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  1. Home
  2. MartinLogan Speakers
  3. Passive On-wall Speakers
  4. MartinLogan Motion SLM X3
MartinLogan Motion SLM X3 Review
MartinLogan Motion SLM X3 - Front View

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Main Features

  • AMT Tweeter
  • 6 x 4" Aluminium Woofer
  • 120-25k Hz Frequency Response
  • 93 dB Sensitivity
  • Impedance: 4ohms
  • Power Range: 20-140 watts
  • Weight: 13.01 lbs / 5.90 kg
  • Dimensions(HxWxD): 6-3/8"x48-1/16"x2" / 162.0 x 1220.0 x 51.0mm
MSRP: $1,300 (list price)
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MartinLogan Motion SLM X3 Review
MartinLogan Motion SLM X3 MartinLogan Motion S...
Check price atAmazon›

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

MartinLogan Motion SLM X3 is a 2-way Passive Bass Reflex On-wall speaker by MartinLogan. It was released in 2016. It features a AMT Tweeter and 6 x 4" Aluminium Woofer.

A on-wall speaker with 3 x Folded Motion tweeters and 6 x 4 inch woofers. 93 dB sensitive, 4 ohms, 20-140 W recommended, 120 Hz to 25 kHz. Motion uses MartinLogan's Folded Motion tweeter - a pleated diaphragm that squeezes air rather than pushing it, so it moves far less mass than a dome.

The speaker has a frequency range of 120-25k Hz and a sensitivity of 93 dB. MartinLogan Motion SLM X3 has an MSRP of 1300$.

Room Size Suitability

The size of the room where you plan to use the MartinLogan Motion SLM X3 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-fieldGood
Small RoomGood
Mid-size RoomAverage
Large RoomPoor
Very Large RoomNo way

(* 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 Motion Series of Loudspeakers

Motion SLM X3 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 X3 Speaker

MartinLogan Motion SLM X3 has a Frequency response range of 120-25k Hz and Power Range of 20-140 watts. With a minimum frequency of 120 Hz, it is hard to expect a strong bass response from Motion SLM X3 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 X3's Low frequency value compares with the average, max and min Low frequency values in its class.
Low Frequency
On-wall Speakers
MartinLogan Motion SLM X3
Min
Average
Median
Thinking about a subwoofer for the MartinLogan Motion SLM X3?
  • Work out the crossover setting - it follows from this speaker's 120 Hz low end
  • Powered subwoofers under $1,500 - a similar price range to these speakers
  • Every powered subwoofer we cover, whatever the budget

Crossover frequency of the MartinLogan Motion SLM X3?

The crossover frequency of the Motion SLM X3 is set to 3,000 Hz. 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.

MartinLogan Motion SLM X3 driver frequency bands120-3kWoofer 4"3k-25kTweeter20501002005001k2k5k10k20k40kHz, log scale

Impedance and Sensitivity

MartinLogan Motion SLM X3's nominal impedance level is 4 ohms and has a sensitivity of 93 dB.

Sensitivity
On-wall Speakers
MartinLogan Motion SLM X3
Min
Average
Median

Nominal Impedance of the 4 Ohms means that the MartinLogan Motion SLM X3 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 X3 with an AVR but use an Integrated Amplifier instead.

Sensitivity

93dB of the MartinLogan Motion SLM X3 is considered a high sensitivity compared to average stereo speaker which makes Motion SLM X3 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 X3 will be a good choice. Work out how loud the MartinLogan Motion SLM X3 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 X3 need?

At normal listening levels in a medium room, about 7.5–120 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 $1,500, or every amplifier we cover.

Input Type

Motion SLM X3 features Binding post type connectors. Bi-amping and Bi-wiring are not possible.

Work out what gauge speaker cable this run needs →

MartinLogan Motion SLM X3 External Dimensions and Weight

MartinLogan Motion SLM X3 has external dimensions of (Height x Width x Depth) 6-3/8 x 48-1/16 x 2inch (162.0 x 1220.0 x 51.0mm ).

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 Motion SLM X3 is approximately 622.2cm2 / 96.4inch2.

Find speakers that fit your shelf or alcove →

Weight

The MartinLogan Motion SLM X3 weighs 5.90kg / 13lbs per piece. Here is a comparison of how Motion SLM X3's weight compares with the average, max and min weights in its class.

Weight
All On-wall Speakers
MartinLogan Motion SLM X3
Min
Average
Median
Weight
On-wall Speakers under $1500
MartinLogan Motion SLM X3
Min
Average
Max

Cabinet type and Materials

MartinLogan Motion SLM X3 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.

Does the MartinLogan Motion SLM X3 come with a Grille?

Motion SLM X3 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 Motion SLM X3.

  • 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.

Official Product Page

Official manufacturer's product page for the MartinLogan Motion SLM X3 speaker can be found below:
Official Product Page for MartinLogan Motion SLM X3

MartinLogan Motion SLM X3 Alternatives in Passive On-wall Speakers
Model Type Sensitivity Impedance Frequency
MartinLogan 40i
Compare
3-way 92 dB 4 ohms 40-25k Hz
MartinLogan 50XTi
Compare
3-way 94 dB 4 ohms 50-25k Hz
MartinLogan 8i
Compare
2-way 89 dB 4 ohms 70-23k Hz
MartinLogan 30i
Compare
2-way 91 dB 4 ohms 65-25k Hz
MartinLogan 20i
Compare
2-way 90 dB 4 ohms 46-25k Hz
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
Frequently Asked Questions about MartinLogan Motion SLM X3

What amplifier do you need for the MartinLogan Motion SLM X3?

MartinLogan rates the MartinLogan Motion SLM X3 for 20-140 watts of amplifier power. It 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 X3 easy to drive?

The MartinLogan Motion SLM X3 has a sensitivity of 93 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 X3 need a subwoofer?

The MartinLogan Motion SLM X3 reaches down to 120Hz (full range 120-25k 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 X3 use?

The MartinLogan Motion SLM X3 is a 2-way design using a AMT tweeter and 6 x 4" Aluminium woofers.

Is the MartinLogan Motion SLM X3 sealed or ported?

The MartinLogan Motion SLM X3 uses a Ported enclosure. A ported design uses a tuned vent to get more low-end output from the same driver, but it wants some breathing room behind it.

Can the MartinLogan Motion SLM X3 be bi-wired or bi-amped?

No. The MartinLogan Motion SLM X3 has a single pair of terminals, so bi-wiring and bi-amping are not possible. It uses Binding post terminals.

Does the MartinLogan Motion SLM X3 come with grilles?

Yes. The MartinLogan Motion SLM X3 comes with removable grilles.

How big and heavy is the MartinLogan Motion SLM X3?

The MartinLogan Motion SLM X3 weighs 5.90kg / 13lbs each and measures 6-3/8 x 48-1/16 x 2inch (HxWxD).

How much does the MartinLogan Motion SLM X3 cost?

The MartinLogan Motion SLM X3 has a manufacturer's list price (MSRP) of $1,300 per pair.


MartinLogan Motion SLM X3 Detailed Specifications

General
BrandMartinLogan
Full Model NameMartinLogan Motion SLM X3
Speaker Type2-way On-wall
Power Range20-140 watts
Sensitivity93 dB
Impedance4 ohms
Frequency Response120-25k Hz
Release Date2016
DRIVERS
Woofer Size4-inch
Woofer CompositionAluminium
Tweeter TypeAMT
Crossover freq3,000 Hz

CONNECTIONS
Connector TypeBinding post
Biamp InputsNo
PHYSICAL SPECS
Height162.0mm ( 6-3/8-inch)
Width1220.0mm ( 48-1/16-inch)
Depth51.0mm ( 2-inch)
Height162.0mm ( 6-3/8-inch)
Weight5.9 kg (13 lbs)
EnclosureBass Reflex
GrilleYes
Moisture ResistanceNo
OTHER
Handheld RemoteNo
Parts Warranty
Labor Warranty
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