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
      By Feature
      HDMI Input Room Correction Subwoofer Output Front Firing Port Handheld Remote Roon Ready
      By Brand
      Acoustic Energy Aperion ATC Audio-Technica Audioengine Bluesound Bowers Wilkins Buchardt Cambridge Audio Canton DALI Definitive Technology Dynaudio ELAC Emotiva Fluance Focal Fyne Audio Genelec GoldenEar Harbeth Jamo JBL Kanto KEF KLH Klipsch Leak Mackie Magnepan MartinLogan McIntosh Mission MoFi Monitor Audio Nuvo Onkyo OSD Paradigm Perlisten Polk Audio PS Audio PSB Q Acoustics REL Revel Russound Sennheiser Sonos Sonus faber Sony Spendor SVS Tannoy Technics Triangle Velodyne Victrola Wharfedale Wilson Audio Yamaha
  • AMPLIFIERS
    • By Type
      All Amplifiers Integrated Amplifiers Stereo Receivers Streaming Amplifiers Power Amplifiers Compact Amplifiers
      By Power
      Up to 60 watts 61 to 90 watts 91 to 120 watts 121 to 180 watts Over 180 watts
      By Feature
      HDMI Input Room Correction Subwoofer Output Handheld Remote Roon Ready
      Home Theater
      All Home Theater Receivers Anthem ARCAM Denon Integra JBL Marantz McIntosh NAD Onkyo Sony Yamaha
      Headphone Amps
      All Headphone Amplifiers Cambridge Audio iFi Audio McIntosh Naim Pro-Ject Rotel Schiit Audio Sennheiser Yamaha
      Multi-Zone
      All Multi-Zone Amplifiers JBL McIntosh OSD Rotel Russound Sonos
      By Brand
      Accuphase Advance Paris Anthem Arcam Audio Research AudioControl Audioengine Audiolab Bluesound Bose Buchardt Cambridge Audio Cayin Denon Devialet ELAC Emotiva Eversolo FiiO Fosi Audio Hegel HiFi Rose Integra JBL Layer Audio Design LEAK Luxman Marantz Mark Levinson McIntosh Michi MISSION MOON Musical Fidelity NAD Naim Onkyo OSD Parasound Pass Labs Peachtree PrimaLuna Primare PS Audio Rega Rogue Audio Roksan Rotel Schiit Audio Sonos Sony SVS T+A TEAC Technics Vincent WiiM Yamaha
  • SMART FIND
  • TOOLS
  • BLOG
  1. Home
  2. MartinLogan Speakers
  3. Passive Bookshelf Speakers
  4. MartinLogan Motion 2i
MartinLogan Motion 2i Review
MartinLogan Motion 2i - Front View

Compare To

Main Features

  • 0.94 x 1" Folded Motion Ribbon Tweeter
  • 3.5" Woofer
  • 115-23k Hz Frequency Response
  • 86 dB Sensitivity
  • Impedance: 6ohms
  • Weight: 3.40 lbs / 1.54 kg
  • Dimensions(HxWxD): 10"x4-3/4"x4-1/2" / 254.0 x 120.7 x 114.3mm
MSRP: $225 (list price)
Check price atAmazon›
x
Add a Speaker for comparison
MartinLogan Motion 2i Review
MartinLogan Motion 2i MartinLogan Motion 2...
Check price atAmazon›

Made by MartinLogan · United States · since 1982 · sold through dealers

MartinLogan Motion 2i is a 2-way Passive Bookshelf speaker by MartinLogan. It was released in 2018. It features a 0.94 x 1" Folded Motion Ribbon Tweeter and 1 x 3.5" Woofer. The speaker has a frequency range of 115-23k Hz and a sensitivity of 86 dB.

MartinLogan's Motion Series of Loudspeakers

Motion 2i is a member of MartinLogan's Motion series of Passive speakers. The Motion range are MartinLogan's popular speakers using the brand's Folded Motion tweeter in conventional cabinets. Below you can see the main specs of these speakers.

See all 10 MartinLogan Motion models compared »

MartinLogan Motion Series Speakers
Model Frequency SensitivityImpedance Woofer
MartinLogan 60XTi
Compare
35-25k Hz 94 dB4Ω 2 x 8"
MartinLogan 15i
Compare
60-25k Hz 92 dB5Ω 1 x 5.25"
MartinLogan 35XTi
Compare
50-25k Hz 92 dB4Ω 1 x 6.5"
MartinLogan 40i
Compare
40-25k Hz 92 dB4Ω 2 x 6.5"
MartinLogan 50XTi
Compare
50-25k Hz 94 dB4Ω 2 x 6.5"
MartinLogan 20i
Compare
46-25k Hz 90 dB4Ω 2 x 5.5"
MartinLogan LX16
Compare
60-25k Hz 92 dB5Ω 1 x 5.25"
MartinLogan 30i
Compare
65-25k Hz 91 dB4Ω 1 x 5.25"
MartinLogan 6i
Compare
120-23k Hz 89 dB6Ω 2 x 3.5"
MartinLogan 8i
Compare
70-23k Hz 89 dB4Ω 2 x 4"
MartinLogan Motion Series Speakers
MartinLogan Motion Series Speakers

Frequency Response of the MartinLogan Motion 2i Speaker

MartinLogan Motion 2i has a Frequency response range of 115-23k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 115 Hz, it is hard to expect a strong bass response from Motion 2i so depending on your use case, using a subwoofer will significantly help to widen the response range.

Here we have a comparison of how Motion 2i's Low frequency value compares with the average, max and min Low frequency values in its class.
Low Frequency
Bookshelf Speakers
MartinLogan Motion 2i
Min
Average
Median
Thinking about a subwoofer for the MartinLogan Motion 2i?
  • Work out the crossover setting - it follows from this speaker's 115 Hz low end
  • Every powered subwoofer we cover, whatever the budget

Impedance and Sensitivity

MartinLogan Motion 2i's nominal impedance level is 6 ohms and has a sensitivity of 86 dB.

Sensitivity
Bookshelf Speakers
MartinLogan Motion 2i
Min
Average
Median

Nominal Impedance of the 6 Ohms makes the MartinLogan Motion 2i a relatively difficult to drive speaker compared to more frequently found 8 ohms speakers from nominal Impedance perspective.

Sensitivity

With a sensitivity level of only 86 dB, MartinLogan Motion 2i is a difficult to drive speaker from Sensitivity perspective, make sure to choose an amplifier with a high output if you like listening to your music at high volume levels. You may especially have a hard time using Tube amplifiers which are traditionally very low power compared to Class A/B or Class D amps. Work out how loud the MartinLogan Motion 2i plays in your room →

Running more than one pair from a single amplifier? Check the load it would present →

What amplifier does the MartinLogan Motion 2i need?

At normal listening levels in a medium room, about 25–400 W per channel into 6 ohms. Set your own conditions and we will rank every amplifier we cover.

We check power, impedance safety and current delivery - not just watts.

Prefer to browse? Integrated amplifiers under $300, or every amplifier we cover.

Input Type

Motion 2i features Spring post type connectors.

Work out what gauge speaker cable this run needs →

MartinLogan Motion 2i External Dimensions and Weight

MartinLogan Motion 2i has external dimensions of (Height x Width x Depth) (254.0 x 120.7 x 114.3mm ).

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 Motion 2i is approximately 138.0cm2 / 21.4inch2.

To get a better perspective on the real life size of MartinLogan Motion 2i, let's compare it with a standard size Compact Disc which has a diameter of 4.7inch (120mm).

MartinLogan Motion 2i Real Life Body Size Comparison
MartinLogan Motion 2i Speaker Size Compared to a Compact Disc

Here we place the MartinLogan Motion 2i virtually next to a standard width amplifier and turntable on a BDI Octave Media Cabinet to get a better idea about the size.

MartinLogan Motion 2i placed next to an amplifier and turntable
MartinLogan Motion 2i Speaker next to an amplifier and turntable

Find speakers that fit your shelf or alcove →  ·  Work out where they should sit in the room →

Weight

The MartinLogan Motion 2i weighs 1.54kg / 3.4lbs per piece. Here is a comparison of how Motion 2i's weight compares with the average, max and min weights in its class.

Weight
All Bookshelf Speakers
MartinLogan Motion 2i
Min
Average
Median

Available colors

MartinLogan Motion 2i is available in Gloss Black.

Wall Mounting

Motion 2i doesn't sport any built-in mounting bracket, so you need an external structure to mount it on walls.

Recommended Accessories

Here is a list of accessories that we think you may need for the MartinLogan Motion 2i.

  • 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 are our favorite isolators but you may find 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.

Warranty

5 Yrs w/ Registration of parts warranty and 5 Yrs w/ Registration of labor warranty is generally provided by the manufacturer.

MartinLogan Motion 2i Alternatives in Passive Bookshelf Speakers
Model Type Sensitivity Impedance Frequency
MartinLogan LX16
Compare
2-way 92 dB 5 ohms 60-25k Hz
MartinLogan 30i
Compare
2-way 91 dB 4 ohms 65-25k Hz
MartinLogan 35XTi
Compare
2-way 92 dB 4 ohms 50-25k Hz
MartinLogan 20i
Compare
2-way 90 dB 4 ohms 46-25k Hz
MartinLogan 6i
Compare
2-way 89 dB 6 ohms 120-23k Hz
MartinLogan 60XTi
Compare
3-way 94 dB 4 ohms 35-25k Hz
MartinLogan 50XTi
Compare
3-way 94 dB 4 ohms 50-25k Hz
MartinLogan 40i
Compare
3-way 92 dB 4 ohms 40-25k Hz
Frequently Asked Questions about MartinLogan Motion 2i

What amplifier do you need for the MartinLogan Motion 2i?

The MartinLogan Motion 2i is a 6-ohm speaker, which most amplifiers and receivers handle without trouble.

Is the MartinLogan Motion 2i easy to drive?

The MartinLogan Motion 2i has a sensitivity of 86 dB. That is on the low side, so it needs more amplifier power than average to reach the same volume.

Does the MartinLogan Motion 2i need a subwoofer?

The MartinLogan Motion 2i reaches down to 115Hz (full range 115-23k Hz). That leaves the lowest octaves out, so a subwoofer will make a clear difference for films and bass-heavy music.

What drivers does the MartinLogan Motion 2i use?

The MartinLogan Motion 2i is a 2-way design using a 0.94 x 1" Folded Motion Ribbon tweeter and a 3.5" woofer.

Is the MartinLogan Motion 2i sealed or ported?

The MartinLogan Motion 2i uses a Sealed enclosure. A sealed box trades some output for tighter, more even bass and is the more forgiving choice close to a wall.

How big and heavy is the MartinLogan Motion 2i?

The MartinLogan Motion 2i weighs 1.54kg / 3.4lbs each.

How much does the MartinLogan Motion 2i cost?

The MartinLogan Motion 2i has a manufacturer's list price (MSRP) of $225.


MartinLogan Motion 2i Detailed Specifications

General
BrandMartinLogan
Full Model NameMartinLogan Motion 2i
Speaker Type2-way Bookshelf
Sensitivity86 dB
Impedance6 ohms
Frequency Response115-23k Hz
Release Date2018
DRIVERS
Woofer Size3.5-inch
Woofer Composition
Tweeter Size0.94 x 1-inch
Tweeter TypeFolded Motion Ribbon

CONNECTIONS
Connector TypeSpring post
PHYSICAL SPECS
Height254.0mm ( 10-inch)
Width120.7mm ( 4-3/4-inch)
Depth114.3mm ( 4-1/2-inch)
Height254.0mm ( 10-inch)
Weight1.54 kg (3.4 lbs)
Enclosure
FinishPiano Lacquer
Available ColorsGloss Black
Moisture ResistanceNo
OTHER
Handheld RemoteNo
Parts Warranty5 Yrs w/ Registration
Labor Warranty5 Yrs w/ Registration
Was this review useful?
Tell us what is missing or wrong and we will fix it.
Thanks. Anything you would add?
Optional, and it goes straight to the person who maintains this page.
Thanks - noted.
LATEST BLOG POSTS

PSB iQ2 vs iQ1: What 400 Dollars Buys Is a Cable You Do Not Need
Bowers & Wilkins 800 D5 vs D4: Same Published Specs, 30 to 56 Percent More Money
Arcam's Cheapest New Receiver Costs 47 Percent More. It Is Also the Only One That Changed.
Triangle Borea BR04 vs BR03: 50 Dollars More Buys 2 Hz, Bi-Wiring and a Bigger Box
Marantz Cinema Series 2 Costs 200 Dollars More With the Same Power and Weight. Here Is What Changed.
SVS Won Best Budget Home Theater at CEDIA. Here Is the Bill, and Three Cheaper Ways to Build It


Latest Passive Bookshelf Speakers
Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-5103M
Klipsch RP-5103M
2-way Bookshelf | 92 dB | 8 ohms
Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-6103M
Klipsch RP-6103M
2-way Bookshelf | 94.5 dB | 8 ohms
Bowers & Wilkins 805 D5
Bowers & Wilkins 805 D5
2-way Bookshelf | 88 dB | 8 ohms
Triangle Solstice 3
Triangle Solstice 3
2-way Bookshelf | 90 dB | 8 ohms
Wharfedale Denton 1S
Wharfedale Denton 1S
2-way Bookshelf | 88 dB | 8 ohms
Revel Performa4 M146
Revel Performa4 M146
2-way Bookshelf | 85.5 dB | 6 ohms
Revel Performa4 M145
Revel Performa4 M145
2-way Bookshelf | 85 dB | 6 ohms
DALI SONIK 3
DALI SONIK 3
2-way Bookshelf | 87 dB | 6 ohms
DALI SONIK 1
DALI SONIK 1
2-way Bookshelf | 86 dB | 6 ohms
Klipsch Heritage Rebellion
Klipsch Heritage Rebellion
2-way Bookshelf | 95 dB | 8 ohms


This site contains affiliate links. We may be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking through one of them. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Copyright © 2026 by SpeakerDecision
About Privacy Contact US Camera Decision