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  1. Home
  2. MartinLogan Speakers
  3. Passive Bookshelf Speakers
  4. MartinLogan Motion SLM
MartinLogan Motion SLM Review
MartinLogan Motion SLM - Front View

Compare To

Main Features

  • 1x1.4" Folded Motion Ribbon Tweeter
  • 2 x 4" Woofer
  • 110-25k Hz Frequency Response
  • 94 dB Sensitivity
  • Impedance: 4ohms
  • Weight: 6.50 lbs / 2.95 kg
  • Dimensions(HxWxD): 25-5/16"x6-7/16"x1-7/8" / 642.9 x 163.5 x 47.6mm
MSRP: $625 (list price)
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MartinLogan Motion SLM Review
MartinLogan Motion SLM MartinLogan Motion S...
Check price atAmazon›

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

MartinLogan Motion SLM is a 2-way Passive Bookshelf speaker by MartinLogan. It was released in 2014. It features a 1x1.4" Folded Motion Ribbon Tweeter and 2 x 4" Woofer. The speaker has a frequency range of 110-25k Hz and a sensitivity of 94 dB.

MartinLogan's Motion Series of Loudspeakers

Motion SLM 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 SLM Speaker

MartinLogan Motion SLM has a Frequency response range of 110-25k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 110 Hz, it is hard to expect a strong bass response from Motion SLM 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 SLM's Low frequency value compares with the average, max and min Low frequency values in its class.
Low Frequency
Bookshelf Speakers
MartinLogan Motion SLM
Min
Average
Median
Thinking about a subwoofer for the MartinLogan Motion SLM?
  • Work out the crossover setting - it follows from this speaker's 110 Hz low end
  • Every powered subwoofer we cover, whatever the budget

Impedance and Sensitivity

MartinLogan Motion SLM's nominal impedance level is 4 ohms and has a sensitivity of 94 dB.

Sensitivity
Bookshelf Speakers
MartinLogan Motion SLM
Min
Average
Median

Nominal Impedance of the 4 Ohms means that the MartinLogan Motion SLM is a difficult to drive speaker from nominal Impedance perspective, make sure that you choose an amplifier than can provide 4 Ohms for this speaker.

Many AVRs (audio/video receiver) in the market may have difficulty when the speakers dip below the 4 Ohms levels (this may cause clipping or even physical damage), so we recommend to not pair the MartinLogan Motion SLM with an AVR but use an Integrated Amplifier instead.

Sensitivity

94dB of the MartinLogan Motion SLM is considered a high sensitivity compared to average stereo speaker which makes Motion SLM an easy to drive from Sensitivity perspective. If you are planning to power your speaker with a Tube amp which are generally very low power, the MartinLogan Motion SLM will be a good choice. Work out how loud the MartinLogan Motion SLM 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 SLM need?

At normal listening levels in a medium room, about 6.0–95 W per channel into 4 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 $750, or every amplifier we cover.

Input Type

Motion SLM features Spring post type connectors.

Work out what gauge speaker cable this run needs →

MartinLogan Motion SLM External Dimensions and Weight

MartinLogan Motion SLM has external dimensions of (Height x Width x Depth) (642.9 x 163.5 x 47.6mm ).

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 SLM is approximately 77.8cm2 / 12.1inch2.

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

Weight

The MartinLogan Motion SLM weighs 2.95kg / 6.5lbs per piece. Here is a comparison of how Motion SLM's weight compares with the average, max and min weights in its class.

Weight
All Bookshelf Speakers
MartinLogan Motion SLM
Min
Average
Median

Available colors

MartinLogan Motion SLM is available in Gloss Black.

Wall Mounting

Motion SLM 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 SLM.

  • 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 SLM Alternatives in Passive Bookshelf Speakers
Model Type Sensitivity Impedance Frequency
MartinLogan LX16
Compare
2-way 92 dB 5 ohms 60-25k Hz
MartinLogan 6i
Compare
2-way 89 dB 6 ohms 120-23k Hz
MartinLogan 15i
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 60XTi
Compare
3-way 94 dB 4 ohms 35-25k Hz
MartinLogan 8i
Compare
2-way 89 dB 4 ohms 70-23k Hz
Frequently Asked Questions about MartinLogan Motion SLM

What amplifier do you need for the MartinLogan Motion SLM?

The MartinLogan Motion SLM is a 4-ohm speaker, a demanding load that wants an amplifier rated to drive 4 ohms - many budget receivers are not.

Is the MartinLogan Motion SLM easy to drive?

The MartinLogan Motion SLM has a sensitivity of 94 dB. That is high: it goes loud on modest power, so it suits low-powered amplifiers, including valve/tube designs.

Does the MartinLogan Motion SLM need a subwoofer?

The MartinLogan Motion SLM reaches down to 110Hz (full range 110-25k 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 SLM use?

The MartinLogan Motion SLM is a 2-way design using a 1x1.4" Folded Motion Ribbon tweeter and 2 x 4" woofers.

Is the MartinLogan Motion SLM sealed or ported?

The MartinLogan Motion SLM uses a Passive Radiator enclosure. A passive radiator does the job of a port without the vent noise, which suits compact cabinets.

How big and heavy is the MartinLogan Motion SLM?

The MartinLogan Motion SLM weighs 2.95kg / 6.5lbs each.

How much does the MartinLogan Motion SLM cost?

The MartinLogan Motion SLM has a manufacturer's list price (MSRP) of $625.


MartinLogan Motion SLM Detailed Specifications

General
BrandMartinLogan
Full Model NameMartinLogan Motion SLM
Speaker Type2-way Bookshelf
Sensitivity94 dB
Impedance4 ohms
Frequency Response110-25k Hz
Release Date2014
DRIVERS
Woofer Size4-inch
Woofer Composition
Tweeter Size1x1.4-inch
Tweeter TypeFolded Motion Ribbon

CONNECTIONS
Connector TypeSpring post
PHYSICAL SPECS
Height642.9mm ( 25-5/16-inch)
Width163.5mm ( 6-7/16-inch)
Depth47.6mm ( 1-7/8-inch)
Height642.9mm ( 25-5/16-inch)
Weight2.95 kg (6.5 lbs)
Enclosure
Available ColorsGloss Black
Moisture ResistanceNo
OTHER
Handheld RemoteNo
Parts Warranty5 Yrs w/ Registration
Labor Warranty5 Yrs w/ Registration
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