In this review, we will be comparing ProCenter 1000 and Motion 30i, two Passive Center Channel speakers from Definitive Technology and MartinLogan. Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Definitive ProCenter 1000 and MartinLogan 30i first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
What size room are the Definitive ProCenter 1000 and MartinLogan 30i speakers good for?
The size of the room in which you are planning to use these loudspeakers is an important decision factor. Here we have compared their suitability to various sizes of environments considering their size and max power parameters:
In the following sections, we will get into more detail in order to better understand how the Definitive ProCenter 1000 and MartinLogan 30i compare and hopefully end up with enough arguments to decide which one of these loudspeakers is the better choice for you.
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through my links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Drivers
Both ProCenter 1000 and Motion 30i are 2-way speakers.
Driver |
Definitive ProCenter 1000 |
MartinLogan 30i |
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1.0 x 1.4-inch
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
Woofer
|
2 x 4.5-inch
|
1 x 5.25-inch
|
ProCenter 1000 features a 1" pure aluminum dome Tweeter and 2 x 4.5" BDSS Woofer . On the other hand, the Motion 30i features a 1.0 x 1.4" Folded Motion Tweeter and 1 x 5.25" Aluminum Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 400Hz and 2600Hz.
Frequency Response
ProCenter 1000 has a frequency range of 47-30k Hz whereas Motion 30i has a frequency range of 65-25k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 47Hz, the ProCenter 1000 can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the Motion 30i's min frequency of 65Hz.
Below graphs depict how these two speakers compare with the max, min and average values of the Min and Max Frequencies of other speakers in the Center Channel class in our database.
Low Frequency
Center Channel Speakers
High Frequency
Center Channel Speakers
Definitive ProCenter 1000
None of these speakers achieves full range experience which is commonly agreed as 20Hz-20kHz. In order to achieve lower lows / deeper bass, we recommend you pair these with a subwoofer. Visit our Powered Subwoofers section to find out more about the available options.
Impedance and Sensitivity
ProCenter 1000 is a 8 ohms speaker compared to the Motion 30i which has a nominal impedance of 4 ohms. Lower impedance speakers, especially the ones that are rated at 4 ohms may put more pressure on the amplifier unit especially when played at high volume levels, so make sure the amp you pair with the Motion 30i can provide this impedance level.
These two speakers also have different sensitivity levels. ProCenter 1000 sensitivity is rated at 90 dB and the Motion 30i's is rated at 91 dB. This 1 dB difference makes the MartinLogan 30i a more sensitive speaker compared to Definitive ProCenter 1000, hence will play louder with the same amount of watts.
Sensitivity
Center Channel Speakers
Power Range
Power
range is the range of input power in watts RMS that a loudspeaker is designed to handle. While using an amplifier within this range ensures the nominal performance , inputting a power that is higher than the max wattage can result in a damaged speaker.
Keep in mind that a higher max power handling value doesn't necessarily make that a louder speaker
compared to a lower max handling speaker. Loudness or the sound level is also impacted by parameters
such as Impedance, sensitivity and system efficiencies.
Input Type and Bi-Amping / Bi-Wiring
ProCenter 1000 features Custom 5-way tool-less binding posts type posts and Motion 30i has a Custom 5-way tool-less binding posts type posts. None of these speakers feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
Physical Specs
Size of a speaker can sometimes become an important decision factor due to space constraints or in some cases purely for esthetic reasons. In this section, we are going to compare Definitive ProCenter 1000's and MartinLogan 30i's external dimensions. Definitive ProCenter 1000 has external dimensions of 124.0 x 372.0 x 127.0mm ( 4-7/8 x 14-5/8 x 5inch) whereas MartinLogan 30i has external dimensions of 177.0 x 423.0 x 281.0mm ( 6-15/16 x 16-5/8 x 11-1/16inch) .
MartinLogan 30i is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 51mm wider, 53mm taller and 154mm deeper than Definitive ProCenter 1000.
Base Surface Area Comparison
Base surface area of a loudspeaker may become a determining factor when the space in your room or desk is limited.
The base surface area of the Definitive ProCenter 1000 is approximately 472.4cm2 / 73.2inch2 and base area of the MartinLogan 30i is approximately 1188.6cm2 / 184.2inch2. The ProCenter 1000 requires 60% less surface area than the Motion 30i which gives it a small advantage on placement in tight spaces.
Weight Comparison The weight of a loudspeaker can become an important factor if you need to move and reposition the unit often. Weight of a speaker can also "sometimes" be an indicator of the rigidity of the enclosure and the quality of the internal components used. The Definitive ProCenter 1000 weighs 3.64kg / 8lbs and the MartinLogan 30i weighs 8.18kg / 18lbs. This makes the Motion 30i 125% heavier than the ProCenter 1000.
Here is a comparison of how ProCenter 1000 and Motion 30i's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Passive Center Channel class.
Weight
All Center Channel Speakers
Definitive ProCenter 1000
What's in the Box of Definitive ProCenter 1000?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of ProCenter 1000:
Black center-channel speakerRemovable cloth grille (installed)2 Plastic insertsOwners ManualOnline Product Registration card
What's in the Box of MartinLogan 30i?
Here are the items that come with the Motion 30i:
Center-channel loudspeaker Grille 4 Rubber feet Users Manual Warranty/Registration Information
Nominal Impedance |
8 ohms
vs
4 ohms
|
Less selective with amplifiers |
Number of Woofers |
2
vs
1
|
More woofers |
Low Frequency Response |
47 Hz
vs
65 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
High Frequency Response |
30k Hz
vs
25k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
Passive Radiator |
two 4-1/2-inch
vs
None
|
Increases the bass performance |
Height |
124mm
vs
177mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
Base Surface Area |
472cm2 (372x127mm)
vs
1188cm2 (423x281mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
Price per pair* |
249USD
vs
900USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
Sensitivity |
91 dB
vs
90 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
Woofer Size |
5.25 inches
vs
4.5 inches
|
Larger woofer |
General |
Definitive Technology ProCenter 1000 |
MartinLogan Motion 30i |
Brand |
Definitive Technology |
MartinLogan |
Speaker Type |
Center channel speaker (Black) |
Center channel speaker |
Power Range |
10-200 watts |
20-200 watts |
Sensitivity |
90 dB |
91 dB |
Impedance |
8 ohms |
4 ohms |
Frequency Response |
47-30k Hz |
65-25k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
Woofer Quantity |
2 |
1 |
Woofer Size |
4.5" |
5.25" |
Woofer Composition |
BDSS |
Aluminum |
Woofer Surround Material |
n/a |
Rubber |
Tweeter Size |
1" |
1.0 x 1.4" |
Tweeter Type |
dome |
Folded Motion |
Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
Crossover Frequency |
n/a |
400Hz and 2600Hz |
Firing Direction |
n/a |
rear |
Suggested Break-in Period |
n/a |
Allow 72 hours of break-in at 90 dB |
Physical Specs |
|
|
Height |
124.0mm (4.9") |
177.0mm (7") |
Width |
372.0mm (14.6") |
423.0mm (16.7") |
Depth |
127.0mm (5") |
281.0mm (11.1") |
Weight |
3.64kg (8lbs) |
8.18kg (18lbs) |
Enclosure |
Passive Radiator |
Bass Reflex |
Finish |
n/a |
MDF/Lacquer |
Available Colors |
Gloss Black |
White |
Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Biamp Inputs |
n/a |
No |
Other |
|
|
Parts Warranty |
5 Year |
5 Years |
Labor Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |