In this review, we will be comparing two different types of speakers by MartinLogan. MartinLogan Motion 2i is a Bookshelf speaker whereas the Motion 8i is a Center Channel speaker.
Let's have a brief look at the main features
of MartinLogan Motion 2i and MartinLogan 8i first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
| Key Specs | MartinLogan Motion 2i | MartinLogan 8i |
|---|
| Brand | MartinLogan
United States · founded 1982 | MartinLogan
United States · founded 1982 |
|---|
| Design | 2-way | 2-way |
|---|
| Tweeter | 0.94 x 1" Folded Motion Ribbon | 1.0 x 1.4" Folded Motion |
|---|
| Woofer | 3.5" | 2 x 4" poly cone woofers with rigid dust caps |
|---|
| Frequency response | 115-23k Hz | 70-23k Hz |
|---|
| Sensitivity | 86 dB | 89 dB |
|---|
| Impedance | 6 ohms | 4 ohms |
|---|
| Power range | — | 20-180 watts |
|---|
| Weight | 1.54kg / 3.4lbs | 3.86kg / 8.5lbs |
|---|
| Dimensions (H x W x D) | 10" x 4-3/4" x 4-1/2"
254.0 x 120.7 x 114.3mm | 5-9/16" x 22-1/8" x 5-1/4"
142.0 x 562.0 x 134.0mm |
|---|
Motion 2i and Motion 8i are members of MartinLogan's Motion series of speakers. Below you can find the loudspeakers from this series.
MartinLogan Motion Series
History
The sections below take each area in turn: drivers, frequency response, physical size and what you get in the box.
Drivers
Both Motion 2i and Motion 8i are 2-way speakers.
MartinLogan Motion 2iMartinLogan 8i
Woofer
Front view, drawn to scale - cabinets and drivers share one scale, so sizes are directly comparable. Hover a driver for its size.
| Driver |
MartinLogan Motion 2i |
MartinLogan 8i |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
0.94 x 1-inch
|
1.0 x 1.4-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
1 x 3.5-inch
|
2 x 4-inch
|
Motion 2i features a 0.94 x 1" Folded Motion Ribbon Tweeter and 1 x 3.5" 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
Motion 2i has a frequency range of 115-23k 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 Motion 2i's min frequency of 115Hz.
The graph below depicts how these two speakers compare with the max, min and average Low Frequency values of other speakers in the Bookshelf class in our database.
Low Frequency
Bookshelf Speakers
Neither pair reaches down to 20Hz, the usual definition of full-range, which is normal for speakers of this size. If you want the bottom octave for movies or bass-heavy music, add a subwoofer to whichever you choose. Visit our Powered Subwoofers section to find out more about the available options.
Impedance and Sensitivity
Motion 2i is a 6 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. Motion 2i sensitivity is rated at 86 dB and the Motion 8i's is rated at 89 dB. This 3 dB difference makes the MartinLogan 8i a more sensitive speaker compared to MartinLogan Motion 2i, hence will play louder with the same amount of watts.
Sensitivity
Bookshelf Speakers
Which plays louder on your amplifier?
Starting with a popular amplifier - change it to the one you own, or any you are
considering, and watch both numbers move.
Input Type and Bi-Amping / Bi-Wiring
Motion 2i features Spring post type posts and Motion 8i has a Spring post type posts. None of these speakers feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
MartinLogan 8i's Spring post terminals
Physical Specs
The size of a speaker can sometimes be an important decision factor due to space constraints or in some cases purely for esthetic reasons. In this section, we are going to compare MartinLogan Motion 2i's and MartinLogan 8i's external dimensions. MartinLogan Motion 2i has external dimensions of 254.0 x 120.7 x 114.3mm () 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 Motion 2i is 441.3mm narrower and 19.7mm less deeper than MartinLogan 8i but it is also 112mm taller.
Size, drawn to scale
Both speakers and both views share one scale, so everything here is directly comparable. Hover a box for its dimensions.
One scale for both, standing on the same surface and pushed back to the same wall, so the deeper one visibly sticks out further.
MartinLogan 8i needs about 446% more floor or shelf area. MartinLogan 8i is 20mm deeper, so it stands that much further out from the wall. MartinLogan Motion 2i is 112mm 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 MartinLogan Motion 2i is approximately 138.0cm2 / 21.4inch2 and base area of the MartinLogan 8i is approximately 753.1cm2 / 116.7inch2. The Motion 2i requires 82% less surface area than the Motion 8i which gives it a small advantage on placement in tight spaces.
What's in the Box of MartinLogan 8i?
Here are the items that come with the Motion 8i:
- LCR loudspeaker
- Grille
- 2 Wall-bracket
- 2 Shoulder bolts
- 4 Rubber bumpers
- Cleaning cloth
- User-feets Manual (En/Fr)
- Installation template
- Product Registration Card