In this review, we will be comparing two different types of speakers by MartinLogan. MartinLogan Motion SLM is a Bookshelf speaker whereas the Motion 6i is a Center Channel speaker.
Let's have a brief look at the main features
of MartinLogan Motion SLM and MartinLogan 6i first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
| Key Specs | MartinLogan Motion SLM | MartinLogan 6i |
|---|
| Brand | MartinLogan
United States · founded 1982 | MartinLogan
United States · founded 1982 |
|---|
| Design | 2-way | 2-way |
|---|
| Tweeter | 1x1.4" Folded Motion Ribbon | 1.0 x 1.0" Folded Motion |
|---|
| Woofer | 2 x 4" | 2 x 3.5" poly cone woofers with rigid dust caps |
|---|
| Frequency response | 110-25k Hz | 120-23k Hz |
|---|
| Sensitivity | 94 dB | 89 dB |
|---|
| Impedance | 4 ohms | 6 ohms |
|---|
| Power range | — | 20-130 watts |
|---|
| Weight | 2.95kg / 6.5lbs | 2.59kg / 5.7lbs |
|---|
| 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 | 5-1/4" x 17-1/2" x 4"
134.0 x 445.0 x 102.0mm |
|---|
Motion SLM and Motion 6i 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 and Motion 6i are 2-way speakers.
MartinLogan Motion SLMMartinLogan 6i
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 |
MartinLogan 6i |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1x1.4-inch
|
1.0 x 1.0-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
2 x 4-inch
|
2 x 3.5-inch
|
Motion SLM features a 1x1.4" Folded Motion Ribbon Tweeter and 2 x 4" Woofer. On the other hand, the Motion 6i features a 1.0 x 1.0" Folded Motion Tweeter and 2 x 3.5" poly cone woofers with rigid dust caps Woofer.
Frequency Response
Motion SLM has a frequency range of 110-25k Hz whereas Motion 6i has a frequency range of 120-23k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 110Hz, the Motion SLM can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the Motion 6i's min frequency of 120Hz.
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 is a 4 ohms speaker compared to the Motion 6i which has a nominal impedance of 6 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 SLM can provide this impedance level.
These two speakers also have different sensitivity levels. Motion SLM sensitivity is rated at 94 dB and the Motion 6i's is rated at 89 dB. This 5 dB difference makes the MartinLogan Motion SLM a more sensitive speaker compared to MartinLogan 6i, hence will play louder with the same amount of watts.
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 SLM features Spring post type posts and Motion 6i has a Spring post type posts. None of these speakers feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
MartinLogan 6i's Spring post terminals
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 6i's external dimensions. MartinLogan Motion SLM has external dimensions of 642.9 x 163.5 x 47.6mm () whereas MartinLogan 6i has external dimensions of 134.0 x 445.0 x 102.0mm (5-1/4 x 17-1/2 x 4inch).
MartinLogan Motion SLM is 281.5mm narrower and 54.4mm less deeper than MartinLogan 6i but it is also 508.9mm taller.
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 6i needs about 483% more floor or shelf area. MartinLogan 6i is 54mm deeper, so it stands that much further out from the wall. MartinLogan Motion SLM is 509mm 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 6i is approximately 453.9cm2 / 70.4inch2. The Motion SLM requires 83% less surface area than the Motion 6i which gives it a small advantage on placement in tight spaces.
What's in the Box of MartinLogan 6i?
Here are the items that come with the Motion 6i:
- LCR loudspeaker
- Grille
- 2 Wall-bracket
- 2 Shoulder bolts
- 4 Rubber bumpers
- Cleaning cloth
- User-feets Manual (En/Fr)
- Installation template
- Product Registration Card