MartinLogan Motion 35XTi Bookshelf Speaker Review

4.33 Mixed Usages
4.2 Dialogue & Vocal Accuracy:
4.5 Treble Accuracy:
4.3 Bass Accuracy:
4.3 Imaging & Soundstage:
4.4 Dynamic Range:
Release year: 2019 Rating: 4.9 Warranty: 5 years 1" tweeter 6.5" woofer Vojtko crossover network stereo speaker home theater usage: overall

MartinLogan Motion 35XTi is an excellent pair of speakers that can deliver balanced and smooth sound. They are great for mid-sized rooms and you can use them in the home or office. In case you prefer room-shaking bass, then you will need additional subwoofer via an amplifier. We love how it can play contents with dynamics and details. The speakers sound good even at lower volumes. Since they have a rear port make sure to leave room behind allowing them to breathe.

Our Verdict

MartinLogan Motion 35XTi passive speaker is costly. However, it uses advanced engineering and multiple techniques to enhance the sound. It has crisp mids, rich highs and deep lows. It plays sound with good rhythm. The speakers can play music easily with good focus. When playing music, connect a center channel or upgrade to a 5.1 system so that the sound become immersive and cinematic. We played them for long hours without any ear fatigue.

PROS
  • Good dynamics
  • Good quality binding posts
  • Spacious sound
  • Impactful and transparent sound
  • Sturdy built
  • Pleasant soundstage
CONS
  • Not budget-friendly
Where to buy
Specification

GENERAL:

Speaker Type Bookshelf Speaker
Number Of Channels 2.0 way speaker
Amplification Type Passive Speaker (External Amp)
Power Source AC Powered

DRIVERS

Drive Unit 2x2
Tweeter Type Folded Motion XT Transducer
Tweeter Size (inches) 1.25
Midrange Size (inches) N/A
Midrange Type N/A
Woofer Size (inches) 6.5
Woofer Type aluminum cone
Other

SPECS

Power Range 20—250W
Sensitivity 92 dB/2.83 volts/meter
Impedance 4 ohms
Frequency Range 50–25,000 Hz ±3dB
Crossover Frequencies 2200Hz

CONNECTIVITY:

Speaker Wire Input: Yes
Speaker Level Input N/A
Line Level Input N/A
Digital Input (Optical) N/A
Digital Input (Coaxial) N/A
RCA Input N/A
3.5mm Stereo Analog Input N/A
Aux Input N/A
Bi-amp Input: Yes
HDMI Input N/A
USB Port N/A
Subwoofer Output N/A

WIRELESS FEATURES

Bluetooth N/A
Wi-Fi N/A
Other

CONNECTOR:

Connector Type Custom 5-way tool-less binding posts
Compatible Connector Types banana plugs, pin-connectors, spade-lugs, and bare wire
Speaker Wire Compatibility standard speaker wire

AUDIO QUALITY ( TESTED )

Bass Accuracy: Deep and articulate bass
Dialogue & Vocal Accuracy: Smooth and clear vocals
Treble Accuracy Real and natural highs
Imaging & Soundstage: amazing imaging
Dynamic Range: Very good and wide dynamic range.
Power Handling: Good power handling
Frequency Response: Wide frequency response and can get as low as 80 Hz
Transient Response: Decent transient response

BUILD MATERIAL

Enclosure Ported
Finish MDF
Color gloss black, matte white, and red walnut.

SIZE & WEIGHT

Height (inches) 13.5
Width (inches) 7.6
Depth (inches) 11.8
Weight (pounds) 18.5lbs
Recommended Stand Height (inches) 24-26

CONTROL

Handheld Remote N/A
Control by app N/A
Amazon Alexa N/A
Google Assistant N/A

IN THE BOX

Accessories: Bookshelf speaker, Grille, Rubber feet, Jumper-straps, Manual, Warranty/Registration Information
User manual: Yes
Where to buy
Details Review

Design:

MartinLogan Motion 35XTi is available in three different color options. It has MDF cabinets that is sturdy, rigid with internal bracing. Along with this, the thick front baffle also helps to eliminate vibration and resonance. It comes with magnetic clothe grille. Use the included self-adhesive rubber feet for good stability.

Performance:

MartinLogan Motion 35XTi speaker has 1” tweeter and 6.5” woofer driver. The tweeter has a very low mass diaphragm that can deliver precise and well-controlled sound. It has a 40% larger radiating surface, and the tweeter design will minimize distortion. The highs are rich and detailed. Low ends can get to as low as 50Hz. 6.5” woofer can deliver tight and deep bass. It is clean, even and packs a punch making movie effects impactful. It also acts as a heatsink.

It is designed to be strong and rigid. Bass becomes more efficient and powerful due to the rear port. MartinLogan uses proprietary Vojtko crossover network. This will help the drivers to be in their ‘optimal frequency range. This crossover will help them to deliver optimum performance in real life cases. They use high quality components in their design. The speakers can produce accurate sound at all volume levels. It has a decent but focused soundstage.

The Motion 35XTi speakers have excellent imaging. They produce clear, concise, and accurate sound. So, although they are a bit costly, you will not be disappointed.

Speaker placement:

Place the MartinLogan Motion 35XTi 24” from rear walls and 24” from side walls. Distance between speakers and between speaker and user should be equal. Angle the speakers towards the user and elevate them at ear level. Adjust the angle to find the best stereo imaging. If you have CRT television, place the speakers 2 ft away as they are not magnetically shielded.

Connectivity and control:

MartinLogan Motion 35XTi speakers support both bi-wiring and bi-amping. You are free to experiment with different connection options and figure out the ideal connection for your room. Match an amplifier or AV receiver then connect the audio sources to the amplifier. Listen to the contents via the speakers.

Use case:

It can play movies and music very well. The movie soundtracks and effects are impressive. It can play most music genre with ease. You can play jazz, rock, etc. You can play recordings, play from CD players, TV, or stream content online.

Compatible device:

Connect from our amp/receiver list or choose one by your own: Parasound HINT 6, Pioneer Elite SC-55, etc. Some other popular brands are Marantz, Onkyo, Denon, etc.

You can connect the following speakers for home theater setup: floor-standing loudspeakers (MO20i / MO40i / MO60XTi), bookshelf loudspeakers (MO15i), and center channel loudspeakers (MO35XTi / MO50XTi). You will also need a powered subwoofer.

Cost:

Martin Logan Motion 35XTi is an expensive speaker. Once you purchase an amplifier or include a subwoofer, the total cost will increase.

FAQ:

Is MartinLogan Motion 35XTi worth it?

Although MartinLogan Motion 35XTi is costly, it is worth buying it. The speaker has well-engineered drivers that picks materials to improve efficiency and quality of sound. Cabinet design is done in the same way. This will minimize any resonance or vibration. Its propriety crossover performs very well to deliver powerful and natural sound.

Can I use speakers from other brands with MartinLogan Motion 35XTi?

It is better to use speakers from the same brand because the performance will blend it smoothly. However, there is no restriction. You can always mismatch.

Where to buy

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