MartinLogan Foundation B2 is a 2-way Passive Bass Reflex Bookshelf speaker by MartinLogan. It features a 1" Folded Motion Ribbon Tweeter and 1 x 6-1/2" Aluminum Woofer. The speaker has a frequency range of 42-23k Hz and a sensitivity of 90 dB. MartinLogan Foundation B2 has an MSRP of 799$ per pair but can often be found around 798$ per pair.
Room Size Suitability
The size of the room where you plan to use the MartinLogan Foundation B2 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-field | Average |
Small Room | Good |
Mid-size Room | Average |
Large Room | Poor |
Very Large Room | Bad |
(* 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's Foundation Series of Loudspeakers
MartinLogan Foundation B2 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
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Frequency Response of the MartinLogan Foundation B2 Speaker
MartinLogan Foundation B2 has a Frequency response range of 42-23k Hz at ±3dB and Power Range of up to 100 watts. With a minimum frequency of 42 Hz, MartinLogan Foundation B2 delivers deep bass that will likely satisfy most listeners, especially those who enjoy music. However, movie enthusiasts and music fans who prefer a full range of sound may still benefit from adding a subwoofer.
To focus on the subwoofers that are in a similar price range with MartinLogan Foundation B2, check out the Powered Subwoofers under $1000. Alternatively, find the Full list of Powered Subwoofers regardless of the price.
Here we have a comparison of how MartinLogan Foundation B2'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 B2
High Frequency
Bookshelf Speakers
MartinLogan Foundation B2
Crossover frequency of the MartinLogan Foundation B2?
The Crossover frequency of the MartinLogan Foundation B2 is set to 3800Hz. 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 B2's nominal impedance level is
5 ohms and has a sensitivity of
90 dB.
Sensitivity
Bookshelf Speakers
MartinLogan Foundation B2
Nominal Impedance of the 5 Ohms makes the MartinLogan Foundation B2 a relatively difficult to drive speaker compared to more frequently found 8 ohms speakers from nominal Impedance perspective.
Sensitivity
90dB of the MartinLogan Foundation B2 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 B2:
Input Type
MartinLogan Foundation B2 features Binding post type connectors. Bi-amping and Bi-wiring are not possible.
MartinLogan Foundation B2 External Dimensions and Weight
MartinLogan Foundation B2 has external dimensions of (Height x Width x Depth) 15inch x 7-3/4inch x 9-1/2inch (381.0 x 197.0 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 B2 is approximately 476.7cm2 / 73.9inch2.
To get a better perspective on the real life size of MartinLogan Foundation B2, let's compare it with a standard size Compact Disc which has a diameter of 4.7inch (120mm).
Here we place the MartinLogan Foundation B2 virtually next to a standard width amplifier and turntable on a BDI Octave Media Cabinet to get a better idea about the size.
WeightThe MartinLogan Foundation B2 weighs 5.23kg / 11.5lbs per piece. Here is a comparison of how MartinLogan Foundation B2's weight compares with the average, max and min weights in its class.
Weight
All Bookshelf Speakers
MartinLogan Foundation B2
Weight
Bookshelf Speakers under $1000
MartinLogan Foundation B2
Cabinet type and Materials
MartinLogan Foundation B2 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 B2 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 B2 is available in Walnut, Black and Satin White.
Wall Mounting
MartinLogan Foundation B2 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 B2 with a model name
MartinLogan STAND25. You can check the latest price and availability of these stands at
B&H PHOTO and
Amazon.
Does the MartinLogan Foundation B2 come with a Grille?
MartinLogan Foundation B2 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.
Recommended Accessories
Here is a list of accessories that we think you may need for the MartinLogan Foundation B2.
- Speaker Cable and Connectors
- 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 B2, use the direct link below to download the official manual document:
Download User Manual for MartinLogan Foundation B2
Official Brochure
Here is a link to download the official brochure for the MartinLogan Foundation B2 speaker:
Official Brochure for MartinLogan Foundation B2
Official Product Page
Official manufacturer's product page for the MartinLogan Foundation B2 speaker can be found below:
Official Product Page for MartinLogan Foundation B2
Warranty
5 years of parts warranty and 5 years of labor warranty is generally provided by the manufacturer.