In this review, we will be comparing ProCenter 1000 and Motion 6i, 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 6i first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
Definitive ProCenter 1000 Key Specs
- 2-way Design
- 1" dome Tweeter
- 2 x 4.5" BDSS Woofer
- 47-30k Hz Frequency Response
- 90 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 8ohms
- Power Range:10-200watts
- Weight:3.64kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 124.0" x 14-5/8" x 5"( 124.0 x 372.0 x 127.0mm )
MartinLogan 6i Key Specs
- 2-way Design
- 1.0 x 1.0" Folded Motion Tweeter
- 2 x 3.5" poly cone woofers with rigid dust caps Woofer
- 120-23k Hz Frequency Response
- 89 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 6ohms
- Power Range:20-130watts
- Weight:2.59kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 134.0" x 17-1/2" x 4"( 134.0 x 445.0 x 102.0mm )
What size room are the Definitive ProCenter 1000 and MartinLogan 6i 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:
| Listening Environment* |
Definitive ProCenter 1000 |
MartinLogan 6i |
| Near-field |
Poor |
Poor |
| Small Room |
Average |
Average |
| Mid-size Room |
Good |
Good |
| Large Room |
Average |
Average |
| Very Large Room |
Poor |
Poor |
(* Approximate Room sizes: Small < 100sq. ft / 9 m2,
Mid-size: 100-220 sq. ft / 9-20 m2, Large 220-400 sq. ft / 20-36 m2, Very Large: >
400 sq. ft / 36 m2.
Average Floor Height: 9" / 2.7m. Typical room sizes differ from country to country, and the actual
listening experience changes depending on floor height, room shape, surface materials, listening
position, speaker locations, etc.)
In the following sections, we will get into more detail in order to better understand how the Definitive ProCenter 1000 and MartinLogan 6i compare and hopefully end up with enough arguments to decide which one of these loudspeakers is the better choice for you.
**This post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking
through my links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Drivers
Both ProCenter 1000 and Motion 6i are 2-way speakers.
| Driver |
Definitive ProCenter 1000 |
MartinLogan 6i |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1.0 x 1.0-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
2 x 4.5-inch
|
2 x 3.5-inch
|
ProCenter 1000 features a 1" pure aluminum dome Tweeter and 2 x 4.5" BDSS Woofer . On the other hand, the Motion 6i features a 1.0 x 1.0" Folded Motion Tweeter and 2 x 3.5" poly cone woofers with rigid dust caps Woofer .
Frequency Response
ProCenter 1000 has a frequency range of 47-30k Hz whereas Motion 6i has a frequency range of 120-23k 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 6i's min frequency of 120Hz.
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 6i which has a nominal impedance of 6 ohms.
These two speakers also have different sensitivity levels. ProCenter 1000 sensitivity is rated at 90 dB and the Motion 6i's is rated at 89 dB. This 1 dB difference makes the Definitive ProCenter 1000 a more sensitive speaker compared to MartinLogan 6i, 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.
ProCenter 1000 can handle a max power of 200 watts RMS from the amp the whereas Motion 6i has a max power handling value of 130 watts RMS, 70 watts less than the ProCenter 1000.
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 Spring post type posts and Motion 6i has a Spring post type posts. None of these speakers feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
MartinLogan 6i's Spring post terminals
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 6i'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 6i has external dimensions of 134.0 x 445.0 x 102.0mm ( 5-1/4 x 17-1/2 x 4inch) .
Definitive ProCenter 1000 is 73mm narrower and 10mm shorter than MartinLogan 6i but it is also 25mm deeper.
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 6i is approximately 453.9cm2 / 70.4inch2. The ProCenter 1000 requires 4% more surface area than the Motion 6i which gives it a small disadvantage 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 6i weighs 2.59kg / 5.7lbs. This makes the ProCenter 1000 41% heavier than the Motion 6i.
Here is a comparison of how ProCenter 1000 and Motion 6i'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 6i?
Here are the items that come with the Motion 6i:
LCR loudspeakerGrille2 Wall-bracket2 Shoulder bolts4 Rubber bumpersCleaning clothUser-feets Manual (En/Fr)Installation templateProduct Registration Card
 Max Input Power |
200 watts
vs
130 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
 Sensitivity |
90 dB
vs
89 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
 Nominal Impedance |
8 ohms
vs
6 ohms
|
Less selective with amplifiers |
 Woofer Size |
4.5 inches
vs
3.5 inches
|
Larger woofer |
|
Low Frequency Response |
47 Hz
vs
120 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
30k Hz
vs
23k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Passive Radiator |
two 4-1/2-inch
vs
None
|
Increases the bass performance |
 Height |
124mm
vs
134mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Price per pair* |
249USD
vs
300USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
 Base Surface Area |
453cm2
vs
472cm2
|
Takes less floor space |
| General |
Definitive Technology ProCenter 1000 |
MartinLogan Motion 6i |
| Brand |
Definitive Technology |
MartinLogan |
| Speaker Type |
Center channel speaker (Black) |
Center channel speaker |
| Power Range |
10-200 watts |
20-130 watts |
| Sensitivity |
90 dB |
89 dB |
| Impedance |
8 ohms |
6 ohms |
| Frequency Response |
47-30k Hz |
120-23k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
2 |
2 |
| Woofer Size |
4.5" |
3.5" |
| Woofer Composition |
BDSS |
poly cone woofers with rigid dust caps |
| Tweeter Size |
1" |
1.0 x 1.0" |
| Tweeter Type |
dome |
Folded Motion |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Suggested Break-in Period |
n/a |
Allow 72 hours of break-in at 90 dB |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
124.0mm (4.9") |
134.0mm (5.3") |
| Width |
372.0mm (14.6") |
445.0mm (17.5") |
| Depth |
127.0mm (5") |
102.0mm (4") |
| Weight |
3.64kg (8lbs) |
2.59kg (5.7lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Passive Radiator |
Passive Radiator |
| Available Colors |
Gloss Black |
Gloss Black, Matt White, Red Walnut |
| Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
5 Year |
5 Yrs w/ Registration |
| Labor Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Yrs w/ Registration |