Martin Logan Motion 15i Speakers Review

[@tg6373]

"A delicate detail infused acoustic guitar with metallic filigree emerging from it..." -- Wonderful illustration, Paul.

[@scottbennett3119]

I watched this review about a year ago when I started looking for new speakers, but I didn`t buy the 15i then, because I couldn`t find other reviews. However, recently I went ahead and bought these based on your review. Wow! You are right about these 15i speakers, they are wonderful! This is the high fidelity sound I have been looking for. I have been through several sets of speakers in the past year looking for the right pair. I have found the right pair with the 15i! Should have listened to you in the first place.

[@TheAudiophileMan]

Always listen to your Uncle Paul, Scott ;)

[@scottbennett3119]

@@TheAudiophileMan I definitely will! Thanks 😊

[@audioarkitekts]

Im excited about the clarity and natural sound. I ordered them and am going to be reviewing them next week for my channel! Very informative and awesome 👏🏻 content. Thank you good sir!

[@TheAudiophileMan]

And thank you for watching :)

[@audioarkitekts]

The Audiophile Man I love your content! Keep up the awesome work!!

[@miguelsuz81]

Hola! Gracias por la reseña tan honesta. Sabría decir cómo se comparan éstos ML con los Dynaudio Emit10 - 20? Estoy en duda sobre cúal de ellos comprar. Teniendo un amplificador Rotel A11 Tribute. Saludos! Para una habitación de unos 9 m2.

[@jazzydog5635]

Great review Paul. I also have a set of their earlier standmount speakers model (Motion 15) for the last couple of years, which I use with a Naim Nait 3 amp, Hugo Dac and Rega Planar 3 turntable. Your description of this latest model suggests they have built on and extended the strengths of the earlier model - great mids, beautiful treble and well defined if not super strong bass. The space around instruments and soundstage is excellent in my opinion. With my equipment, they appear to particularly 'sing' on tracks with female vocals, piano and acoustic guitar but still do a fine job on most rock tracks. They were £800 when I bought them around 4/5 years ago so its nice to see not everything goes up in price over time.

[@jonathanmoore8886]

I just got the motion 15 open box for $240 each. Great deal. Love the way they sound

[@CCCC-tq8yo]

Whow

[@dennishill290]

Got a pair in the exercise room on a YAMAHA RX-A8A AVENTAGE AND LINE-MAGNETIC LM-24 TUBE CD PLAYER AND burning in now,got a video out last night...love em... !

[@Silsoe123]

Excellent informative review thankyou. Am very tempted!

[@douglasbonner6543]

I had a set of their predecessors at home for a audition (model LX15), I found them quite forward in presentation with all imaging coming from up front, good width but zero image from behind the speakers, my room seemed shorter. Other speakers offer a deeper image. I played with placement as much as I could without rearranging the entire room but still no prize. They were a bit too forward for my liking and even though I was offered a 50% discount off retail I passed and returned to the dealer. Perhaps these are a improvement.

[@TheAudiophileMan]

Indeed, Douglas. I don't recognise that earlier personality at all with the 15i speakers.

[@gboates]

what amplifier had you used with your returnees?

[@CandidUploads]

Did you find that yours mellowed after break in and if so by how much?

[@markd4292]

It's about time! There is not many reviews on the Motion series, I thank you for doing one. Brilliant. I am torn between getting the 60XTi or the 40i. My concern is my ceiling height of 82 inches and the 60XTi's height of 48 inches (w/ plinth I assume). My ear will be some inches below the tweeter perhaps, and the top of the speaker will be almost 3 feet from the ceiling. The 40i's will place the tweeter about ear level while sitting upright but I will experiment on putting them on a butcher block because I like my ear usually between the tweeter and midrange. Any suggestions? Bravo again for the review. Thanks

[@jorgeu111]

I have had the motion 40 for a couple of years and man I am sooo happy.

[@markd4292]

@@jorgeu111 Thank you for your reply. I really prefer the tweeter and extra bass from the 60XTi but they just won't fit in my room. I don't know, although the 40i's do image very well, there's something about that tweeter that doesn't perform like the larger one on the 60XTi. I managed to hear the 40i with a REL sub and I must say, that made the difference. If I get it, I was planning to pair it with either a Yamaha AS (type) integrated amp or maybe a Peachtree Nova. What are you powering your speakers with? Stay well

[@jorgeu111]

@@markd4292 i have a Marantz power amp MM7055 with 5 140w outs. I am doing the bi-amp trick to really drive those speakers. So each speaker gets two 140w plugs

[@nealrhodes4342]

I have the 40i's, they are amazing, no sub woofer is needed. My room is 25' by 25' they have no problem filling it with tight bass and detailed mids and highs.

[@markd4292]

@@jorgeu111 That's cool. I do like these speakers and I think I'll get the books for the bedroom and the towers for upstairs, meanwhile I am looking at the Klipsch Forte IV or the KLH Model 5 for the basement. The KLH image much better then the Forte, but the Forte are just plain, larger then life sound, and it's just so addicting. I do enjoy both, the Forte will put me over my budget a tad, as to where the KLH will allow me to at least improve my front end gear faster. I'm going to hear the Forte once more, because I though I heard a ringing sound or some resonance in the horn (not the cabinet, just a pinging metal-ish sound, maybe). I heard others say this and they solved the problem by applying Dyanmat to the internal horns that dampen any resonance. Always an option.

[@hdtvkeith1604]

I am really interested in the ML Motion line and looking at 6-XTi/50XTi for front stage and possible the 15i as surrounds. Sounds like a really great platform. I do wish they did not have the silver ML log band. Will make them look odd when I mount them horizontally.

[@BandyAir]

That's the setup I used to have. Greatly regret selling the 60 and 50XT, stunning heavyweight performers in every way.

[@williamjueschke9960]

Good review Paul, I have the LX 16 ( previous model) I love them, wonderful speakers.

[@ibakedit5850]

A very insightful review. Thank you. Between the ML 15i and B&W 607 S2 which do you think is the better one? I listen to jazz, bossa nova, lots of singers like SIntara, Shirley Bassey, Sarah Vaughan, Eydie Gorme, etc. Cheers.

[@TheAudiophileMan]

The 15

[@manugrandest1683]

Hello ML 15 or Sonus Faber Lumina 1 ? My amplifier is Sonoro Maestro, class D 2x170 watt ,4ohms

[@shaunjp2211]

Hi wouldn’t the Wharfdale Evo 4.1 give similar performance being a two way design also ? Also wouldn’t the previous generation 15s that are on sale £501 another fine option..

[@TheAudiophileMan]

Hi Shaun - I've yet to hear the 4.1 so couldn't really comment. The earlier 15s are a bit edgy in the upper mids, I prefer the latest iteration.

[@gerhardreinecke3945]

Hi Paul, how would you rate these compared to the Spendor A1 you reviewed before, apart from the difference in sensitivity? I can get both for a similar price and will be using Exposure amplification. Regards

[@TheAudiophileMan]

You wouldn't be disappointed with either, they're both excellent but I might lean towards the 15i.

[@stonefree1911]

Have 35XT's, great speakers, very under the radar.

[@paulwg2112]

Would you consider these shout-ee? From the tweeter?

[@TheAudiophileMan]

Not the 'i' model I reviewed, no Paul. I have heard concerns about the original '15', although I haven't tested those myself.

[@IanKnight40]

Hi Paul, what sort of lisyening levels did you use to evaluate the speakers?. Cheers Ian.

[@TheAudiophileMan]

I generally listen at high levels for basic HiFi kit and much lower levels for near field or small room tests.

[@toddhupp]

the similar 35s provide better bass. Great detailed speakers with tubes.

[@ryanr6240]

Could you use the as LCR in living room home theatre

[@TheAudiophileMan]

I don't see why not.

[@jimji2774]

I really like mine for streaming jaz or general female vocals from hi Rez on qbuz or similar but have not liked them for rock music much. Only powering them with a blue sound power node 2 which is about 60 amps. I also have them paired with a ML 8" sub. I need to try them with some other amp to see if they can get punchier for rock music or if that is just not what they are good for. My old Sonos play 5's actually sounded better for rocking out but were not nearly as clear.

[@ddss9939]

Would you recommend these to the LS50? I am looking for a smooth warm sound with excellent soundstage.

[@TheAudiophileMan]

Indeed I would, yes,

[@ddss9939]

Thanks. What do you recommend in the $800 to $1000 range I need some smaller desktops speakers for tv and Music. Love the videos and information !

[@TheAudiophileMan]

The 15i speakers of course. Also, Spendor offer the A1 speakers. Useful too because there's no rear port so you can push the speakers against the wall for TV use: theaudiophileman.com/spendor-a1/. Also check out the Cabasse Surf speakers, for a lower price. They surprised me with their performance: theaudiophileman.com/surf-stand-speakers-review-cabasse/

[@uw4ntsum342]

Hi Paul. I was wondering if you've had any experience with the Hegel integrated amps? I'm thinking of pairing this with the Hegel H120.

[@TheAudiophileMan]

I have colleagues of mine who, in general terms, like Hegel very much indeed but I'm afraid I have no experience of this one.

[@geoffreyvanhouwaert8677]

The H120 will be excellent with these!!!

[@shuckylad]

What about positioning? Can you place these near a rear wall, side walls etc?

[@TheAudiophileMan]

Hi Stuart, as long as you're a couple of feet away from each then you should be fine.

[@shuckylad]

The Audiophile Man Ok thank you , so not really appropriate for most people’s homes with kids and pets etc running around who need speakers near walls out of harms way.

[@TheAudiophileMan]

I would look for speakers with a bass port on the front, not the rear or, alternatively, a closed box design. That will make them less position sensitive.

[@NMEofdaST8]

@@TheAudiophileMan like what? Does Martin Logan offer one?

[@robyneames3259]

Hi Paul, thanks for a great review. I'm looking to go back to a valve amp so do you think these would be a good fit with the Puresound A10 amp you've reviewed?

[@TheAudiophileMan]

Hi Robyn - the A10 will push out a lot of power for its seemingly low spec and can be surprising in those terms. The 15i speakers should...should be ok but I would encourage you to sort a demo. Either in a dealer's place or in your home. The latter is better. Just to be sure.

[@cyprianskiba8768]

Would this speaker be a waste for a rear surround speaker?

[@TheAudiophileMan]

That depends on your budget and your priorities and how you see them fitting into the rest of your system. In theory, I’m sure they would work well.

[@nc3419]

I think it works well for home theater applications. Not laid back, sounds will be present without being overly harsh or too much bass. So, yes, it will work as surrounds but there could be an issue right against a wall.

[@UncommonS3nse]

I'm a little confused by the fact that the 15i's are $300 less than the 15's at my local.. have you compared both, side by side?

[@TheAudiophileMan]

The 15s are a much older model and, from what I hear, are not in the current range. The 15i has that slot. I'm not sure if rarity is adding to the price? I can't say for sure on that score. I prefer the 15i speakers, in sonic terms.

[@UncommonS3nse]

@@TheAudiophileMan thanks for the quick response, guess I'll look into the 15i's then

[@CandidUploads]

Thanks for the informative review. I recently purchased the 35xti the bigger brother of these and am currently breaking them in. I’m finding them a bit harsh and edgy in the high mids and congested. I am hoping this will change after the recommended break in time of 72 hrs. Did the character of the speaker change over time for you or did they arrive broken in? Your review suggests that you did not experience the harshness and congestion in the upper mids. I am currently pairing with a Yamaha receiver which is also know for pronounced upper mids which may be the problem.

[@TheAudiophileMan]

I'm not sure if the company changed the fundamental design from earlier models because I heard reports of edgy mids from the '15' model but I head none of that with the '15i'. Mine was delivered run in, yes.

[@RennieAsh]

The speaker does have an emphasis in the upper mids, with a small dip/slight mismatch in the crossover region. I doubt such a voicing will "break in" as such. But you may get more used to it. But if it's not suiting your style of music then that could be an issue.

[@IanKnight40]

Hi, I too have the 35xti. I am running them in a NAD C368 amp. They sound gloriousi on everything except large orchestral works on my amplifier. When i heard them at the dealer using a 200watt Hifi rose amp and streaming from Qobuz they sounded lovely on massed strings using Lorin Maazel Sibelius symphony no. 1 at high levels. The same cannot be said now I am in my smaller room driving them to same levels. They sound compressed and edgy on hf using thesame tracks. Switch to solo violin and piano and also solo piano they sound glorious. Nat king cole, also After hours CD by Andre Previn et al sounds brilliant too. It seems strange that when I drive them to anything around 95db in my small 12ft x 10ft room with the 80watt NAD amp they sound awful on large orchestral. Cheers Ian.

[@IanKnight40]

I have the 35xti asnwell. Even after 60 hours run in they have a certain hard midrange trait. When laying orchestral works they sound congested n the mids and the hf get compressed and harsh. Use a NAD C368 ampifier. On other speaker designs the NAD sounds fine and has poenty of dynamics. It soujds as though there is some limiting that kicks in over 85db at 2mtrs. I wonder if there are polyfuses or something on the crossover network. T certainky sounds like that on large rchestral works. A lot of other less dynamic material fares better and can be played at good levels withiut compressin or tonal changes. There is an underlying colouration in a certain part of the midrange that affects massed violins and also woodwind instruments in large orchestral works.

[@valkyrieorion7200]

How do these sound at low volumes (for when kids sleep)?

[@TheAudiophileMan]

They should work fine although, if noise is a real concern, I'd invest in some quality headphone equipment.

[@valkyrieorion7200]

The Audiophile Man thanks appreciate the reply! Appreciate the review, have not been able,to find much on these Motion speakers online and especially KZbin that is in depth like yours. Trying to choose between these and a triangle,borea br03 without being able to demo either.

[@tausha46]

NICE TO SEE ARTHUR PRYSOCK

[@andrewaberdein8212]

British are best.

[@kingchakazulu7762]

These are American.

[@marcosav5442]

like what? Chinese BW?

[@jasonme3557]

Most British speakers are made in china too.

[@elukok]

Made in China.... Bey!!

[@imnguyen6658]

Most ML are unfortunately.

[@elukok]

@@imnguyen6658 The name indicates to me some White Van scummy brand. Not sure why. Plus the made China thing. I would be super suspicious when buying these.

[@imnguyen6658]

@@elukok ML is definitely not a white van speaker brand. I auditioned them regularly in Hi-Fi showrooms in the 90s and have owned their subs. Their electrostatics sound quite amazing, but I would be cautious of any device with electronics made in China.

[@JohnSeitz]

Why? The majority of mid level, high end speakers are designed locally and built in Asia. These are built to extremely high quality. Sound quality is amazing and built like a tank.