In this review, we will be comparing Bronze 2 and Motion LX16, 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 LX16 first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
What size room are the Monitor Audio Bronze 2 and MartinLogan LX16 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:
In the following sections, we will get into more detail in order to better understand how the Monitor Audio Bronze 2 and MartinLogan LX16 compare and hopefully end up with enough arguments to decide which one of these loudspeakers is the better choice for you.
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Drivers
Both Bronze 2 and Motion LX16 are 2-way speakers.
| Driver |
Monitor Audio Bronze 2 |
MartinLogan LX16 |
|
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 LX16 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 LX16 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 LX16'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
High Frequency
Bookshelf Speakers
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 LX16 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 LX16's is rated at 92 dB. This 2 dB difference makes the MartinLogan LX16 a more sensitive speaker compared to Monitor Audio Bronze 2, hence will play louder with the same amount of watts.
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.
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 LX16.
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 LX16 has a Custom 5-way binding posts which doesn't feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
MartinLogan LX16's Custom 5-way binding posts terminals
Cabinet Type and Port Position
Bronze 2 has a front firing port whereas Motion LX16 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 LX16 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 LX16'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 LX16 has external dimensions of 280.0 x 165.0 x 242.0mm ( 11.0 x 6.4 x 9.5inch) .
Monitor Audio Bronze 2 is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 20mm wider, 70mm taller and 39mm deeper than MartinLogan LX16.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of Monitor Audio Bronze 2 and MartinLogan LX16 in scale.
Comparison image of Monitor Audio Bronze 2 and MartinLogan LX16 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 LX16 is approximately 399.3cm2 / 61.9inch2. The Bronze 2 requires 30% more surface area than the Motion LX16 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:
Size Comparison image of Monitor Audio Bronze 2 and MartinLogan LX16 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 LX16 weighs 5.40kg / 11.9lbs. This makes the Motion LX16 2% heavier than the Bronze 2.
Here is a comparison of how Bronze 2 and Motion LX16's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Passive Bookshelf class.
Weight
All Bookshelf Speakers
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 LX16?
Here are the items that come with the Motion LX16:
Bookshelf loudspeakerMagnetic grille4 Rubber bumpersUser's Manual (En/Fr)
 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 |
 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 |
 Mounting Bracket |
Yes
vs
No
|
Allows mounting on walls |
 Height |
280mm
vs
350mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
399cm2 (165x242mm)
vs
519cm2 (185x281mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
| General |
Monitor Audio Bronze 2 |
MartinLogan Motion LX16 |
| 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") |
280.0mm (11") |
| Width |
185.0mm (7.3") |
165.0mm (6.5") |
| Depth |
281.0mm (11.1") |
242.0mm (9.5") |
| Weight |
5.30kg (11.7lbs) |
5.40kg (11.9lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
| Finish |
MDF/Wood-grain vinyl |
Piano Lacquer |
| Available Colors |
Walnut, White, Rosemah, Black |
Cherry (dark) |
| Mounting Bracket |
No |
3/18-16 threaded insert |
| Recommended Stand Height |
30-31" |
28-31" |
| Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
| Biamp Inputs |
Yes |
No |
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Yrs w/Registration |
| Labor Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Yrs w/Registration |