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  1. Home
  2. MartinLogan Speakers
  3. Passive Bookshelf Speakers
  4. MartinLogan Motion® XT B100
MartinLogan Motion XT B100 Review
MartinLogan Motion XT B100 - Front View

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Main Features

  • 1.25 x 2.4" Folded Motion XT Tweeter
  • 6.5" Kevlar Woofer
  • 45-25k Hz Frequency Response
  • 93 dB Sensitivity
  • Impedance: 4ohms
  • Power Range: 20-250 watts
  • Weight: 20.50 lbs / 9.30 kg
  • Dimensions(HxWxD): 14-1/2"x8"x12-1/2" / 368 x 203 x 318mm
MSRP: $799 (list price)
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MartinLogan Motion XT B100 Review
MartinLogan Motion XT B100 MartinLogan Motion X...
Check price atAmazon›

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

MartinLogan Motion® XT B100 is a 2-way Passive Bass Reflex Bookshelf speaker by MartinLogan. It was released in 2023. It features a 1.25 x 2.4" Folded Motion XT Tweeter and 1 x 6.5" Kevlar Woofer. The speaker has a frequency range of 45-25k Hz and a sensitivity of 93 dB. MartinLogan Motion XT B100 has an MSRP of 1598$ per pair.

Room Size Suitability

The size of the room where you plan to use the MartinLogan Motion XT B100 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-fieldPoor
Small RoomPoor
Mid-size RoomGood
Large RoomGood
Very Large RoomAverage

(* 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 Motion XT B100  Lifestyle
MartinLogan Motion XT B100 Lifestyle

MartinLogan's Motion XT Series of Loudspeakers

Motion XT B100 is a member of MartinLogan's Motion XT series of Passive speakers. The Motion XT range are the larger, higher-performance models in MartinLogan's Motion line. Below you can see the main specs of these speakers.

See all 7 MartinLogan Motion XT models compared »

MartinLogan Motion XT Series Speakers
Model Frequency SensitivityImpedance Woofer
MartinLogan Motion XT F200
Compare
27-25k Hz 92 dB4Ω 3 x 8"
MartinLogan Motion XT B100
45-25k Hz 93 dB4Ω 1 x 6.5"
MartinLogan Motion XT F100
Compare
31-25k Hz 92 dB4Ω 3 x 6.5"
MartinLogan Motion XT C100
Compare
42-25k Hz 93 dB5Ω 2 x 6.5"
MartinLogan Motion XT CI XTW6-LCR
Compare
44-25k Hz 93 dB8Ω 2 x 6.5"
MartinLogan Motion XT CI XTW5-LCR
Compare
61-25k Hz 92 dB8Ω 2 x 5.25"
MartinLogan Motion XT CI XTW6
Compare
56-25k Hz 91 dB8Ω 1 x 6.5"
MartinLogan Motion XT Series Speakers
MartinLogan Motion XT Series Speakers

Frequency Response of the MartinLogan Motion XT B100 Speaker

MartinLogan Motion XT B100 has a Frequency response range of 45-25k Hz and Power Range of 20-250 watts. With a minimum frequency of 45 Hz, Motion XT B100 delivers moderate bass depth so depending on your use case, you might want to consider adding a subwoofer to your system.

Here we have a comparison of how Motion XT B100's Low frequency value compares with the average, max and min Low frequency values in its class.
Low Frequency
Bookshelf Speakers
MartinLogan Motion XT B100
Min
Average
Median
Thinking about a subwoofer for the MartinLogan Motion XT B100?
  • Work out the crossover setting - it follows from this speaker's 45 Hz low end
  • Powered subwoofers under $2,000 - a similar price range to these speakers
  • Every powered subwoofer we cover, whatever the budget
MartinLogan Motion XT B100 Woofer
MartinLogan Motion XT B100's Kevlar Woofer

Among the speakers in our database with a max MSRP price of 2000$ (Pair), there is only one Passive Bookshelf speaker that have the deeper bass levels than the MartinLogan Motion XT B100's 45Hz:

  • Wharfedale EVO5.2 with Low Frequency of 44 Hz (Compare w/ Motion XT B100)

MartinLogan Motion XT B100 Tweeter
MartinLogan Motion XT B100's Folded Motion XT Tweeter

Crossover frequency of the MartinLogan Motion XT B100?

The crossover frequency of the Motion XT B100 is set to 2600Hz. 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 XT B100 driver frequency bands45-2.6kWoofer 6.5"2.6k-25kTweeter20501002005001k2k5k10k20k40kHz, log scale

Impedance and Sensitivity

MartinLogan Motion XT B100's nominal impedance level is 4 ohms and has a sensitivity of 93 dB.

Sensitivity
Bookshelf Speakers
MartinLogan Motion XT B100
Min
Average
Median

Nominal Impedance of the 4 Ohms means that the MartinLogan Motion® XT B100 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® XT B100 with an AVR but use an Integrated Amplifier instead.

Sensitivity

93dB of the MartinLogan Motion® XT B100 is considered a high sensitivity compared to average stereo speaker which makes Motion XT B100 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 XT B100 will be a good choice. Work out how loud the MartinLogan Motion XT B100 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 XT B100 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 $2,000, or every amplifier we cover.

Input Type

Motion XT B100 has Custom 5-way bi-wire tool-less binding posts type connectors and lets bi-amping/bi-wiring. Bi-wiring can enhance the overall transparency of your loudspeakers by using separate speaker wires for the low and high-frequency drivers from a single amplifier. Bi-amping, on the other hand, involves using separate amplifiers for the high and low-frequency drivers, potentially resulting in a greater dynamic range and reduced distortion.

Work out what gauge speaker cable this run needs →

MartinLogan Motion XT B100 Back View
MartinLogan Motion XT B100 Back View

Recommended Break In

Allow 72 hours of break-in.

MartinLogan Motion XT B100 External Dimensions and Weight

MartinLogan Motion XT B100 has external dimensions of (Height x Width x Depth) 14-1/2-inch x 8inch x 12-1/2inch (368 x 203 x 318mm ).

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 XT B100 is approximately 645.5cm2 / 100.1inch2.

To get a better perspective on the real life size of MartinLogan Motion XT B100, let's compare it with a standard size Compact Disc which has a diameter of 4.7inch (120mm).

MartinLogan Motion XT B100 Real Life Body Size Comparison
MartinLogan Motion XT B100 Speaker Size Compared to a Compact Disc

Here we place the MartinLogan Motion XT B100 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 XT B100 placed next to an amplifier and turntable
MartinLogan Motion XT B100 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 XT B100 weighs 9.30kg / 20.5lbs per piece. Here is a comparison of how Motion XT B100's weight compares with the average, max and min weights in its class.

Weight
All Bookshelf Speakers
MartinLogan Motion XT B100
Min
Average
Median
Weight
Bookshelf Speakers under $2000
MartinLogan Motion XT B100
Min
Average
Max

Cabinet type and Materials

MartinLogan Motion XT B100 has a Bass Reflex type cabinet and a MDF/Wood veneer finish. 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.

MartinLogan Motion XT B100  - Side View
MartinLogan Motion XT B100 - Side View

Port Position

MartinLogan Motion XT B100 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 Motion XT B100 is available in Gloss Black, Walnut and and Satin White.

MartinLogan Motion XT B100  Colors
MartinLogan Motion XT B100 Colors

Wall Mounting

Motion XT B100 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 Motion XT B100 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 Motion XT B100
MartinLogan STAND25 Speaker Stands for MartinLogan Motion XT B100

Does the MartinLogan Motion XT B100 come with a Grille?

Motion XT B100 comes with Secure-Lock 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 Motion XT B100  with Grille
MartinLogan Motion XT B100 with Grille

Recommended Accessories

Here is a list of accessories that we think you may need for the MartinLogan Motion® XT B100.

  • 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.

Official Brochure

Here is a link to download the official brochure for the MartinLogan Motion® XT B100 speaker:
Official Brochure for MartinLogan Motion XT B100

Official Product Page

Official manufacturer's product page for the MartinLogan Motion® XT B100 speaker can be found below:
Official Product Page for MartinLogan Motion XT B100

Warranty

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

MartinLogan Motion® XT B100 Alternatives in Passive Bookshelf Speakers
Model Type Sensitivity Impedance Frequency
KEF R3 Meta
Compare
3-way 87 dB 4 ohms 58-28k Hz
MartinLogan Motion B10
Compare
2-way 92 dB 5 ohms 56-25k Hz
MartinLogan Motion XT F100
Compare
3-way 92 dB 4 ohms 31-25k Hz
Klipsch RP-600M
Compare
2-way 96 dB 8 ohms 45-25k Hz
KEF R3
Compare
3-way 87 dB 8 ohms 52-28k Hz
MartinLogan Motion XT C100
Compare
2-way 93 dB 5 ohms 42-25k Hz
MartinLogan Motion XT F200
Compare
3-way 92 dB 4 ohms 27-25k Hz
B&W 706 S3
Compare
2-way 88 dB 8 ohms 50-28k Hz
Frequently Asked Questions about MartinLogan Motion® XT B100

What amplifier do you need for the MartinLogan Motion XT B100?

MartinLogan rates the MartinLogan Motion XT B100 for 20-250 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 XT B100 easy to drive?

The MartinLogan Motion XT B100 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 XT B100 need a subwoofer?

The MartinLogan Motion XT B100 reaches down to 45Hz (full range 45-25k Hz). That is deep enough that many listeners will not feel the need for a subwoofer with music.

What drivers does the MartinLogan Motion XT B100 use?

The MartinLogan Motion XT B100 is a 2-way design using a 1.25 x 2.4" Folded Motion XT tweeter and a 6.5" Kevlar woofer.

Is the MartinLogan Motion XT B100 sealed or ported?

The MartinLogan Motion XT B100 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 XT B100 be bi-wired or bi-amped?

Yes. The MartinLogan Motion XT B100 has two sets of terminals, so it can be bi-wired or bi-amped: bi-wiring runs separate cable to the treble and bass sections, bi-amping gives each its own amplifier channel. It uses Custom 5-way bi-wire tool-less binding posts terminals.

Can the MartinLogan Motion XT B100 be wall mounted?

The MartinLogan Motion XT B100 does not include a wall-mount bracket or keyhole, so it is designed to sit on a stand, shelf or the floor.

Does the MartinLogan Motion XT B100 come with grilles?

Yes. The MartinLogan Motion XT B100 comes with removable grilles.

How big and heavy is the MartinLogan Motion XT B100?

The MartinLogan Motion XT B100 weighs 9.30kg / 20.5lbs each and measures 14-1/2-inch x 8inch x 12-1/2inch (HxWxD).

How much does the MartinLogan Motion XT B100 cost?

The MartinLogan Motion XT B100 has a manufacturer's list price (MSRP) of $1,598 per pair.


MartinLogan Motion XT B100 Detailed Specifications

General
BrandMartinLogan
Full Model NameMartinLogan Motion® XT B100
Speaker Type2-way Bookshelf
Suggested Break-in PeriodAllow 72 hours of break-in
Power Range20-250 watts
Sensitivity93 dB
Impedance4 ohms
Frequency Response45-25k Hz
Release Date2023
DRIVERS
Woofer Size6.5-inch
Woofer CompositionKevlar
Woofer SurroundRubber
Tweeter Size1.25 x 2.4-inch
Tweeter TypeFolded Motion XT
Crossover freq2600Hz
Port Positionrear

CONNECTIONS
Connector TypeCustom 5-way bi-wire tool-less binding posts
Biamp InputsYes
Port Positionrear
PHYSICAL SPECS
Height368.0mm ( 14-1/2-inch)
Width203.0mm ( 8-inch)
Depth318.0mm ( 12-1/2-inch)
Height368.0mm ( 14-1/2-inch)
Weight9.3 kg (20.5 lbs)
EnclosureBass Reflex
FinishMDF/Wood veneer
Available ColorsGloss Black, Walnut, and Satin White
Mounting BracketNo
Recommended Stand Height24-28
GrilleYes
Moisture ResistanceNo
OTHER
Handheld RemoteNo
Parts Warranty5 Years
Labor Warranty5 Years
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