MartinLogan Motion 8i Center Channel Speaker
Best compact center channel for space-conscious home theater enthusiasts.
Experience audio clarity inspired by high-end electrostatic designs with the MartinLogan Motion 8i Center Channel Speaker. This pre-owned speaker features exquisite Folded Motion tweeters for lightning-fast response and stunning dynamic range. Its compact and affordable design houses powerful bass technology, making it versatile for various setups. Enjoy flexible installation options, including tabletop or on-wall mounting, horizontally or vertically. The precision crossover utilizes high-quality components for a seamless and refined sonic presentation, enhancing your home theater experience.
$474.99
Owner Satisfaction
4.6
/ 5
Category Rank
1900
/ 6851
#1900 in Speakers
Price vs Category Average
-68%
Below average
Frequency Response
70230003
/ –, Hz ±dB
Who it's for
- Movie lovers prioritizing crisp and intelligible dialogue
- Home theater owners with limited space under their displays
- Viewers sitting in wide seating arrangements
Who should skip it
- Bass enthusiasts needing full-range sound without a subwoofer
- Budget-focused shoppers looking for entry-level pricing
- Audiophiles mixing and matching different speaker brands
Performance breakdown
High-Frequency Detail
Folded Motion tweeter delivers crisp, lightning-fast transients for exceptional vocal clarity.
Installation Versatility
Flexible mounting options allow for seamless horizontal or vertical room integration.
Midrange Presence
Dual paper cone drivers provide a natural, balanced sound for dialogue.
Form Factor
Compact footprint fits easily into tight home theater shelving setups.
Bass Extension
Limited low-end reach necessitates pairing with a dedicated powered subwoofer.
Amplifier Compatibility
Efficient design works well with a wide range of standard receivers.
Key Specs
Frequency Response
70–23,000 Hz ±3dB
Nominal Impedance
4 Ohms. Compatible with 4, 6 or 8 ohm rated amplifiers.
Recommended Amplifier Power
20-180 watts per channel
Sensitivity
89 dB/2.83 volts/meter
High Frequency Transducer
1″ × 1.4″ Folded Motion Transducer
Low Frequency Driver
Two 4″ paper cone drivers
Overall Dimensions (HxWxD)
5.6 x 22.25 x 5.2 inches
Weight
8.5 lbs. (3.85kg) each
Features
- Exceptional clarity with Folded Motion Tweeter
- Lightning-fast tweeter diaphragm response
- Smooth, refined sound quality
- Precision Vojtko™ crossover topology
- Compact and affordable design
- Flexible horizontal or vertical mounting
- High-quality crossover components
- Stunning dynamic range performance
What customers say
Customers highly praise the MartinLogan Motion 8i Center Channel Speaker for its exceptional dialogue clarity and detailed soundstage. The Folded Motion tweeter consistently delivers crisp, articulate highs and wide sound dispersion, ensuring voices remain intelligible during complex scenes. Users appreciate the sleek, compact design that integrates easily into home theater setups. Build quality reflects premium craftsmanship, justifying the investment for many. While it is a premium component, the overwhelming consensus is that the Motion 8i offers significant value by elevating vocal precision. It is highly recommended for achieving cohesive, dynamic surround sound, making it a celebrated centerpiece for home theater enthusiasts seeking sonic accuracy.
Know before you buy
Yes, the Motion 8i is designed for flexible installation and can be mounted on a wall or placed on a tabletop. It supports both horizontal and vertical orientations to suit your specific room layout.
The Motion 8i has a nominal impedance of 4 ohms and is compatible with amplifiers rated for 4, 6, or 8 ohms. It performs best with an amplifier providing between 20 and 180 watts per channel.
The Folded Motion tweeter uses a pleated diaphragm that moves air much faster than a traditional dome. This results in lower distortion, a quicker transient response, and the high-end clarity typically found in much more expensive electrostatic speakers.
No, the Motion 8i is a passive speaker. It does not have a built-in amplifier and must be connected to an external receiver or power amplifier using standard speaker wire.
The speaker features two 4-inch paper cone drivers that provide a frequency response down to 70 Hz. While it offers excellent clarity for dialogue and mid-range, you may want to pair it with a dedicated subwoofer for a full-range home theater experience.
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