In this review, we will be comparing Airmotiv C2+ and Motion 50XTi, two Passive Center Channel speakers from Emotiva and MartinLogan. Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Emotiva Airmotiv C2+ and MartinLogan 50XTi first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
What size room are the Emotiva Airmotiv C2+ and MartinLogan 50XTi 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 Emotiva Airmotiv C2+ and MartinLogan 50XTi 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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Drivers
Both Airmotiv C2+ and Motion 50XTi are 3-way speakers.
| Driver |
Emotiva Airmotiv C2+ |
MartinLogan 50XTi |
|
Driver Setup
|
3-way
|
3-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
25×32 mm-inch
|
1.25 x 2.4-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
2 x 3-inch |
- |
|
Woofer
|
2 x 6.5-inch
|
2 x 6.5-inch
|
Airmotiv C2+ features a 25×32 mm" folded ribbon Tweeter , a 3" Midrange and 2 x 6.5" woven fiber cone Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 350 Hz and 3200Hz. On the other hand, the Motion 50XTi features a 1.25 x 2.4" Folded Motion XT Tweeter and 2 x 6.5" Aluminum Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 900Hz and 2200Hz.
Frequency Response
Airmotiv C2+ has a frequency range of 45 Hz – 28 kHz whereas Motion 50XTi has a frequency range of 50-25k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 45Hz, the Airmotiv C2+ can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the Motion 50XTi's min frequency of 50Hz.
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
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
Airmotiv C2+ and Motion 50XTi have the same Impedance of 4 ohms but where they differ is the sensitivity levels. Airmotiv C2+ sensitivity is rated at 92 dB and the Motion 50XTi's is at 94 dB. This 2 dB difference makes the MartinLogan 50XTi a more sensitive speaker compared to Emotiva Airmotiv C2+, hence will play louder with the same amount of watts.
One thing to keep in mind that the lower impedance speakers, especially the ones that are rated at 4 ohms may put more pressure on the amplifier unit comared to higher impedance speakers especially at high volume levels, so make sure the amp you pair with the Airmotiv C2+ and the Airmotiv C2+ can provide this impedance level.
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.
Airmotiv C2+ can handle a max power of 300 watts RMS from the amp the whereas Airmotiv C2+ has a max power handling value of 150 watts RMS , 150 watts less than the Motion 50XTi.
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
Both Airmotiv C2+ and Motion 50XTi features dual binding post speaker terminals for bi-amping or bi-wiring.
Emotiva Airmotiv C2+'s Binding post terminals allows Bi-amping or bi-wiring
MartinLogan 50XTi's Custom 5-way bi-wire tool-less binding posts terminals allows Bi-amping or bi-wiring
Cabinet Type and Port Position
Both Airmotiv C2+ and Motion 50XTi have rear firing ports. Rear ported speakers generally need more room between the backside of the speaker and the wall compared to sealed and front/bottom ported speakers. Placing the speakers too close to the walls may cause the bass to sound boomy.
If you are limited in space and can't get the speakers away from the backwall, check our Speakers with Front Firing Ports page.
Emotiva Airmotiv C2+ Port
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 Emotiva Airmotiv C2+'s and MartinLogan 50XTi's external dimensions. Emotiva Airmotiv C2+ has external dimensions of 220.0 x 812.0 x 267.0mm ( 8-5/8 x 31-15/16 x 10-1/2inch) whereas MartinLogan 50XTi has external dimensions of 196.0 x 585.0 x 347.0mm ( 7-11/16 x 23 x 13-5/8inch) .
MartinLogan 50XTi is 227mm narrower and 24mm shorter than Emotiva Airmotiv C2+ but it is also 80mm 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 Emotiva Airmotiv C2+ is approximately 2168.0cm2 / 336.0inch2 and base area of the MartinLogan 50XTi is approximately 2030.0cm2 / 314.7inch2. The Airmotiv C2+ requires 7% more surface area than the Motion 50XTi 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 Emotiva Airmotiv C2+ weighs 16.40kg / 36.1lbs and the MartinLogan 50XTi weighs 13.86kg / 30.5lbs. This makes the Airmotiv C2+ 18% heavier than the Motion 50XTi.
Here is a comparison of how Airmotiv C2+ and Motion 50XTi's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Passive Center Channel class.
Weight
All Center Channel Speakers
What's in the Box of MartinLogan 50XTi?
Here are the items that come with the Motion 50XTi:
Center-channel loudspeaker Grille 4 Rubber feet Users Manual Warranty/Registration Information
 Low Frequency Response |
45 Hz
vs
50 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
28k Hz
vs
25k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Price per pair* |
499USD
vs
1200USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
 Max Input Power |
300 watts
vs
150 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
 Sensitivity |
94 dB
vs
92 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
 Height |
196mm
vs
220mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
2030cm2 (585x347mm)
vs
2168cm2 (812x267mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
| General |
Emotiva Airmotiv C2+ |
MartinLogan Motion 50XTi |
| Brand |
Emotiva |
MartinLogan |
| Speaker Type |
Center channel speaker |
Center channel speaker |
| Power Range |
Up to 150 watts |
20-300 watts |
| Sensitivity |
92 dB |
94 dB |
| Impedance |
4 ohms |
4 ohms |
| Frequency Response |
45 Hz – 28 kHz |
50-25k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
2 |
2 |
| Woofer Size |
6.5" |
6.5" |
| Woofer Composition |
woven fiber cone |
Aluminum |
| Woofer Surround Material |
n/a |
Rubber |
| Tweeter Size |
25×32 mm" |
1.25 x 2.4" |
| Tweeter Type |
folded ribbon |
Folded Motion XT |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
3" |
No |
| Crossover Frequency |
350 Hz and 3200Hz |
900Hz and 2200Hz |
| Firing Direction |
rear |
rear |
| Suggested Break-in Period |
n/a |
Allow 72 hours of break-in at 90 dB |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
220.0mm (8.7") |
196.0mm (7.7") |
| Width |
812.0mm (32") |
585.0mm (23") |
| Depth |
267.0mm (10.5") |
347.0mm (13.7") |
| Weight |
16.40kg (36.1lbs) |
13.86kg (30.5lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass reflex |
Bass Reflex |
| Finish |
HDF |
MDF/Lacquer |
| Available Colors |
Black |
Walnut |
| Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
| Biamp Inputs |
Yes |
Yes |
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |