In this review, we will be comparing Motion 30i and SuperCenter X, two Center Channel speakers from MartinLogan and GoldenEar.
Let's have a brief look at the main features
of MartinLogan 30i and GoldenEar SuperCenter X first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
MartinLogan 30i Key Specs
- 2-way Design
- 1.0 x 1.4" Folded Motion Tweeter
- 5.25" Aluminum Woofer
- 65-25k Hz Frequency Response
- 91 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 4ohms
- Power Range:20-200watts
- Weight:8.18kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 177.0" x 16-5/8" x 11-1/16"( 177.0 x 423.0 x 281.0mm )
GoldenEar SuperCenter X Key Specs
- " HVFR (High-Velocity Folded Ribbon) Tweeter
- 2 x 5.25" Woofer
- 45-35k Hz Frequency Response
- 90 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 8ohms
- Power Range:20-200watts
- Weight:6.82kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 150.0" x 20-1/16" x 11-1/8"( 150.0 x 510.0 x 283.0mm )
In the following sections, we will get into more detail in order to better understand how the MartinLogan 30i and GoldenEar SuperCenter X 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
One of the fundamental differences between these two speakers is that Motion 30i is a 2-way design whereas the SuperCenter X is a -way speaker. 3-way designs utilize a midrange driver in addition to the tweeter and woofer on 2-way designs. Designing a crossover for a 3-way speaker is a complicated process and generally increases the overall cost of the speaker.
| Driver |
MartinLogan 30i |
GoldenEar SuperCenter X |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1.0 x 1.4-inch
|
-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
1 x 5.25-inch
|
2 x 5.25-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 SuperCenter X features a " HVFR (High-Velocity Folded Ribbon) Tweeter and 2 x 5.25" Woofer .
Frequency Response
Motion 30i has a frequency range of 65-25k Hz whereas SuperCenter X has a frequency range of 45-35k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 45Hz, the SuperCenter X 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 SuperCenter X 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 SuperCenter X's is rated at 90 dB. This 1 dB difference makes the MartinLogan 30i a more sensitive speaker compared to GoldenEar SuperCenter X, 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.
Motion 30i and SuperCenter X has the same power range of 20-200 watts.
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 SuperCenter X has a 5-Way post type posts. None of these speakers feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
MartinLogan 30i's Custom 5-way tool-less binding posts 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 MartinLogan 30i's and GoldenEar SuperCenter X'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 GoldenEar SuperCenter X has external dimensions of 150.0 x 510.0 x 283.0mm ( 5-7/8 x 20-1/16 x 11-1/8inch) .
MartinLogan 30i is 87mm narrower and 2mm less deeper than GoldenEar SuperCenter X but it is also 27mm 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 GoldenEar SuperCenter X is approximately 1443.3cm2 / 223.7inch2. The Motion 30i requires 18% less surface area than the SuperCenter X which gives it a small advantage on placement in tight spaces.