In this review, we will be comparing Motion MP10 and Q150, two Passive Bookshelf speakers from MartinLogan and KEF. Let's have a brief look at the main features
of MartinLogan Motion MP10 and KEF Q150 first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
What size room are the MartinLogan Motion MP10 and KEF Q150 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 Motion MP10 and KEF Q150 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 MP10 and Q150 are 2-way speakers.
| Driver |
MartinLogan Motion MP10 |
KEF Q150 |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1.0 x 1.4-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
1 x 5.5-inch
|
1 x 5.25-inch
|
Motion MP10 features a 1.0 x 1.4" Folded Motion Ribbon Tweeter and 1 x 5.5" Woven Fiberglass Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 2100Hz. On the other hand, the Q150 features a 1" vented aluminum Dome Tweeter and 1 x 5.25" Aluminum Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 2500Hz.
Frequency Response
Motion MP10 has a frequency range of 81-25k Hz whereas Q150 has a frequency range of 51-28k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 51Hz, the Q150 can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the Motion MP10's min frequency of 81Hz.
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 Bookshelf class in our database.
Low Frequency
Bookshelf Speakers
High Frequency
Bookshelf 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 MP10 is a 5 ohms speaker compared to the Q150 which has a nominal impedance of 8 ohms.
These two speakers also have different sensitivity levels. Motion MP10 sensitivity is rated at 92 dB and the Q150's is rated at 86 dB. This 6 dB difference makes the MartinLogan Motion MP10 a more sensitive speaker compared to KEF Q150, hence will play louder with the same amount of watts.
Sensitivity
Bookshelf 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 MP10 can handle a max power of 200 watts RMS from the amp the whereas Q150 has a max power handling value of 100 watts RMS, 100 watts less than the Motion MP10.
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 MP10 features Post type posts and Q150 has a Post type posts. None of these speakers feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
MartinLogan Motion MP10's Custom 5-way binding posts terminals
KEF Q150's Post terminals
Cabinet Type and Port Position
Both Motion MP10 and Q150 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.
KEF Q150 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 MartinLogan Motion MP10's and KEF Q150's external dimensions. MartinLogan Motion MP10 has external dimensions of 356 x 203 x 127mm ( 14inch x 8inch x 5inch ) whereas KEF Q150 has external dimensions of 303.0 x 180.0 x 278.0mm ( 11.9 x 7.0 x 10.9inch) .
KEF Q150 is 23mm narrower and 53mm shorter than MartinLogan Motion MP10 but it is also 151mm 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 MartinLogan Motion MP10 is approximately 257.8cm2 / 40.0inch2 and base area of the KEF Q150 is approximately 500.4cm2 / 77.6inch2. The Motion MP10 requires 48% less surface area than the Q150 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 Motion MP10 weighs 4.40kg / 9.7lbs and the KEF Q150 weighs 5.60kg / 12.3lbs. This makes the Q150 27% heavier than the Motion MP10.
Here is a comparison of how Motion MP10 and Q150's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Passive Bookshelf class.
Weight
All Bookshelf Speakers
What's in the Box of KEF Q150?
Here are the items that come with the Q150:
2 Bookshelf loudspeakers 2 Foam port plugs 8 Self-adhesive rubber feet Owner's Manual Warranty Registration Card
 Max Input Power |
200 watts
vs
100 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
 Sensitivity |
92 dB
vs
86 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
 Woofer Size |
5.5 inches
vs
5.25 inches
|
Larger woofer |
 Mounting Bracket |
Yes
vs
No
|
Allows mounting on walls |
 Base Surface Area |
257cm2 (203x127mm)
vs
500cm2 (180x278mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
 Nominal Impedance |
8 ohms
vs
5 ohms
|
Less selective with amplifiers |
| Low Frequency Response |
51 Hz
vs
81 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
28k Hz
vs
25k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Height |
303mm
vs
356mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Price per pair* |
600USD
vs
998USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
| General |
MartinLogan Motion® MP10 |
KEF Q150 |
| Brand |
MartinLogan |
KEF |
| Speaker Type |
Bookshelf speakers |
Bookshelf speakers |
| Power Range |
20-200 watts |
10-100 watts |
| Sensitivity |
92 dB |
86 dB |
| Impedance |
5 ohms |
8 ohms |
| Impedance |
n/a |
3.7 ohms |
| Frequency Response |
81-25k Hz |
51-28k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
5.5" |
5.25" |
| Woofer Composition |
Woven Fiberglass |
Aluminum |
| Woofer Surround Material |
Rubber |
Rubber |
| Tweeter Size |
1.0 x 1.4" |
1" |
| Tweeter Type |
Folded Motion Ribbon |
Dome |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Crossover Frequency |
2100Hz |
2500Hz |
| Firing Direction |
rear |
rear |
| Suggested Break-in Period |
Allow 72 hours of break-in |
n/a |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
356.0mm (14") |
303.0mm (11.9") |
| Width |
203.0mm (8") |
180.0mm (7.1") |
| Depth |
127.0mm (5") |
278.0mm (10.9") |
| Weight |
4.40kg (9.7lbs) |
5.60kg (12.3lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
| Finish |
n/a |
MDF/Vinyl-wrapped |
| Available Colors |
Gloss Black, Walnut, and Satin White |
Black, Walnut, White |
| Mounting Bracket |
Yes |
No |
| Recommended Stand Height |
n/a |
18-24" |
| Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
| Biamp Inputs |
No |
No |
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |