MartinLogan Motion 60XTi vs. Wharfedale Denton 85th

MartinLogan Motion 60XTi Tower Speaker Wharfedale Denton 85th Anniversary Bookshelf Speakers
MSRP
$3750 $1000
Dimensions (H × W × D)
48.00” × 11.40” × 14.40”
1219mm × 290mm × 366mm
13.44” × 9.44” × 11.94”
341mm × 240mm × 303mm
Power Type
Passive Passive
Frequency Response
35-25,000 Hz 45-20,000 Hz
Amazon.com
Amazon.com

Key Takeaways

TLDR Summary: In the pursuit of audio excellence, the MartinLogan Motion 60XTi tower speakers and Wharfedale Denton 85th Anniversary bookshelf speakers represent two distinct philosophies. The Motion 60XTi's soar with their impressive stature, offering dynamic, room-filling sound, leveraged by their signature Folded Motion XT tweeters that deliver an airy top-end. In contrast, the Wharfedale Denton’s compact form factor exudes a warm, vintage charm with a rich midrange presence, perfect for intimate listening spaces. Both speak to different audiophile preferences – the MartinLogan's favor grandeur and detail, while the Wharfedales cherish nostalgia and aural coziness.

Speaker Comparison

When it comes to creating an immersive and engaging listening experience at home, both MartinLogan and Wharfedale have garnered respect in the audiophile community. MartinLogan's Motion 60XTi tower speaker and Wharfedale's Denton 85th Anniversary bookshelf speaker are two offerings that, although different in design and size, demand a closer look to understand the nuances that set them apart and define their respective places in a music lover's sanctuary.

The Aesthetics and Build

MartinLogan's Motion 60XTi towers are a striking statement in any room, standing with an imposing yet elegant presence. Their sleek design and high-gloss finish speak of modernity and high-end appeal. The Motion 60XTi, being a floor-standing unit, demands its own space and can potentially anchor an entire audio system visually and sonically. On the other hand, Wharfedale's Denton 85th Anniversary bookshelf speakers are a nod to classic speaker design, with their rich mahogany veneer and traditional box-like shape exuding a sense of timelessness and a touch of nostalgia. They are compact and more versatile in placement, offering a more discreet, yet no less refined, aesthetic.

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

Soundstage and Imaging

When it comes to soundstage, the MartinLogan Motion 60XTi towers are beasts. Thanks to their larger cabinet size and dedicated drivers for bass, midrange, and high frequencies, they can create a wide and enveloping soundstage that extends well beyond the physical confines of the speakers themselves. Imaging is precise, with the excellent separation of instruments and vocalists. In contrast, the Wharfedale Denton 85th, though smaller, still manages to project a remarkably wide soundstage for its size, delivering an intimate yet expansive presentation. The imaging is equally impressive, with a well-focused central image that makes the music present and engaging.

Performance Across Frequencies

The Motion 60XTi, with its larger drivers and robust cabinet, delivers deep and authoritative bass that can fill a room with ease. The highs are crisp and detailed, largely attributed to MartinLogan's Folded Motion tweeter, which produces a lightning-fast response for a sophisticated, articulate treble. Midrange is natural and well-defined, ensuring vocals and instruments are rendered with lifelike accuracy. Conversely, the Wharfedale Dentons, while not as potent in the lower frequencies due to their smaller size, surprise listeners with their warm and rich bass response. The midrange is a standout feature, lush and full-bodied, which Wharfedale is renowned for. The treble is smooth and refined, without the extreme extension of the Motion 60XTi, but with a character that greatly complements vinyl playback and acoustic genres.

Wharfedale Denton 85th Anniversary Bookshelf Speakers
Wharfedale Denton 85th arrow (at Amazon.com)

Another aspect not to be overlooked is the power handling and efficiency of these speakers. The MartinLogan Motion 60XTi towers are designed to work with a variety of amplifiers and receivers, delivering their best performance with ample power. They are relatively efficient, but to truly exploit their dynamic capabilities, they benefit from a robust power source. The Wharfedale Dentons, being smaller and more efficient, can sing beautifully even with modest amplification. They are less demanding in terms of power requirements, making them a perfect match for those with vintage amps or low-powered tube setups.

Intended Use and Listening Environment

Choosing between the MartinLogan Motion 60XTi and the Wharfedale Denton 85th Anniversary speakers also depends on the intended use and listening environment. The Motion 60XTi, with its grand scale and power, is ideally suited for larger rooms where their full range can be unleashed without constraints. They excel in both music and home theater applications, providing a cinematic experience. The Dentons, more suited to small to medium-sized rooms, offer a more intimate listening experience, ideal for critical listening sessions and a perfect match for those who value subtlety and nuance over sheer power.

Ultimately, the choice between the MartinLogan Motion 60XTi tower speaker and the Wharfedale Denton 85th Anniversary bookshelf speaker boils down to personal preferences and priorities. The Motion 60XTi delivers a commanding, room-filling sound with excellent detail and expansive soundstage, suited for the modern audiophile who craves a dynamic and powerful performance. The Denton 85th Anniversary speakers, encapsulating the essence of traditional British hi-fi, offer a warm, engaging sound that harks back to the golden age of stereo listening. Both are masterfully crafted and capable of transporting the listener to the very heart of the music, but they cater to different sensibilities in the vast spectrum of audiophile tastes.


Check Current Prices:

MartinLogan Motion 60XTi Tower Speaker
MartinLogan Motion 60XTi Tower Speaker
Wharfedale Denton 85th Anniversary Bookshelf Speakers
Wharfedale Denton 85th Anniversary Bookshelf Speakers
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.