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MartinLogan MartinLogan Foundation B1 Review
MartinLogan Foundation B1

Main Features

  • 1" Folded Motion Ribbon Tweeter
  • 5-1/2" Aluminum Woofer
  • 48-23k Hz Frequency Response
  • 89 dB Sensitivity
  • Impedance: 5ohms
  • Power Range: up to 100watts
  • Weight:11.50 lbs / 5.23 kg
  • Dimensions(HxWxD): 13-5/8"x7-1/4"x9-1/2" / 347.0 x 185.0 x 242.0mm
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MartinLogan Foundation B1 Review
MartinLogan Foundation B1 MartinLogan Foundati...
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MartinLogan Foundation B1 is a 2-way Passive Bass Reflex Bookshelf speaker by MartinLogan. It features a 1" Folded Motion Ribbon Tweeter and 1 x 5-1/2" Aluminum Woofer. The speaker has a frequency range of 48-23k Hz and a sensitivity of 89 dB. MartinLogan Foundation B1 has an MSRP of 599$ per pair but can often be found around 598$ per pair.

Room Size Suitability

The size of the room where you plan to use the MartinLogan Foundation B1 is a crucial factor in your decision. We have assessed its suitability for various room sizes based on its dimensions and maximum power output:

Listening Environment* Suitability
Near-fieldAverage
Small RoomGood
Mid-size RoomAverage
Large RoomPoor
Very Large RoomBad

(* 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.)

MartinLogan Foundation B1  Lifestyle
MartinLogan Foundation B1 Lifestyle

MartinLogan's Foundation Series of Loudspeakers

MartinLogan Foundation B1 is a member of MartinLogan's Foundation series of Passive speakers. Below you can see the main specs of these speakers.

MartinLogan Foundation Series Speakers
Model Frequency SensitivityImpedance Woofer
MartinLogan Foundation F2
Compare
36-23k Hz 92 dB4Ω 3 x 6.5"
MartinLogan Foundation F1
Compare
41-23k Hz 92 dB4Ω 3 x 5.5"
MartinLogan Foundation B2
Compare
42-23k Hz 90 dB5Ω 1 x 6-1/2"
MartinLogan Foundation B1
48-23k Hz 89 dB5Ω 1 x 5-1/2"
MartinLogan Foundation C1
Compare
53-23k Hz 91 dB4Ω 2 x 5-1/2"
MartinLogan Foundation Series Speakers
MartinLogan Foundation Series Speakers


**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.

Frequency Response of the MartinLogan Foundation B1 Speaker

MartinLogan Foundation B1 has a Frequency response range of 48-23k Hz at ±3dB and Power Range of up to 100 watts. With a minimum frequency of 48 Hz, MartinLogan Foundation B1 delivers moderate bass depth so depending on your use case, you might want to consider adding a subwoofer to your system.

To focus on the subwoofers that are in a similar price range with MartinLogan Foundation B1, check out the Powered Subwoofers under $750. Alternatively, find the Full list of Powered Subwoofers regardless of the price.
Here we have a comparison of how MartinLogan Foundation B1's Low and High frequency values compare with the average, max and min Low and High frequency values in its class.
Low Frequency
Bookshelf Speakers
MartinLogan Foundation B1
Min
Average
Max
High Frequency
Bookshelf Speakers
MartinLogan Foundation B1
Min
Average
Max

Crossover frequency of the MartinLogan Foundation B1?

The Crossover frequency of the MartinLogan Foundation B1 is set to 3400Hz. This is the threshold frequency where the higher frequency signals over this level are sent to the tweeter and the lower-frequency signals are sent to the woofer by the crossover component.

Impedance and Sensitivity

MartinLogan Foundation B1's nominal impedance level is 5 ohms and has a sensitivity of 89 dB.

Sensitivity
Bookshelf Speakers
MartinLogan Foundation B1
Min
Average
Max

Nominal Impedance of the 5 Ohms makes the MartinLogan Foundation B1 a relatively difficult to drive speaker compared to more frequently found 8 ohms speakers from nominal Impedance perspective.

Sensitivity

89dB of the MartinLogan Foundation B1 is an average sensitivity for stereo speaker so it is neither easy nor difficult to drive Sensitivity wise.

Check the amplifiers that are in a similar price range to the MartinLogan Foundation B1:

  • Integrated Amps under 500 USD
  • Integrated Amps under 750 USD
  • Integrated Amps under 1000 USD
  • All Integrated Amplifiers

Input Type

MartinLogan Foundation B1 features Binding post type connectors. Bi-amping and Bi-wiring are not possible.
MartinLogan Foundation B1 Back View
MartinLogan Foundation B1 Back View

MartinLogan Foundation B1 External Dimensions and Weight

MartinLogan Foundation B1 has external dimensions of (Height x Width x Depth) 13-5/8inch x 7-1/4inch x 9-1/2inch (347.0 x 185.0 x 242.0mm ).

Base Surface Area
Base surface area of a loudspeaker may become a determining factor when the space in your room or desk is limited. The base area of MartinLogan Foundation B1 is approximately 447.7cm2 / 69.4inch2.

To get a better perspective on the real life size of MartinLogan Foundation B1, let's compare it with a standard size Compact Disc which has a diameter of 4.7inch (120mm).

MartinLogan Foundation B1 Real Life Body Size Comparison
MartinLogan Foundation B1 Speaker Size Compared to a Compact Disc

Here we place the MartinLogan Foundation B1 virtually next to a standard width amplifier and turntable on a BDI Octave Media Cabinet to get a better idea about the size.

MartinLogan Foundation B1 placed next to an amplifier and turntable
MartinLogan Foundation B1 Speaker next to an amplifier and turntable

Weight

The MartinLogan Foundation B1 weighs 5.23kg / 11.5lbs per piece. Here is a comparison of how MartinLogan Foundation B1's weight compares with the average, max and min weights in its class.

Weight
All Bookshelf Speakers
MartinLogan Foundation B1
Min
Average
Max
Weight
Bookshelf Speakers under $750
MartinLogan Foundation B1
Min
Average
Max
MartinLogan Foundation B1  on a Stand
MartinLogan Foundation B1 on a Stand

How does the MartinLogan Foundation B1 compare to the MartinLogan-Foundation-B2?

One of the natural alternative to the MartinLogan Foundation B1 is the MartinLogan Foundation B2 which is located one step higher in MartinLogan's Passive Bookshelf selection.

Here is a scaled size comparison of these two speakers to give you an idea how their external dimensions compare:

MartinLogan Foundation B1 vs MartinLogan Foundation B2 Size Comparison - Front View
Comparison image of MartinLogan Foundation B1 and MartinLogan Foundation B2 Size and External Dimensions

Check the Detailed Comparison of MartinLogan Foundation B1 vs MartinLogan Foundation B2 for more details.

Cabinet type and Materials

MartinLogan Foundation B1 has a Bass Reflex type cabinet. Bass Reflex type loudspeakers (aka Ported, Vented or Reflex Port) have enclosures that uses a port, hole or vent cut into the cabinet. Ported designs are generally more efficient than the Sealed designs.

Port Position

MartinLogan Foundation B1 is a rear-firing port speaker so you have to make sure you leave enough space between the back of the speaker and wall or bookshelf so that it has room to breathe.

Available colors

MartinLogan Foundation B1 is available in Walnut, Black and Satin White.

MartinLogan Foundation B1  Colors
MartinLogan Foundation B1 Colors

Wall Mounting

MartinLogan Foundation B1 doesn't sport any built-in mounting bracket, so you need an external structure to mount it on walls.

Speaker Stands

MartinLogan sells a dedicated speaker stand for the MartinLogan Foundation B1 with a model name MartinLogan STAND25. You can check the latest price and availability of these stands at B&H PHOTO and Amazon.

MartinLogan STAND25 for MartinLogan Foundation B1
MartinLogan STAND25 Speaker Stands for MartinLogan Foundation B1

Does the MartinLogan Foundation B1 come with a Grille?

MartinLogan Foundation B1 comes with grilles. The purpose of the grille is to protect the delicate driver elements from external impacts while still allowing the sound to pass as clearly as possible.

MartinLogan Foundation B1  with Grille
MartinLogan Foundation B1 with Grille

Recommended Accessories

Here is a list of accessories that we think you may need for the MartinLogan Foundation B1.

  • Speaker Cable and Connectors
    • Speaker Cables with Banana Plugs: If you know the lenght of the cable you need, this is the easier option to connect your speakers with your amp.
    • Speaker Cables without Connectors: If you are not sure about the lenght or need longer than standard cables with plugs, choose this option.
    • Banana Connectors and Plugs: If you chose the cables without connectors option or already have some cable around, pick the banana plugs separately.
  • Vibration Isolators: IsoAcoustics isolators more affordable options too.
  • Acoustic Panels and Treatments: Your room is as important as your stereo equipment so acoustic treatments goes a long way in improving the overall performance.
  • Speaker Stands: Stands bring your bookshelf speakers to ideal height (rule of thumb is to have the tweeter level with your ear in your listening position), helps stability and acoustical isolation.

User's Manual

For more information about how to setup, use and maintain the MartinLogan Foundation B1, use the direct link below to download the official manual document:
Download User Manual for MartinLogan Foundation B1

Official Brochure

Here is a link to download the official brochure for the MartinLogan Foundation B1 speaker:
Official Brochure for MartinLogan Foundation B1

Official Product Page

Official manufacturer's product page for the MartinLogan Foundation B1 speaker can be found below:
Official Product Page for MartinLogan Foundation B1

Warranty

5 years of parts warranty and 5 years of labor warranty is generally provided by the manufacturer.

MartinLogan Foundation B1 Alternatives in Passive Bookshelf Speakers
Model Type Sensitivity Impedance Frequency
MartinLogan Foundation B2
Compare
2-way 90 dB 5 ohms 42-23k Hz
KEF Q150
Compare
2-way 86 dB 8 ohms 51-28k Hz
MartinLogan Foundation F2
Compare
3-way 92 dB 4 ohms 36-23k Hz
MartinLogan Foundation F1
Compare
3-way 92 dB 4 ohms 41-23k Hz
ELAC Debut 2.0 B6.2
Compare
2-way 87 dB 6 ohms 44-35k Hz
MartinLogan Foundation C1
Compare
2-way 91 dB 4 ohms 53-23k Hz
Klipsch R-51M
Compare
2-way 93 dB 8 ohms 62-21k Hz
B&W 606
Compare
2-way 88 dB 8 ohms 52-28k Hz
Frequently Asked Questions about MartinLogan Foundation B1
What is the External Dimensions of MartinLogan Foundation B1
What is the Speaker Sensitivity of MartinLogan Foundation B1
is the MartinLogan Foundation B1 an easy to drive speaker?

MartinLogan Foundation B1 Detailed Specifications

General
BrandMartinLogan
Full Model NameMartinLogan Foundation B1
Speaker Type2-way Bookshelf
Power Rangeup to 100 watts
Sensitivity89 dB
Impedance5 ohms
Frequency Response48-23k Hz
DRIVERS
Woofer Size5-1/2-inch
Woofer CompositionAluminum
Tweeter Size1-inch
Tweeter TypeFolded Motion Ribbon
Crossover freq3400Hz
Port Positionrear

CONNECTIONS
Connector TypeBinding post
Biamp InputsNo
Port Positionrear
PHYSICAL SPECS
Height347.0mm ( 13-5/8-inch)
Width185.0mm ( 7-1/4-inch)
Depth242.0mm ( 9-1/2-inch)
Height347.0mm ( 13-5/8-inch)
Weight5.23kg ( 11.50 lbs)
EnclosureBass Reflex
Available ColorsWalnut,Black,Satin White
GrilleYes
Moisture ResistanceNo
OTHER
Handheld RemoteNo
Parts Warranty5 years
Labor Warranty5 years
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