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 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
      By Brand
      Accuphase Advance Paris Anthem Arcam Audio Research AudioControl Audioengine Audiolab Bluesound Bose Buchardt Cambridge Audio Denon Devialet ELAC Emotiva Eversolo FiiO Fosi Audio Hegel HiFi Rose Integra JBL 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 Center Channel Speakers
  4. MartinLogan Motion® XT C100
MartinLogan Motion XT C100 Review
MartinLogan Motion XT C100 - Image 1

Main Features

  • 1.25 x 2.4" Folded Motion XT Tweeter
  • 2 x 6.5" Aluminum Woofer
  • 42-25k Hz Frequency Response
  • 93 dB Sensitivity
  • Impedance: 5ohms
  • Power Range: 20-300 watts
  • Weight: 34.00 lbs / 15.40 kg
  • Dimensions(HxWxD): 8"x24"x14-1/2" / 203 x 610 x 368mm
MSRP: $1,499 (list price)
Check price atAmazon›

Compare To

x
Add a Speaker for comparison
MartinLogan Motion XT C100 Review
MartinLogan Motion XT C100 MartinLogan Motion X...
Check price atAmazon›

MartinLogan Motion® XT C100 is a 2-way Passive Bass Reflex Center Channel speaker by MartinLogan. It was released in 2023. Center channel speaker is an important component of a home theater system set-up as it delivers the listener significant part of the on-screen dialogue from your television. It features a 1.25 x 2.4" Folded Motion XT Tweeter and 2 x 6.5" Aluminum Woofer. The speaker has a frequency range of 42-25k Hz and a sensitivity of 93 dB. MartinLogan Motion XT C100 has an MSRP of 2998$ per pair.

Room Size Suitability

The size of the room where you plan to use the MartinLogan Motion XT C100 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 C100  Lifestyle
MartinLogan Motion XT C100 Lifestyle

MartinLogan's Motion XT Series of Loudspeakers

Motion XT C100 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
Compare
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
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


**This post contains affiliate links, and we will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking through our links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Frequency Response of the MartinLogan Motion XT C100 Speaker

MartinLogan Motion XT C100 has a Frequency response range of 42-25k Hz and Power Range of 20-300 watts.

Here we have a comparison of how Motion XT C100's Low frequency value compares with the average, max and min Low frequency values in its class.
Low Frequency
Center Channel Speakers
MartinLogan Motion XT C100
Min
Average
Median
MartinLogan Motion XT C100 Woofer
MartinLogan Motion XT C100's Aluminum Woofer


MartinLogan Motion XT C100 Tweeter
MartinLogan Motion XT C100's Folded Motion XT Tweeter

Crossover frequency of the MartinLogan Motion XT C100?

The crossover frequency of the Motion XT C100 is set to 1300Hz and 2500Hz. 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 C100 driver frequency bands42-1.3kWoofer 6.5"Midrange2.5k-25kTweeter20501002005001k2k5k10k20k40kHz, log scale

Impedance and Sensitivity

MartinLogan Motion XT C100's nominal impedance level is 5 ohms and has a sensitivity of 93 dB.

Sensitivity
Center Channel Speakers
MartinLogan Motion XT C100
Min
Average
Median

Nominal Impedance of the 5 Ohms makes the MartinLogan Motion® XT C100 a relatively difficult to drive speaker compared to more frequently found 8 ohms speakers from nominal Impedance perspective.

Sensitivity

93dB of the MartinLogan Motion® XT C100 is considered a high sensitivity compared to average stereo speaker which makes Motion XT C100 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 C100 will be a good choice. Work out how loud the MartinLogan Motion XT C100 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 C100 need?

At normal listening levels in a medium room, about 6.0–95 W per channel into 5 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 $3,000, or every amplifier we cover.

Input Type

Motion XT C100 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 C100 Back View
MartinLogan Motion XT C100 Back View

Recommended Break In

Allow 72 hours of break-in.

MartinLogan Motion XT C100 External Dimensions and Weight

MartinLogan Motion XT C100 has external dimensions of (Height x Width x Depth) 8inch x 24inch x 14-1/2inch (203 x 610 x 368mm ).

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 C100 is approximately 2244.8cm2 / 347.9inch2.

To get a better perspective on the real life size of MartinLogan Motion XT C100, let's compare it with a standard size Compact Disc which has a diameter of 4.7inch (120mm).

MartinLogan Motion XT C100 Real Life Body Size Comparison
MartinLogan Motion XT C100 Speaker Size Compared to a Compact Disc

Find speakers that fit your shelf or alcove →

Weight

The MartinLogan Motion XT C100 weighs 15.40kg / 33.9lbs per piece. Here is a comparison of how Motion XT C100's weight compares with the average, max and min weights in its class.

Weight
All Center Channel Speakers
MartinLogan Motion XT C100
Min
Average
Median
Weight
Center Channel Speakers under $3000
MartinLogan Motion XT C100
Min
Average
Max

Cabinet type and Materials

MartinLogan Motion XT C100 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 C100  - Side View
MartinLogan Motion XT C100 - Side View

Port Position

MartinLogan Motion XT C100 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 C100 is available in Gloss Black, Walnut and and Satin White.

MartinLogan Motion XT C100  Colors
MartinLogan Motion XT C100 Colors

Does the MartinLogan Motion XT C100 come with a Grille?

Motion XT C100 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 C100  with Grille
MartinLogan Motion XT C100 with Grille

Recommended Accessories

Here is a list of accessories that we think you may need for the MartinLogan Motion® XT C100.

  • 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 Brochure

Here is a link to download the official brochure for the MartinLogan Motion® XT C100 speaker:
Official Brochure for MartinLogan Motion XT C100

Official Product Page

Official manufacturer's product page for the MartinLogan Motion® XT C100 speaker can be found below:
Official Product Page for MartinLogan Motion XT C100

Warranty

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

MartinLogan Motion® XT C100 Alternatives in Passive Center Channel Speakers
Model Type Sensitivity Impedance Frequency
MartinLogan Motion C10
Compare
2-way 93 dB 4 ohms 63-25k Hz
MartinLogan ESL C
Compare
3-way 89 dB 4 ohms 66-23k Hz
MartinLogan Motion XT B100
Compare
2-way 93 dB 4 ohms 45-25k Hz
MartinLogan Motion XT F200
Compare
3-way 92 dB 4 ohms 27-25k Hz
MartinLogan Motion XT F100
Compare
3-way 92 dB 4 ohms 31-25k Hz
KEF R6 Meta
Compare
3-way 88 dB 4 ohms 65-28k Hz
Sonus Sonetto Center II
Compare
3-way 91 dB 4 ohms 42-25k Hz
Polk L400
Compare
3-way 87.5 dB 4 ohms 55-38k Hz
Frequently Asked Questions about MartinLogan Motion® XT C100

What amplifier do you need for the MartinLogan Motion XT C100?

MartinLogan rates the MartinLogan Motion XT C100 for 20-300 watts of amplifier power. It is a 5-ohm speaker, which most amplifiers and receivers handle without trouble.

Is the MartinLogan Motion XT C100 easy to drive?

The MartinLogan Motion XT C100 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 C100 need a subwoofer?

The MartinLogan Motion XT C100 reaches down to 42Hz (full range 42-25k 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 C100 use?

The MartinLogan Motion XT C100 is a 2-way design using a 1.25 x 2.4" Folded Motion XT tweeter and 2 x 6.5" Aluminum woofers.

Is the MartinLogan Motion XT C100 sealed or ported?

The MartinLogan Motion XT C100 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 C100 be bi-wired or bi-amped?

Yes. The MartinLogan Motion XT C100 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 C100 be wall mounted?

The MartinLogan Motion XT C100 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 C100 come with grilles?

Yes. The MartinLogan Motion XT C100 comes with removable grilles.

How big and heavy is the MartinLogan Motion XT C100?

The MartinLogan Motion XT C100 weighs 15.40kg / 33.9lbs each and measures 8inch x 24inch x 14-1/2inch (HxWxD).

How much does the MartinLogan Motion XT C100 cost?

The MartinLogan Motion XT C100 has a manufacturer's list price (MSRP) of $2,998 per pair.


MartinLogan Motion XT C100 Detailed Specifications

General
BrandMartinLogan
Full Model NameMartinLogan Motion® XT C100
Speaker Type2-way Center Channel
Suggested Break-in PeriodAllow 72 hours of break-in
Power Range20-300 watts
Sensitivity93 dB
Impedance5 ohms
Frequency Response42-25k Hz
Release Date2023
DRIVERS
Woofer Size6.5-inch
Woofer CompositionAluminum
Woofer SurroundRubber
Tweeter Size1.25 x 2.4-inch
Tweeter TypeFolded Motion XT
Crossover freq1300Hz and 2500Hz
Port Positionrear

CONNECTIONS
Connector TypeCustom 5-way bi-wire tool-less binding posts
Biamp InputsYes
Port Positionrear
PHYSICAL SPECS
Height203.0mm ( 8-inch)
Width610.0mm ( 24-inch)
Depth368.0mm ( 14-1/2-inch)
Height203.0mm ( 8-inch)
Weight15.4 kg (34 lbs)
EnclosureBass Reflex
FinishMDF/Wood veneer
Available ColorsGloss Black, Walnut, and Satin White
Mounting BracketNo
GrilleYes
Moisture ResistanceNo
OTHER
Handheld RemoteNo
Parts Warranty5 Years
Labor Warranty5 Years
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

Cambridge Audio Is Recalling Every YOYO (M) Speaker Ever Sold, Over a Battery Fire Risk
Naim's Uniti Star Lite Is the Star Without the CD Drive, Because the Drive Stopped Existing
Naim's CI-Uniti 102 Makes the Same 150 Watts as the $9,999 Nova PE, for $1,799
Our Speaker Placement Calculator Draws Your Room, and Says Which Rules Are Actually Physics
FiiO's EUR 269 AIR AMP Undercuts Every WiiM Amp, and Drops the One Thing They All Have
Yamaha WXA-70A: The Same 55 Watts as the WXA-50, at Twice the Price


Latest Passive Center Channel Speakers
Revel Performa4 C245
Revel Performa4 C245
2-way Center Channel | 86 dB | 6 ohms
DALI SONIK CINEMA
DALI SONIK CINEMA
2-way Center Channel | 89.5 dB | 6 ohms
Monitor Audio Silver Centre 8G
Monitor Audio Silver Centre 8G
3-way Center Channel | 89 dB | 8 ohms
Wharfedale Diamond 12.Ci
Wharfedale Diamond 12.Ci
2-way Center Channel | 90 dB | 8 ohms
Focal Omada Center
Focal Omada Center
2-way Center Channel | 91.5 dB | 8 ohms
Monitor Audio Bronze Centre 7G
Monitor Audio Bronze Centre 7G
2-way Center Channel | 88 dB | 8 ohms
Wharfedale EVO5.C
Wharfedale EVO5.C
2-way Center Channel | 89 dB | 4 ohms
Bowers & Wilkins HTM82 D5
Bowers & Wilkins HTM82 D5
3-way Center Channel | 89 dB | 8 ohms
Bowers & Wilkins HTM81 D5
Bowers & Wilkins HTM81 D5
3-way Center Channel | 90 dB | 8 ohms
Wharfedale Elysian CR
Wharfedale Elysian CR
3-way Center Channel | 91 dB | 6 ohms


Copyright © 2026 by SpeakerDecision
About Privacy Contact US Camera Decision