Martin Logan Motion 4

dane_peterson

In an effort to expand my company's product line, I've been checking out what different distributors have to offer. One line we have access to is Martin Logan, and I got the opportunity to listen to these Motion-series speakers today. For those of you who aren't familiar, these are Martin Logan's budget monitors, and they are quite small. Only about 5 or 6 lbs each, but a beautiful gloss black finish with an interesting curved design.

When the sales rep brought me into their dedicated theater room, I kind of chuckled. What is up with these 12" tall "satellites" on either side of a Black Diamond 120" screen? To dwarf them even more, the stands they were on had some baseplate exposed, due to their tiny footprint.

"Avatar" on Bluray kicks on and we skip ahead to the first chopper scene. Though the video alone was enough to immerse me in the film (being displayed by a JVC Pro series projector) these speakers were rather impressive! Filled the room up considerably well, with surprising extension and detail. At which point I come to find out we're only utilizing 2ch stereo - no subwoofer. We switch it over to Dolby. WOW. Time to take a closer look at these puppies.

They utilize a folded ribbon tweeter, and a 4" midrange driver. The technology behind these speakers is impressive. The curved backs offer a unique recessed binding post, and a wall-mounting hole. What I found particularly interesting was that these COME WITH the wall mounts. And if you invert the speakers, they can be mounted tilting down... a perfect solution for rear monitors!

Here's the kicker... I ask Steve "So what do they sell for?"

"I think they're $500/pair"

I about fell over! $500/pair for Martin Logans? $500/pair for this type of sound? Now don't get me wrong, I trust they have their flaws. My listening did not incorporate any 2ch music, and my head is congested from a cold... but nonetheless, they're definitely worth the price of admission. The Motion 2s are another option, for $100 less! For anyone looking for a small, high WAF, intriguing speaker... we have a winner.

kawizx9r

Though I really don't like the metal grill (just not my thing), I too can attest that they amazed the hell out of me.

The listening environment was mediocre at best, and they were running off a higher-end Denon AVR but I'll tell you what....my jaw dropped when I heard these paired with a Mirage sub at the local Magnolia store here.

I'd like to get my hands on a pair, do love me some ribbon tweeters

dane_peterson

Yeah, the metal grills are rather ADS reminiscent, and these were running off a beefy Marantz receiver... but still.

polkfarmboy

I had a listen to them and rti's 3 or 6 would wipe the floor with them

kawizx9r

polkfarmboy wrote: »

I had a listen to them and rti's 3 or 6 would wipe the floor with them

I've heard the RTi bookshelves, but those ML tweeters were really nice to my ears. To each their wn I guess.

concealer404

Those Paradigms you have on the way are going to be an entirely different level.

kawizx9r

concealer404 wrote: »

Those Paradigms you have on the way are going to be an entirely different level.

So I hear.....hell they're not even broken in yet are they?! :eek:

Boy am I going to have fun with them.

I'm sure though for the money you can find better used, but those ML's are nice little bookshelves with alot of output.

dane_peterson

I didn't mean to depict these speakers are Giant Killers... they are not that. What they ARE is a high-end SMALL monitor at a very reasonable price. I prefer the sound and aesthetics of these to the VM-series. Comparing them to full-size bookshelves is apples to oranges.

zingo

They do look like pretty cool, little speakers!