In this review, we will be comparing Motion 30i and CS-9040, two Passive Center Channel speakers from MartinLogan and Definitive Technology. Let's have a brief look at the main features
of MartinLogan 30i and Definitive CS-9040 first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
What size room are the MartinLogan 30i and Definitive CS-9040 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 MartinLogan 30i and Definitive CS-9040 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 Motion 30i and CS-9040 are 2-way speakers.
Driver |
MartinLogan 30i |
Definitive CS-9040 |
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
Tweeter
|
1.0 x 1.4-inch
|
1-inch
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
Woofer
|
1 x 5.25-inch
|
2 x 4.5-inch
|
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. On the other hand, the CS-9040 features a 1" annealed aluminum dome Tweeter and 2 x 4.5" BDSS Woofer .
Frequency Response
Motion 30i has a frequency range of 65-25k Hz whereas CS-9040 has a frequency range of 50-40k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 50Hz, the CS-9040 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
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
Motion 30i is a 4 ohms speaker compared to the CS-9040 which has a nominal impedance of 8 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. Motion 30i sensitivity is rated at 91 dB and the CS-9040's is rated at 89 dB. This 2 dB difference makes the MartinLogan 30i a more sensitive speaker compared to Definitive CS-9040, 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
Motion 30i features 5-Way post type posts and CS-9040 has a 5-Way 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 MartinLogan 30i's and Definitive CS-9040's external dimensions. 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) whereas Definitive CS-9040 has external dimensions of 153.0 x 529.0 x 305.0mm ( 6 x 20-13/16 x 12inch) .
MartinLogan 30i is 106mm narrower and 24mm less deeper than Definitive CS-9040 but it is also 24mm 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 30i is approximately 1188.6cm2 / 184.2inch2 and base area of the Definitive CS-9040 is approximately 1613.5cm2 / 250.1inch2. The Motion 30i requires 26% less surface area than the CS-9040 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 MartinLogan 30i weighs 8.18kg / 18lbs and the Definitive CS-9040 weighs 9.09kg / 20lbs. This makes the CS-9040 11% heavier than the Motion 30i.
Here is a comparison of how Motion 30i and CS-9040'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 30i?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of Motion 30i:
Center-channel loudspeaker Grille 4 Rubber feet Users Manual Warranty/Registration Information
What's in the Box of Definitive CS-9040?
Here are the items that come with the CS-9040:
Center-channel loudspeakerOwners ManualWhat Obsession Sounds Like card
Sensitivity |
91 dB
vs
89 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
Woofer Size |
5.25 inches
vs
4.5 inches
|
Larger woofer |
Base Surface Area |
1188cm2 (423x281mm)
vs
1613cm2 (529x305mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
Nominal Impedance |
8 ohms
vs
4 ohms
|
Less selective with amplifiers |
Number of Woofers |
2
vs
1
|
More woofers |
Low Frequency Response |
50 Hz
vs
65 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
High Frequency Response |
40k Hz
vs
25k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
Passive Radiator |
upward firing one 8-inch
vs
None
|
Increases the bass performance |
Height |
153mm
vs
177mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
Price per pair* |
549USD
vs
900USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
General |
MartinLogan Motion 30i |
Definitive Technology CS-9040 |
Brand |
MartinLogan |
Definitive Technology |
Speaker Type |
Center channel speaker |
Center channel speaker |
Power Range |
20-200 watts |
50-200 watts |
Sensitivity |
91 dB |
89 dB |
Impedance |
4 ohms |
8 ohms |
Frequency Response |
65-25k Hz |
50-40k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
Woofer Quantity |
1 |
2 |
Woofer Size |
5.25" |
4.5" |
Woofer Composition |
Aluminum |
BDSS |
Woofer Surround Material |
Rubber |
n/a |
Tweeter Size |
1.0 x 1.4" |
1" |
Tweeter Type |
Folded Motion |
dome |
Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
Crossover Frequency |
400Hz and 2600Hz |
n/a |
Firing Direction |
rear |
n/a |
Suggested Break-in Period |
Allow 72 hours of break-in at 90 dB |
n/a |
Physical Specs |
|
|
Height |
177.0mm (7") |
153.0mm (6") |
Width |
423.0mm (16.7") |
529.0mm (20.8") |
Depth |
281.0mm (11.1") |
305.0mm (12") |
Weight |
8.18kg (18lbs) |
9.09kg (20lbs) |
Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Passive Radiator |
Finish |
MDF/Lacquer |
n/a |
Available Colors |
White |
Black |
Grille |
Yes |
n/a |
Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Biamp Inputs |
No |
n/a |
Other |
|
|
Parts Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |
Labor Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |