SpeakerDecision
  • SPEAKERS by TYPE
    • Passive Bookshelf Speakers
    • Passive Floor-standing Speakers
    • Passive Center Channel Speakers
    • Passive In-wall Speakers
    • All Passive Speakers
    • Powered Subwoofers
    • Powered Stereo Speakers
  • AMPLIFIERS
  • SMART FIND

Monitor Audio Bronze 2 vs MartinLogan 15i Comparison

x
Speaker to replace
Change

Monitor Audio Bronze 2

Passive Bookshelf | 42-30k Hz

Monitor Audio Bronze 2
CHECK PRICE
Change
    
MartinLogan 15i

Passive Bookshelf | 60-25k Hz

MartinLogan Motion 15i
CHECK PRICE
Monitor Audio Bronze 2 Monitor Audio Bronze...
See at AMAZON
MartinLogan 15i MartinLogan 15i
See at AMAZON
Monitor Audio Bronze...
See at AMAZON
MartinLogan 15i
See at AMAZON
Monitor Audio Bronze 2 vs MartinLogan 15i Speaker Comparison

In this review, we will be comparing Bronze 2 and Motion 15i, two Passive Bookshelf speakers from Monitor Audio and MartinLogan.

Let's have a brief look at the main features of Monitor Audio Bronze 2 and MartinLogan 15i first before getting into our more detailed comparison.

Monitor Audio Bronze 2 Key Specs

  • 2-way Design
  • 1" Dome Tweeter
  • 6.5" C-CAM Woofer
  • 42-30k Hz Frequency Response
  • 90 dB Sensitivity
  • Impedance: 8ohms
  • Power Range:30-100watts
  • Weight:5.30kg
  • Dimensions (H x W x D): 350.0" x 7.2" x 11.0"( 350.0 x 185.0 x 281.0mm )

MartinLogan 15i Key Specs

  • 2-way Design
  • 1.0 x 1.4" Folded Motion Tweeter
  • 5.25" Aluminum Woofer
  • 60-25k Hz Frequency Response
  • 92 dB Sensitivity
  • Impedance: 5ohms
  • Power Range:20-200watts
  • Weight:5.40kg
  • Dimensions (H x W x D): 290.0" x 6.8" x 9.4"( 290.0 x 173.0 x 240.0mm )

What size room are the Monitor Audio Bronze 2 and MartinLogan 15i 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* Monitor Audio Bronze 2 MartinLogan 15i
Near-field Average Poor
Small Room Good Average
Mid-size Room Average Good
Large Room Poor Average
Very Large Room Bad 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 Monitor Audio Bronze 2 and MartinLogan 15i 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 Bronze 2 and Motion 15i are 2-way speakers.

Driver Monitor Audio Bronze 2 MartinLogan 15i
Driver Setup 2-way 2-way
Tweeter 1-inch 1.0 x 1.4-inch
Midrange - -
Woofer 1 x 6.5-inch 1 x 5.25-inch

Bronze 2 features a 1" Dome Tweeter and 1 x 6.5" C-CAM Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 3100Hz. On the other hand, the Motion 15i features a 1.0 x 1.4" Folded Motion Tweeter and 1 x 5.25" Aluminum Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 2700Hz.

Frequency Response

Bronze 2 has a frequency range of 42-30k Hz whereas Motion 15i has a frequency range of 60-25k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 42Hz, the Bronze 2 can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the Motion 15i's min frequency of 60Hz.

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

Bronze 2
Motion 15i
Min
Average
Max
High Frequency

Bookshelf Speakers

Monitor Audio Bronze 2
MartinLogan 15i
Min
Average
Max

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

Bronze 2 is a 8 ohms speaker compared to the Motion 15i which has a nominal impedance of 5 ohms.

These two speakers also have different sensitivity levels. Bronze 2 sensitivity is rated at 90 dB and the Motion 15i's is rated at 92 dB. This 2 dB difference makes the MartinLogan 15i a more sensitive speaker compared to Monitor Audio Bronze 2, hence will play louder with the same amount of watts.

Sensitivity

Bookshelf Speakers

Bronze 2
Motion 15i
Min
Average
Max

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.

Bronze 2 can handle a max power of 200 watts RMS from the amp the whereas Bronze 2 has a max power handling value of 100 watts RMS , 100 watts less than the Motion 15i.

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

Bronze 2 features Post posts which make bi-amping or bi-wiring possible. Motion 15i has a Custom 5-way tool-less binding posts which doesn't feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.

MartinLogan 15i Terminals
MartinLogan 15i's Custom 5-way tool-less binding posts terminals

Cabinet Type and Port Position

Bronze 2 has a front firing port whereas Motion 15i has a rear firing ports. Monitor Audio Bronze 2's front-firing port gives more flexibility in placement in regards to proximity to walls compared to MartinLogan 15i with its rear-firing 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 Monitor Audio Bronze 2's and MartinLogan 15i's external dimensions. Monitor Audio Bronze 2 has external dimensions of 350.0 x 185.0 x 281.0mm ( 13.7 x 7.2 x 11.0inch) whereas MartinLogan 15i has external dimensions of 290.0 x 173.0 x 240.0mm ( 11.4 x 6.8 x 9.4inch) .

Monitor Audio Bronze 2 is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 12mm wider, 60mm taller and 41mm deeper than MartinLogan 15i.

Below you can see the front view size comparison of Monitor Audio Bronze 2 and MartinLogan 15i in scale.

Monitor Audio Bronze 2 vs MartinLogan 15i Size Comparison - Front View
Comparison image of Monitor Audio Bronze 2 and MartinLogan 15i 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 Monitor Audio Bronze 2 is approximately 519.9cm2 / 80.6inch2 and base area of the MartinLogan 15i is approximately 415.2cm2 / 64.4inch2. The Bronze 2 requires 25% more surface area than the Motion 15i which gives it a small disadvantage 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:

Monitor Audio Bronze 2 vs MartinLogan 15i Size Comparison on a Media Console
Size Comparison image of Monitor Audio Bronze 2 and MartinLogan 15i 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 Monitor Audio Bronze 2 weighs 5.30kg / 11.7lbs and the MartinLogan 15i weighs 5.40kg / 11.9lbs. This makes the Motion 15i 2% heavier than the Bronze 2.

Here is a comparison of how Bronze 2 and Motion 15i's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Passive Bookshelf class.

Weight
All Bookshelf Speakers
Monitor Audio Bronze 2
MartinLogan 15i
Min
Average
Max

What's in the Box of Monitor Audio Bronze 2?

Here are the items that are included inside the box of Bronze 2:
  • 2 Bookshelf loudspeakers
  • 2 Grilles
  • 2 Foam port plugs
  • Hex-key
  • Owner's Manual
  • Important Safety Instructions
  • What's in the Box of MartinLogan 15i?

    Here are the items that come with the Motion 15i:
  • Bookshelf loudspeaker
  • Grille
  • 4 Rubber feet
  • Users Manual
  • Warranty/Registration Information

  • Reasons to choose Monitor Audio Bronze 2 over MartinLogan Motion 15i
    Nominal Impedance 8 ohms vs 5 ohms Less selective with amplifiers
    Woofer Size 6.5 inches vs 5.25 inches Larger woofer
    Low Frequency Response 42 Hz vs 60 Hz Generates deeper bass
    High Frequency Response 30k Hz vs 25k Hz Generates higher frequency
    Bi-Amping and Bi-Wiring Yes vs No Allows bi-amping and bi-wiring connections
    Port Position Front vs Rear Gives more flexibility placing close to walls

    Reasons to choose MartinLogan Motion 15i over Monitor Audio Bronze 2

    Max Input Power 200 watts vs 100 watts Handle more power from your amplifier
    Sensitivity 92 dB vs 90 dB Play louder with same amount of amplification power
    Height 290mm vs 350mm Easier to fit in smaller spaces
    Base Surface Area 415cm2 vs 519cm2 Takes less floor space
    Monitor Audio Bronze 2 vs MartinLogan 15i Specs Table
    Detailed comparison of specifications
    General Monitor Audio Bronze 2 MartinLogan Motion 15i
    Brand Monitor Audio MartinLogan
    Speaker Type Bookshelf speakers Bookshelf speakers
    Power Range 30-100 watts 20-200 watts
    Sensitivity 90 dB 92 dB
    Impedance 8 ohms 5 ohms
    Frequency Response 42-30k Hz 60-25k Hz
    Drivers
    Woofer Quantity 1 1
    Woofer Size 6.5" 5.25"
    Woofer Composition C-CAM Aluminum
    Woofer Surround Material Rubber Rubber
    Tweeter Size 1" 1.0 x 1.4"
    Tweeter Type Dome Folded Motion
    Aimable Tweeter No No
    Midrange Driver No No
    Crossover Frequency 3100Hz 2700Hz
    Firing Direction front rear
    Suggested Break-in Period n/a Allow 72 hours of break-in at 90 dB
    Physical Specs
    Height 350.0mm (13.8") 290.0mm (11.4")
    Width 185.0mm (7.3") 173.0mm (6.8")
    Depth 281.0mm (11.1") 240.0mm (9.4")
    Weight 5.30kg (11.7lbs) 5.40kg (11.9lbs)
    Enclosure Bass Reflex Bass Reflex
    Finish MDF/Wood-grain vinyl MDF/Lacquer
    Available Colors Walnut, White, Rosemah, Black Gloss Black, Matt White, Red Walnut
    Mounting Bracket No No
    Recommended Stand Height 30-31" 26-28"
    Grille Yes Yes
    Moisture Resistancy No No
    Connections
    Biamp Inputs Yes No
    Other
    Parts Warranty 5 Years 5 Years
    Labor Warranty 5 Years 5 Years

    Most Popular Speakers
    Klipsch Reference R-51M
    Klipsch R-51M
    2-way | 93 dB | 8 ohms
    Wharfedale Elysian 2
    Wharfedale Elysian 2
    3-way | 89 dB | 4 ohms
    ELAC Debut 2.0 B6.2
    ELAC Debut 2.0 B6.2
    2-way | 87 dB | 6 ohms
    Bowers & Wilkins 606 S2 Anniversary Edition
    B&W 606 S2
    2-way | 88 dB | 8 ohms
    KEF Q150
    KEF Q150
    2-way | 86 dB | 8 ohms
    Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-500M
    Klipsch RP-500M
    2-way | 93 dB | 8 ohms
    Wharfedale EVO4.1
    Wharfedale EVO4.1
    2-way | 87 dB | 8 ohms
    Bowers & Wilkins 606
    B&W 606
    2-way | 88 dB | 8 ohms
    Copyright © 2025 by SpeakerDecision
    About Privacy Contact US Camera Decision

    Report a Correction