In this review, we will be comparing two different types of speakers by MartinLogan. MartinLogan Motion SLM is a Bookshelf speaker whereas the Motion 40i is a Floor-standing speaker.
Let's have a brief look at the main features
of MartinLogan Motion SLM and MartinLogan 40i first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
| Key Specs | MartinLogan Motion SLM | MartinLogan 40i |
|---|
| Brand | MartinLogan
United States · founded 1982 | MartinLogan
United States · founded 1982 |
|---|
| Design | 2-way | 3-way |
|---|
| Tweeter | 1x1.4" Folded Motion Ribbon | 1.0 x 1.4" Folded Motion |
|---|
| Midrange | — | 5.5" |
|---|
| Woofer | 2 x 4" | 2 x 6.5" Aluminum |
|---|
| Frequency response | 110-25k Hz | 40-25k Hz |
|---|
| Sensitivity | 94 dB | 92 dB |
|---|
| Impedance | 4 ohms | 4 ohms |
|---|
| Power range | — | 20-300 watts |
|---|
| Weight | 2.95kg / 6.5lbs | 20.40kg / 44.9lbs |
|---|
| Dimensions (H x W x D) | 25-5/16" x 6-7/16" x 1-7/8"
642.9 x 163.5 x 47.6mm | 41-1/2" x 7-9/16" x 13-1/16"
1055.0 x 193.0 x 332.0mm |
|---|
Motion SLM and Motion 40i 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
One of the fundamental differences between these two speakers is that Motion SLM is a 2-way design whereas the Motion 40i is a 3-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.
MartinLogan Motion SLMMartinLogan 40i
MidrangeWoofer
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 |
MartinLogan 40i |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
3-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1x1.4-inch
|
1.0 x 1.4-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
1 x 5.5-inch |
|
Woofer
|
2 x 4-inch
|
2 x 6.5-inch
|
Motion SLM features a 1x1.4" Folded Motion Ribbon Tweeter and 2 x 4" Woofer. On the other hand, the Motion 40i features a 1.0 x 1.4" Folded Motion Tweeter, a 5.5" Midrange and 2 x 6.5" Aluminum Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 500Hz and 2600Hz.
Frequency Response
Motion SLM has a frequency range of 110-25k Hz whereas Motion 40i has a frequency range of 40-25k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 40Hz, the Motion 40i can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the Motion SLM's min frequency of 110Hz.
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 SLM and Motion 40i have the same Impedance of 4 ohms but where they differ is the sensitivity levels. Motion SLM sensitivity is rated at 94 dB and the Motion 40i's is at 92 dB. This 2 dB difference makes the MartinLogan Motion SLM a more sensitive speaker compared to MartinLogan 40i, 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 and the Motion SLM can provide this impedance level.
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 40i features Custom 5-way bi-wire tool-less binding posts posts which make bi-amping or bi-wiring possible. Motion SLM has a Spring post which doesn't feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
MartinLogan 40i's Custom 5-way bi-wire tool-less binding posts terminals allows Bi-amping or bi-wiring
MartinLogan 40i Port
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's and MartinLogan 40i's external dimensions. MartinLogan Motion SLM has external dimensions of 642.9 x 163.5 x 47.6mm () whereas MartinLogan 40i has external dimensions of 1055.0 x 193.0 x 332.0mm (41-1/2 x 7-9/16 x 13-1/16inch).
MartinLogan 40i is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 29.5mm wider, 412.1mm taller and 284.4mm deeper than MartinLogan Motion SLM.
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 40i needs about 723% more floor or shelf area. MartinLogan 40i is 284mm deeper, so it stands that much further out from the wall. MartinLogan 40i is 412mm 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 SLM is approximately 77.8cm2 / 12.1inch2 and base area of the MartinLogan 40i is approximately 640.8cm2 / 99.3inch2. The Motion SLM requires 88% less surface area than the Motion 40i which gives it a small advantage on placement in tight spaces.
What's in the Box of MartinLogan 40i?
Here are the items that come with the Motion 40i:
- Floorstanding loudspeaker
- 2 Grilles
- 4 Rubber feet (pre-installed)
- 4 Spike feet (w/ nuts attached)
- Users Manual
- Warranty/Registration Information