MartinLogan Motion 20i vs. Presonus Eris E3.5

MartinLogan Motion 20i Tower Speaker Presonus Eris E3.5 3.5” Near Field Studio Monitor
MSRP
$2000 $100
Dimensions (H × W × D)
36.60” × 6.80” × 11.70”
930mm × 173mm × 297mm
10.24” × 7.00” × 7.68”
260mm × 178mm × 195mm
Power Type
Passive Powered
Frequency Response
46-25,000 Hz 80-20,000 Hz
ASR Score
n/a 1.5
ASR Score w/Subwoofer
n/a 4.3
Amazon.com
Amazon.com

Key Takeaways

TLDR Summary: In the realm of high-fidelity audio, the MartinLogan Motion 20i and PreSonus Eris E3.5 cater to distinct audiences. The Motion 20i stands as an elegant tower speaker, boasting MartinLogan's renowned Folded Motion tweeter for articulate highs and robust woofers for expansive sound in larger rooms. Contrarily, the Eris E3.5, a compact near-field monitor, is designed for the intimate precision required in studio settings. While the 20i excels in delivering a lifelike soundstage for audiophiles, the E3.5 offers critical listening clarity for content creators. The choice hinges on the listener's space and sound reproduction priorities.

Speaker Comparison

When it comes to selecting the right speakers for any audiophile's setup, the choices can be as varied as the listeners themselves. Today, we're delving into a comparison between two vastly different contenders: the MartinLogan Motion 20i Tower Speaker and the PreSonus Eris E3.5 3.5” Near Field Studio Monitor. These two speakers cater to distinct audiences, but they both offer unique strengths that warrant a closer look.

Design and Build Quality

The MartinLogan Motion 20i is a floor-standing speaker that exudes elegance and sophistication. Its slim, refined design not only makes for an aesthetic addition to any room but also boasts an air of luxury that is hard to match. With the Motion 20i, the build quality is impeccable, featuring real-wood veneer and a reinforced baffle structure that ensures minimal resonance. On the other hand, the PreSonus Eris E3.5 is a compact studio monitor with a utilitarian design aimed at providing no-nonsense functionality for studio environments. The build is solid, but the focus here is on practicality and space-saving, rather than the visual grace of the Motion 20i.

MartinLogan Motion 20i Tower Speaker
MartinLogan Motion 20i arrow (at Amazon.com)

Sound Characteristics

When it comes to sound, the MartinLogan Motion 20i is a powerhouse, offering a broad soundstage with incredible depth and detail. The hallmark of the Motion 20i is its Folded Motion tweeter, which delivers precise and clear high frequencies that can make the listener feel as if they're in the same room as the musicians. The bass response is tight yet robust, thanks to well-engineered drivers and cabinet design. Conversely, the PreSonus Eris E3.5 is designed with nearfield listening in mind. It provides a flat frequency response, crucial for audio mixing and mastering tasks. The E3.5's offer clarity and accuracy but won't produce the same room-filling sound or the low-end presence of the Motion 20i.

Intended Use and Versatility

The MartinLogan Motion 20i excels in a traditional home audio setup, where its full range and expressiveness shine brightest in a medium to large room. It’s ideal for music enthusiasts and audiophiles seeking an immersive listening experience. Alternatively, the PreSonus Eris E3.5 is tailored for content creators, sound engineers, and anyone involved in audio production. Its smaller size and accurate sound reproduction make it perfect for desktop settings where space is at a premium, and critical listening is mandatory.

Presonus Eris E3.5 3.5” Near Field Studio Monitor
Presonus Eris E3.5 arrow (at Amazon.com)

One cannot overlook the versatility factor with both speaker sets. While the Motion 20i may not be the best choice for mixing audio due to its more "flattering" sound signature, it's absolutely in its element when used for high-fidelity music listening or as part of a home theater system. In contrast, the PreSonus Eris E3.5, though excellent for professional studio applications, can still be enjoyed by casual listeners who appreciate a more neutral sound profile and may prefer to hear music exactly as it was intended to be heard.

Price Consideration

Price is an inescapable aspect of any gear comparison. The MartinLogan Motion 20i represents a significant investment, one that is justified by its superior craftsmanship and acoustic performance. These speakers are for those who are willing to pay a premium for a higher echelon of auditory experience. The PreSonus Eris E3.5, on the other hand, offers incredible value for its price point. They are an affordable option for those requiring professional-grade monitors without breaking the bank. Both speakers deliver value relative to their cost, but they serve very different budgetary constraints and user expectations.

The choice between the MartinLogan Motion 20i and the PreSonus Eris E3.5 ultimately comes down to the listener's preferences and intended use. The Motion 20i is for the audiophile who yearns for a captivating, high-fidelity experience, and who views their listening environment as a sanctuary for sonic pleasure. The PreSonus Eris E3.5, with its precise audio reproduction and modest footprint, is for the audio professional or enthusiast who requires accuracy for critical listening tasks within the confines of a studio setting.

In conclusion, while the MartinLogan Motion 20i Tower Speaker and the PreSonus Eris E3.5 3.5” Near Field Studio Monitor serve different ends of the audio spectrum, they each stand out in their respective niches. The Motion 20i brings a level of luxury and aural excitement to the home listening space, while the Eris E3.5 delivers professional studio quality for those on the path to audio perfection. Your choice between these two will pivot on what you value most in your listening experience—whether it's the grandiosity of sound or the truth in audio production.


Check Current Prices:

MartinLogan Motion 20i Tower Speaker
MartinLogan Motion 20i Tower Speaker
Presonus Eris E3.5 3.5” Near Field Studio Monitor
Presonus Eris E3.5 3.5” Near Field Studio Monitor
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.