In this review, we will be comparing Motion XT B100 and HDI-1600, two Passive Bookshelf speakers from MartinLogan and JBL.
Let's have a brief look at the main features
of MartinLogan Motion XT B100 and JBL HDI-1600 first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
MartinLogan Motion XT B100 Key Specs
- 2-way Design
- 1.25 x 2.4" Folded Motion XT Tweeter
- 6.5" Kevlar Woofer
- 45-25k Hz Frequency Response
- 93 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 4ohms
- Power Range:20-250watts
- Weight:9.30kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 368.0" x 8" x 12-1/2"( 368 x 203 x 318mm )
JBL HDI-1600 Key Specs
- 2-way Design
- 1" Horn-Loaded Tweeter
- 6.5" Aluminum Woofer
- 40-30k Hz Frequency Response
- 85 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 4ohms
- Power Range:15-200watts
- Weight:9.98kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 383.0" x 9-1/8" x 11-3/8"( 383.0 x 232.0 x 289.0mm )
What size room are the MartinLogan Motion XT B100 and JBL HDI-1600 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:
| Listening Environment* |
MartinLogan Motion XT B100 |
JBL HDI-1600 |
| Near-field |
Poor |
Poor |
| Small Room |
Poor |
Average |
| Mid-size Room |
Good |
Good |
| Large Room |
Good |
Average |
| Very Large Room |
Average |
Poor |
(* Approximate Room sizes: Small < 100sq. ft / 9 m2,
Mid-size: 100-220 sq. ft / 9-20 m2, Large 220-400 sq. ft / 20-36 m2, Very Large: >
400 sq. ft / 36 m2.
Average Floor Height: 9" / 2.7m. Typical room sizes differ from country to country, and the actual
listening experience changes depending on floor height, room shape, surface materials, listening
position, speaker locations, etc.)
In the following sections, we will get into more detail in order to better understand how the MartinLogan Motion XT B100 and JBL HDI-1600 compare and hopefully end up with enough arguments to decide which one of these loudspeakers is the better choice for you.
**This post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking
through my links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Drivers
Both Motion XT B100 and HDI-1600 are 2-way speakers.
| Driver |
MartinLogan Motion XT B100 |
JBL HDI-1600 |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1.25 x 2.4-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
1 x 6.5-inch
|
1 x 6.5-inch
|
Motion XT B100 features a 1.25 x 2.4" Folded Motion XT Tweeter and 1 x 6.5" Kevlar Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 2600Hz. On the other hand, the HDI-1600 features a 1" Horn-Loaded Tweeter and 1 x 6.5" Aluminum Woofer .
Frequency Response
Motion XT B100 has a frequency range of 45-25k Hz whereas HDI-1600 has a frequency range of 40-30k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 40Hz, the HDI-1600 can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the Motion XT B100's min frequency of 45Hz.
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
MartinLogan Motion XT B100
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 XT B100 and HDI-1600 have the same Impedance of 4 ohms but where they differ is the sensitivity levels. Motion XT B100 sensitivity is rated at 93 dB and the HDI-1600's is at 85 dB. This 8 dB difference makes the MartinLogan Motion XT B100 a more sensitive speaker compared to JBL HDI-1600, 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 XT B100 and the Motion XT B100 can provide this impedance level.
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 XT B100 can handle a max power of 250 watts RMS from the amp the whereas HDI-1600 has a max power handling value of 200 watts RMS, 50 watts less than the Motion XT B100.
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
Both Motion XT B100 and HDI-1600 features dual binding post speaker terminals for bi-amping or bi-wiring.
MartinLogan Motion XT B100's Custom 5-way bi-wire tool-less binding posts terminals allows Bi-amping or bi-wiring
JBL HDI-1600's 5-way post terminals allows Bi-amping or bi-wiring
Cabinet Type and Port Position
Both Motion XT B100 and HDI-1600 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.
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 XT B100's and JBL HDI-1600's external dimensions. MartinLogan Motion XT B100 has external dimensions of 368 x 203 x 318mm ( 14-1/2-inch x 8inch x 12-1/2inch ) whereas JBL HDI-1600 has external dimensions of 383.0 x 232.0 x 289.0mm ( 15-1/16 x 9-1/8 x 11-3/8inch) .
MartinLogan Motion XT B100 is 29mm narrower and 15mm shorter than JBL HDI-1600 but it is also 29mm deeper.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of MartinLogan Motion XT B100 and JBL HDI-1600 in scale.
Comparison image of MartinLogan Motion XT B100 and JBL HDI-1600 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 XT B100 is approximately 645.5cm2 / 100.1inch2 and base area of the JBL HDI-1600 is approximately 670.5cm2 / 103.9inch2. The Motion XT B100 requires 4% less surface area than the HDI-1600 which gives it a small advantage on placement in tight spaces.
Here is an 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 XT B100 and JBL HDI-1600 on a Media Console
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 XT B100 weighs 9.30kg / 20.5lbs and the JBL HDI-1600 weighs 9.98kg / 22lbs. This makes the HDI-1600 7% heavier than the Motion XT B100.
Here is a comparison of how Motion XT B100 and HDI-1600's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Passive Bookshelf class.
Weight
All Bookshelf Speakers
MartinLogan Motion XT B100
What's in the Box of JBL HDI-1600?
Here are the items that come with the HDI-1600:
Bookshelf loudspeaker
Grille
2 Jumper-straps (pre-installed)
4 Self-adhesive rubber feet
Owner's Manual
 Max Input Power |
250 watts
vs
200 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
 Sensitivity |
93 dB
vs
85 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
 Height |
368mm
vs
383mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
645cm2
vs
670cm2
|
Takes less floor space |
 Price per pair* |
1598USD
vs
1980USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
 Low Frequency Response |
40 Hz
vs
45 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
30k Hz
vs
25k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
| General |
MartinLogan Motion® XT B100 |
JBL HDI-1600 |
| Brand |
MartinLogan |
JBL |
| Speaker Type |
Bookshelf speakers |
Bookshelf speakers |
| Power Range |
20-250 watts |
15-200 watts |
| Sensitivity |
93 dB |
85 dB |
| Impedance |
4 ohms |
4 ohms |
| Frequency Response |
45-25k Hz |
40-30k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
6.5" |
6.5" |
| Woofer Composition |
Kevlar |
Aluminum |
| Woofer Surround Material |
Rubber |
Rubber |
| Tweeter Size |
1.25 x 2.4" |
1" |
| Tweeter Type |
Folded Motion XT |
Horn-Loaded |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Crossover Frequency |
2600Hz |
n/a |
| Firing Direction |
rear |
rear |
| Suggested Break-in Period |
Allow 72 hours of break-in |
n/a |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
368.0mm (14.5") |
383.0mm (15.1") |
| Width |
203.0mm (8") |
232.0mm (9.1") |
| Depth |
318.0mm (12.5") |
289.0mm (11.4") |
| Weight |
9.30kg (20.5lbs) |
9.98kg (22lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
| Finish |
MDF/Wood veneer |
MDF/Wood-veneer |
| Available Colors |
Gloss Black, Walnut, and Satin White |
Walnut,Black,Oak |
| Mounting Bracket |
No |
No |
| Recommended Stand Height |
24-28" |
22-26" |
| Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
| Biamp Inputs |
Yes |
Yes |
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |