Specs
MOTION 60XTI ($ 3,500 PR):
8 in aluminum cone woofer (2), 6.5 in aluminum cone midrange, 1.25 x 2.4 in Folded Motion XT tweeter; 11.4 x 48 x 14.4 in (WXHXD); 66 lb MOTION 50XTI ($ 1,100): 6.5 in aluminum cone woofer (2), 1.25 x 2.4 in Folded Motion XT tweeter; 22.8 x 7.6 x 12.8 in (WXHXD); 30.5 lb
MOTION 35XTI ($ 1,400 PR): 6.5 in aluminum cone woofer, 1.25 x 2.4 in Folded Motion XT tweeter; 7.6 x 13.5 x 11.8 in (WXHXD); 18.5 lb DYNAMO 1600X ($ 2,000): 15 in polypropylene cone woofer; 900 watts continuous (1,800 peak); sealed enclosure; line-level input (RCA, XLR and LFE); speaker level input; optional wireless input module; 12-volt trigger; 17.9 x 20.1 x 18.5 (WXHXD); 57 lb
ceiling and then the stairs was delivered with a tremendous wallop, but the sound wasn’t harsh or bright in any way. All of this chaos was accompanied by the orchestral score cranking up for the movie’s title card, with violins and wind instruments sweeping to a dramatic flourish. If I had to describe the system's sound using as few words as possible, I would characterize it as powerful and smooth.
This sense of smoothness was further helped by the close sonic match between the Motion 50XTI center speaker and the 60XTI towers flanking it. Because dialogue clarity is so critical when watching a movie, there is a temptation to design a center channel that emphasizes certain portions of the audio spectrum that enhance dialogue. Not so with the 50XTI, which uses the exact same drivers as the other speakers, so the tonal balance remains smooth across the front stage. Speaking voices sounded natural, even with mayhem busting out from the other speakers when I watched Avengers: Infinity War.
CONCLUSION
Martinlogan’s Motion series speakers have been around for a few years and they have always been impressive. Now, with sleek new cosmetics and expanded finish options, they’re better than ever, and performance has also been improved through subtle driver refinements. The AMT folded ribbon tweeter used throughout the Motion series remains a world-beater, and it endows the speakers with a healthy dose of the transparency you hear with Martinlogan’s flagship electrostatic products. Finally, the Dynamo 1600X subwoofer is a beast that delivers both power and speed through its use of a sealed cabinet, powerful amplifier, and versatile room-correction technology. The Motion series may have mostly gotten a facelift, but having had experience with the previous version, it’s a very welcome one.