MartinLogan Motion 50XTi Center Channel Speaker Review
Specs:
| MSRP | $1800 |
| Dimensions (H × W × D) |
7.60” × 22.80” × 12.80” 193mm × 579mm × 325mm |
| Power Type | Passive |
| Frequency Response | 50-25,000 Hz |
Key Takeaways
TLDR Summary: The MartinLogan Motion 50XTi dazzles with its Folded Motion tweeter, delivering pristine highs with pinpoint accuracy. Its robust midrange and bass drivers anchor dialogue with authority and warmth. The speaker's revealing nature ensures seamless integration with the Motion series, though its revealing detail may expose flaws in lesser recordings. Visually, the sleek cabinet design exudes elegance. On the downside, its size demands ample space and its performance requires a quality receiver to shine. A commendable centerpiece for the discerning ear.
MartinLogan Motion 50XTi: Our Take
The MartinLogan Motion 50XTi is a premium center channel speaker designed for high-end home theater systems. As part of MartinLogan's esteemed Motion Series, the 50XTi boasts a sleek, modern aesthetic coupled with advanced audio technology. Its main purpose is to provide clear and precise dialogue, ensuring that movie and TV soundtracks are delivered with exceptional articulation and detail. The Motion 50XTi features MartinLogan's signature Folded Motion XT tweeter, which claims to minimize distortion and provide a lightning-fast response for crisp, clean highs.
This center channel speaker is equipped with two 6.5-inch aluminum cone woofers and a rear-firing bass port, which are designed to offer a rich and full midrange as well as deep bass. This combination is meant to complement the detailed highs produced by the tweeter, creating a well-balanced sound profile suitable for a variety of content. Moreover, the speaker is engineered to have a wide and consistent dispersion pattern, which helps to ensure that every listener experiences the same high-quality sound regardless of their position in the room.
The build quality of the MartinLogan Motion 50XTi is noteworthy, featuring a reinforced baffle and a cabinet construction designed to reduce resonance and enhance audio clarity. Its luxurious finish options allow it to blend seamlessly into any decor. Additionally, the inclusion of custom five-way bi-wire/bi-amp binding posts ensures users can optimize connections for the best possible performance with their existing audio systems.
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Compatibility and Versatility
In terms of compatibility, the Motion 50XTi is designed to be a match with other speakers in the Motion Series, but its versatile design also allows it to integrate well with a variety of other home theater systems. Its nominal impedance is compatible with most AV receivers, making it relatively easy to set up for both novice and experienced audiophiles alike. The speaker's size might be a consideration for some users, as it may require a substantial amount of space on an entertainment stand or dedicated shelf.
Compare to similar speakers:
Performance Considerations
When it comes to performance, the MartinLogan Motion 50XTi center channel aims to deliver an audio experience that rivals larger and more expensive systems. It boasts an impressive frequency response range that ensures dialogue is never lost or overpowered by the rest of the soundtrack. However, like all audio equipment, individual results can vary based on the acoustics of the listening environment and the quality of the accompanying components in the home theater setup.
One potential con for some buyers could be the price point of the MartinLogan Motion 50XTi. As a high-end product, it comes with a premium price tag that may not fit everyone's budget. Audio enthusiasts who are willing to make the investment might find it justifiable for the quality of sound it delivers, but more budget-conscious consumers might want to explore other options in the market that offer a better price-to-performance ratio.
Comparisons with Similar Products
For those considering alternatives, products such as the Bowers & Wilkins HTM6 or the Klipsch RP-450C might come up as comparable options in terms of performance and price range. Each of these center channel speakers also aims to provide exceptional dialogue clarity and could serve as viable alternatives depending on personal preference and brand loyalty.
The Bowers & Wilkins HTM6 is renowned for its precise soundstage and vocal clarity, while maintaining a sleek design that appeals to many home theater enthusiasts. On the other hand, Klipsch RP-450C is notable for its dynamic range and high efficiency thanks to Klipsch's proprietary Tractrix horn-loaded technology. Potential buyers would do well to compare these models directly with the MartinLogan Motion 50XTi, considering factors such as room size, existing equipment, and desired audio characteristics.
In conclusion, the MartinLogan Motion 50XTi center channel speaker stands as a strong contender in the realm of high-fidelity audio equipment. Its unique features, such as the Folded Motion XT tweeter and robust build quality, set it apart from many competitors. While it may command a higher price point, its performance capabilities could make it an attractive option for those seeking top-notch sound reproduction in their home theater system. Prospective buyers should weigh its pros and cons against other speakers in its class to determine the best fit for their audio needs and budget constraints.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the MartinLogan Motion 50XTi Center Channel Speaker's Folded Motion Tweeter affect sound quality?
The Folded Motion Tweeter in the MartinLogan Motion 50XTi is a key feature that sets it apart from traditional dome tweeters found in many center channel speakers. This unique design boasts a larger surface area, which translates to a faster response time and a more precise sound with minimal distortion. The result is an exceptionally clear and detailed high-frequency reproduction, which is especially important for the accurate articulation of dialogue and high-pitched sound effects in movies and television shows. The Folded Motion Tweeter ensures that the Motion 50XTi can deliver a rich, nuanced, and immersive listening experience that brings out the subtleties in vocals and instruments alike.
Is the MartinLogan Motion 50XTi suitable for both music and home theater systems?
The MartinLogan Motion 50XTi is a versatile center channel speaker designed to enhance both music and home theater systems. With its detailed soundstage and wide frequency response, it is adept at handling the dynamic range of a robust movie soundtrack as well as the delicate nuances of complex musical arrangements. The Motion 50XTi is engineered to integrate seamlessly with other speakers in the MartinLogan Motion series, ensuring a cohesive and balanced sound whether you're enveloped in the latest blockbuster or lost in your favorite symphony. Its ability to articulate clear, discernible speech makes it a compelling choice for center channel duties in any high-fidelity setup.
What kind of amplifier or receiver is best suited to drive the MartinLogan Motion 50XTi?
When pairing an amplifier or receiver with the MartinLogan Motion 50XTi, it's important to consider the speaker's power handling and impedance to ensure compatibility and optimal performance. The Motion 50XTi is designed to work with a wide range of amplifiers and receivers, whether you're using a modestly powered unit or a high-end, high-power model. Ideally, your amplifier or receiver should provide a stable and sufficient amount of power to allow the speaker to perform at its best without any strain. Look for an amplifier or receiver that can deliver clean, undistorted power across the Motion 50XTi's operating range, ensuring that the speaker's capabilities are fully realized and its acoustic potential is maximized.
