In this review, we will be comparing R-34C and Motion 8i, two Passive Center Channel speakers from Klipsch and MartinLogan. Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Klipsch R-34C and MartinLogan 8i first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
What size room are the Klipsch R-34C and MartinLogan 8i 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 Klipsch R-34C and MartinLogan 8i 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 R-34C and Motion 8i are 2-way speakers.
Driver |
Klipsch R-34C |
MartinLogan 8i |
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1.0 x 1.4-inch
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
Woofer
|
4 x 3.5-inch
|
2 x 4-inch
|
R-34C features a 1" aluminum Tractrix horn Tweeter and 4 x 3.5" copper spun IMG Woofer . On the other hand, the Motion 8i features a 1.0 x 1.4" Folded Motion Tweeter and 2 x 4" poly cone woofers with rigid dust caps Woofer .
Frequency Response
R-34C has a frequency range of 82-21k Hz whereas Motion 8i has a frequency range of 70-23k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 70Hz, the Motion 8i can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the R-34C's min frequency of 82Hz.
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
R-34C is a 8 ohms speaker compared to the Motion 8i 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 8i can provide this impedance level.
These two speakers also have different sensitivity levels. R-34C sensitivity is rated at 96 dB and the Motion 8i's is rated at 89 dB. This 7 dB difference makes the Klipsch R-34C a more sensitive speaker compared to MartinLogan 8i, 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.
R-34C can handle a max power of 180 watts RMS from the amp the whereas R-34C has a max power handling value of 100 watts RMS , 80 watts less than the Motion 8i.
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
R-34C features Spring post type posts and Motion 8i has a Spring post 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 Klipsch R-34C's and MartinLogan 8i's external dimensions. Klipsch R-34C has external dimensions of 126.0 x 662.0 x 159.0mm ( 4-15/16 x 26-1/16 x 6-1/4inch) whereas MartinLogan 8i has external dimensions of 142.0 x 562.0 x 134.0mm ( 5-9/16 x 22-1/8 x 5-1/4inch) .
MartinLogan 8i is 100mm narrower and 25mm less deeper than Klipsch R-34C but it is also 16mm taller.
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 Klipsch R-34C is approximately 1052.6cm2 / 163.2inch2 and base area of the MartinLogan 8i is approximately 753.1cm2 / 116.7inch2. The R-34C requires 40% more surface area than the Motion 8i 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 Klipsch R-34C weighs 5.91kg / 13lbs and the MartinLogan 8i weighs 3.86kg / 8.5lbs. This makes the R-34C 53% heavier than the Motion 8i.
Here is a comparison of how R-34C and Motion 8i'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 Klipsch R-34C?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of R-34C:
Center-channel loudspeakerGrille (installed)8 Self-adhesive rubber feetQuick Setup GuideImportant Safety InstructionsWarranty Information
What's in the Box of MartinLogan 8i?
Here are the items that come with the Motion 8i:
LCR loudspeakerGrille2 Wall-bracket2 Shoulder bolts4 Rubber bumpersCleaning clothUser-feets Manual (En/Fr)Installation templateProduct Registration Card
Sensitivity |
96 dB
vs
89 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
Nominal Impedance |
8 ohms
vs
4 ohms
|
Less selective with amplifiers |
Number of Woofers |
4
vs
2
|
More woofers |
Height |
126mm
vs
142mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
Max Input Power |
180 watts
vs
100 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
Woofer Size |
4 inches
vs
3.5 inches
|
Larger woofer |
Low Frequency Response |
70 Hz
vs
82 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
High Frequency Response |
23k Hz
vs
21k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
Base Surface Area |
753cm2 (562x134mm)
vs
1052cm2 (662x159mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
General |
Klipsch Reference R-34C |
MartinLogan Motion 8i |
Brand |
Klipsch |
MartinLogan |
Speaker Type |
Center channel speaker |
Center channel speaker |
Power Range |
up to 100 watts |
20-180 watts |
Sensitivity |
96 dB |
89 dB |
Impedance |
8 ohms |
4 ohms |
Frequency Response |
82-21k Hz |
70-23k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
Woofer Quantity |
4 |
2 |
Woofer Size |
3.5" |
4" |
Woofer Composition |
copper spun IMG |
poly cone woofers with rigid dust caps |
Tweeter Size |
1" |
1.0 x 1.4" |
Tweeter Type |
Tractrix horn |
Folded Motion |
Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
Midrange Driver |
N/A" |
No |
Suggested Break-in Period |
n/a |
Allow 72 hours of break-in at 90 dB |
Physical Specs |
|
|
Height |
126.0mm (5") |
142.0mm (5.6") |
Width |
662.0mm (26.1") |
562.0mm (22.1") |
Depth |
159.0mm (6.3") |
134.0mm (5.3") |
Weight |
5.91kg (13lbs) |
3.86kg (8.5lbs) |
Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Passive Radiator |
Finish |
textured wood grain viny |
n/a |
Available Colors |
Black |
Gloss Black, Matt White, Red Walnut |
Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Other |
|
|
Parts Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Yrs w/ Registration |
Labor Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Yrs w/ Registration |