerizing. Moreover, the dedicated center channel design of the Motion 8i ensures a focused and clear vocal delivery that's critical for home theater applications.

When it comes to midrange and bass, the Dayton B652-AIR performs admirably, though it lacks the depth and warmth one might crave from more costly speakers. There's a decent punch, but it falls short of the cinematic experience that a true audiophile might be seeking. The MartinLogan Motion 8i, with its larger cabinet and sophisticated crossover design, provides a full-bodied midrange and a tighter, more controlled bass response. The soundstage presented by the Motion 8i is wide and enveloping, making it not just a center channel, but a potential anchor for a high-end audio system.

MartinLogan Motion 8i Center Channel Speaker
MartinLogan Motion 8i arrow (at Amazon.com)

Value for Money and Versatility

In terms of value for money, the Dayton B652-AIR represents an excellent entry point for budding audiophiles or those looking to dabble in better sound without a significant investment. They offer a gateway to high-fidelity audio, with a performance that punches above their weight class. However, the MartinLogan Motion 8i, while commanding a higher price tag, brings with it the assurance of top-tier audio quality and a pedigree in sound engineering. It's an investment for those who are committed to a superior acoustic experience, whether for passionate music listening sessions or creating an immersive home theater system.

Compatibility and integration play crucial roles in speaker selection, and here again, the two contenders diverge. The Dayton B652-AIR, with its traditional bookshelf design, is flexible in terms of placement and system matching. It can easily slot into a modest stereo setup or act as rear channels in a surround sound arrangement. The Motion 8i, being a dedicated center channel, is optimized for dialogue and seamless integration with other MartinLogan speakers, particularly those within the Motion series, for a cohesive and synergistic sonic landscape.

In conclusion, the Dayton Audio B652-AIR and MartinLogan Motion 8i speakers serve distinct purposes and audiences. The B652-AIRs are commendable for their affordability and the introduction of AMT technology to the budget-conscious listener. The Motion 8i, on the other hand, is a luxury audio component that thrives in the hands of the discerning audiophile and home theater enthusiast. Ultimately, the choice between them hinges on personal priorities: cost and general purpose utility versus exquisite sound quality and specialized performance. It's a classic case of budget versus premium, where both options have their merits in the eyes of the listener.


Check Current Prices:

Dayton Audio B652-AIR 6-1/2” Bookshelf Speakers
Dayton Audio B652-AIR 6-1/2” Bookshelf Speakers
MartinLogan Motion 8i Center Channel Speaker
MartinLogan Motion 8i 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.