In this review, we will be comparing two different types of speakers by MartinLogan. MartinLogan Motion SLM XL is a On-wall speaker whereas the Motion 35XTi is a Bookshelf speaker.
Let's have a brief look at the main features
of MartinLogan Motion SLM XL and MartinLogan 35XTi first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
| Key Specs | MartinLogan Motion SLM XL | MartinLogan 35XTi |
|---|
| Brand | MartinLogan
United States · founded 1982 | MartinLogan
United States · founded 1982 |
|---|
| Design | 2-way | 2-way |
|---|
| Tweeter | 1x1.4" Folded Motion Ribbon | 1.25 x 2.4" Folded Motion XT |
|---|
| Woofer | 2 x 4" | 6.5" Aluminum |
|---|
| Frequency response | 100-25k Hz | 50-25k Hz |
|---|
| Sensitivity | 94 dB | 92 dB |
|---|
| Impedance | 4 ohms | 4 ohms |
|---|
| Power range | — | 20-250 watts |
|---|
| Weight | 4.08kg / 9lbs | 8.40kg / 18.5lbs |
|---|
| Dimensions (H x W x D) | 34.1" x 6.4" x 1.89"
866.1 x 162.6 x 48.0mm | 13.5" x 7.5" x 11.8"
343.0 x 192.0 x 300.0mm |
|---|
Motion SLM XL and Motion 35XTi 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 SLM XL and Motion 35XTi are 2-way speakers.
MartinLogan Motion SLM XLMartinLogan 35XTi
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 SLM XL |
MartinLogan 35XTi |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1x1.4-inch
|
1.25 x 2.4-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
2 x 4-inch
|
1 x 6.5-inch
|
Motion SLM XL features a 1x1.4" Folded Motion Ribbon Tweeter and 2 x 4" Woofer. On the other hand, the Motion 35XTi features a 1.25 x 2.4" Folded Motion XT Tweeter and 1 x 6.5" Aluminum Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 2200Hz.
Frequency Response
Motion SLM XL has a frequency range of 100-25k Hz whereas Motion 35XTi has a frequency range of 50-25k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 50Hz, the Motion 35XTi can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the Motion SLM XL's min frequency of 100Hz.
The graph below depicts how these two speakers compare with the max, min and average Low Frequency values of other speakers in the On-wall class in our database.
Low Frequency
On-wall 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 SLM XL and Motion 35XTi have the same Impedance of 4 ohms but where they differ is the sensitivity levels. Motion SLM XL sensitivity is rated at 94 dB and the Motion 35XTi's is at 92 dB. This 2 dB difference makes the MartinLogan Motion SLM XL a more sensitive speaker compared to MartinLogan 35XTi, hence will play louder with the same amount of watts.
One thing to keep in mind that the lower impedance speakers, especially the ones that are rated at 4 ohms may put more pressure on the amplifier unit comared to higher impedance speakers especially at high volume levels, so make sure the amp you pair with the Motion SLM XL and the Motion SLM XL can provide this impedance level.
Sensitivity
On-wall 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.
MartinLogan Motion SLM XL
Input Type and Bi-Amping / Bi-Wiring
Motion 35XTi features Custom 5-way bi-wire tool-less binding posts posts which make bi-amping or bi-wiring possible. Motion SLM XL has a Spring post which doesn't feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
MartinLogan 35XTi's Custom 5-way bi-wire tool-less binding posts terminals allows Bi-amping or bi-wiring
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 SLM XL's and MartinLogan 35XTi's external dimensions. MartinLogan Motion SLM XL has external dimensions of 866.1 x 162.6 x 48.0mm () whereas MartinLogan 35XTi has external dimensions of 343.0 x 192.0 x 300.0mm (13.5 x 7.5 x 11.8inch).
MartinLogan Motion SLM XL is 29.4mm narrower and 252mm less deeper than MartinLogan 35XTi but it is also 523.1mm taller.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of MartinLogan Motion SLM XL and MartinLogan 35XTi in scale.
Comparison image of MartinLogan Motion SLM XL and MartinLogan 35XTi Size and External Dimensions
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 SLM XL is approximately 78.0cm2 / 12.1inch2 and base area of the MartinLogan 35XTi is approximately 576.0cm2 / 89.3inch2. The Motion SLM XL requires 86% less surface area than the Motion 35XTi which gives it a small advantage on placement in tight spaces.
Here is another comparison that shows both speakers on a BDI Octave Media Cabinet, next to a standard size amplifier and turntable in scale:
Size Comparison image of MartinLogan Motion SLM XL and MartinLogan 35XTi on a Media Console
What's in the Box of MartinLogan 35XTi?
Here are the items that come with the Motion 35XTi:
- Bookshelf loudspeaker
- Grille
- 4 Rubber feet
- 2 Jumper-straps (pre-installed)
- Users Manual
- Warranty/Registration Information