Website author headshot
Cameron Oatley
ExtremeHiFi
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi

Note that this is a discontinued product. You may want to visit the brand's page here to browse their newer products.

What reviewers think

Bloggers and YouTubers have tried this product—so we've summarized their strongest opinions below. Links to full reviews follow.

Product Strengths

  • Deep soundstage, comparable to high-performing bookshelf speakers
  • Excellent transient response, making sounds very realistic
  • Clear dialogue reproduction, especially with higher voices
  • Controlled dispersion, which benefits the timbral matching of speakers and minimizes off-axis sound
  • Includes everything needed for various mounting options (wall, stands, horizontal)

Product Considerations

  • Lower-pitched voices may cause some cabinet resonance, correctable by tilting the speaker
  • Sounds of papers in surround effects were confined to the locations of the direct-radiating SLMs
  • A subwoofer is needed to enjoy bass-heavy tracks

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • The Motion SLM has superior high-frequency reproduction and depth of image, while the Angstrom Suono produces decent bass response without a subwoofer
  • The Dynamo 700w sounds much tighter and performs better, while the PSB plays a bit louder

Takeaway: The Motion SLM system, especially with the Folded Motion Tweeter, sounds great and looks beautiful, enhancing flat-panel TV setups. MartinLogan provides everything needed to set it up easily, making it a great system.

What are hifi reviews useful for? (1) Identifying products you should demo in person at a dealer. (2) Learning which products reviewers unanimously praise as the best they've heard (this means they probably are legitimately great). (3) Identifying a product's attributes that satisfy your idiosyncratic needs and tastes. Beyond that, we often discount what reviewers say because they heap praise on most products—and are often apprehensive about publishing strong criticism or comparisons between products. Further, they seldom have more than a few products on-hand, often relying on their memories to compare past products. Always listen for yourself.

All

Motion SLM

reviews

[{"title":"MartinLogan Motion SLM On-Wall Loudspeakers and Dynamo 700w Subwoofer","link":"https://www.soundstagexperience.com/index.php/equipment-menu/434-martinlogan-motion-slm-on-wall-loudspeakers-and-dynamo-700w-subwoofer","source":"SoundStage! Experience","datePublished":"2013"}]
An excellent review of a great product
/
Publisher
/
3/1/2022
An excellent review of a great product
Publisher
/
3/1/2022

Manufacturer details

  • Frequency Response: 110–25,000 Hz ±3dB
  • Recommended Amplifier Power: 20—140 watts per channel
  • Horizontal Dispersion: 80°
  • Vertical Dispersion: 80°
  • Sensitivity: 94 dB/2.83 volts/meter
  • Impedance: 4 Ohms
  • Crossover Frequency: 2,600 Hz
  • High Frequency Transducer: 1" × 1.4" (2.6cm × 3.6cm) Folded Motion Transducer with 5.25" × 1.75" (13.3cm × 4.4cm) diaphragm
  • Low Frequency Transducer: Two 4" (10.2cm) paper cone. Two 4" (10.2cm) paper cone passive radiators
  • Inputs: Low-profile push style
  • Weight: 6.5 lbs. (3 kg)
  • Dimensions: 25.3" x 6.4" x 1.83" (64.2cm x 16.2cm x 4.75cm)
The slender Motion® SLM speakers features an advanced resolution Folded Motion tweeter, two 4-inch high-excursion fiber cone woofers and two passive bass radiators for maximum controlled low-end bass extension - all in an ultra-slim profile designed expressly for super-thin TVs.
Manufacturer Site

Brand highlights

Taking a step back to look at reviewers' thoughts of the brand's entire lineup—not just this product—what stands out most is the following:

  • MartinLogan's defining CLS (Curvilinear Line Source) electrostatic panel technology provides exceptionally wide horizontal high-frequency dispersion, exceeding that of traditional flat panels and offering a more immersive soundstage.
  • The brand uniquely integrates powered dynamic woofers with its electrostatic panels, employing custom DSP engines and advanced crossover designs to achieve seamless blending and extended, well-defined bass response.
  • MartinLogan's commitment to full-range sound reproduction, even in smaller models, results in a "large" sound that defies the speaker's physical size, projecting height and scale often unmatched by comparably sized speakers.
  • They provide Anthem Room Correction (ARC) as an option, allowing users to tailor the bass response to their specific listening environment and achieve optimal integration between the speakers and the room's acoustics.

Motion Series

  • Positioning: The entry-level lineup, offering a balance of performance and affordability.
  • Description: Uses the Gen2 Folded Motion Tweeter, which provides clear and detailed sound. Compared to the Motion XT Series, it uses Woven Fiberglass midrange drivers, making it more budget-friendly while still delivering quality sound for small to medium-sized rooms.

Motion XT Series

  • Positioning: A step up from the Motion Series, offering enhanced performance and features.
  • Description: Stands out with its high-performance Nomex-Reinforced Kevlar midrange drivers and Gen2 Folded Motion XT Tweeter, delivering more detail and power than the standard Motion Series.

ElectroMotion Series

  • Positioning: Positioned as a mid-range option, combining advanced technologies for a superior audio experience.
  • Description: Features advanced thin film transducer technologies, including electrostatic and Folded Motion designs, offering greater accuracy and style compared to the Motion XT Series.

Masterpiece Series

  • Positioning: The flagship lineup, representing the pinnacle of MartinLogan's electrostatic loudspeaker design.
  • Description: Renowned for its groundbreaking electrostatic loudspeakers, which provide the most immersive and detailed sound experience in the lineup. It surpasses the ElectroMotion Series with its larger soundstage and advanced engineering.
See All Products
Avg. Product Price
$501-$1,000
Used For Sale
467
 Available (Scroll Down)
Brand Popularity
5
 of 900+
Badges
Top 50 Brand
Top 250 Brand
Products Listed
81
Founding Year
1982

Our take on the brand

Martin Logan is one of the most established names in high-end audio, best known as a pioneer of electrostatic panel speakers. Electrostatics offer a unique, tactile transient response that many audiophiles find addictive—once people hear them, they often become lifelong fans. In some ways, these speakers are comparable to Magnepan’s dipole designs. However, Martin Logan also offers more traditional cone-driver speakers, providing something for a range of tastes and setups.

Look inside the brand

Brand Page

Our interview with the brand

What are two key technological innovations or strong opinions that differ you from other brands?

What's your approach to customer support?

What are your favorite tracks for showcasing the strength of your products?

What other products pair best with yours?

From our interview with
.
Brand Page

What if you spend more?

Product image
Focal
On Wall 302
1599
1599
/
4
Reviews
Focal is a French hifi brand that makes their own drivers in-house, including their highly-regarded beryllium tweeters and unique slatefiber mid/bass drivers made from recycled carbon fiber. Their speakers and headphones feature distinctive technologies like their "W" sandwich cone design for optimal driver performance and Mimi Sound Personalization that adapts audio to individual hearing profiles.
Check Amazon
Expand Details

Product Strengths

  • Versatile design allows for vertical or horizontal mounting, on-wall or freestanding configurations
  • Clear dialog and well-sorted audio elements are produced for movies
  • Accurate imaging creates a strong phantom center channel effect
  • Sleek and modern aesthetics fit well in various spaces
  • Clear midrange and spirited highs provide good sound quality for both movies and music
  • Connectivity options are available

Product Considerations

  • Bass response may not satisfy bass enthusiasts without a subwoofer
  • Small hole for speaker wire in the stand pole may be too small for some speaker cables with spade connectors
  • Speakers need to be closer to the wall to reinforce bass

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • The Focal On Wall 302 offers more versatility in application, while the Focal Vestia No. 2 has more designer finish

Takeaway: The Focal On Wall 302 is a versatile speaker that delivers excellent sound quality and offers a modern, sleek design that fits into various home theater or music setups. These speakers are a great choice for those looking for unobtrusive, elegant speakers that perform well for both movies and music.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Focal is a French hifi brand that makes their own drivers in-house, including their highly-regarded beryllium tweeters and unique slatefiber mid/bass drivers made from recycled carbon fiber. Their speakers and headphones feature distinctive technologies like their "W" sandwich cone design for optimal driver performance and Mimi Sound Personalization that adapts audio to individual hearing profiles.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
Product image
Dali
Rubikore
2500
2500
/
3
Reviews
DALI is a speaker brand known for its unique hybrid tweeter module that combines a soft dome and planar ribbon tweeter, along with proprietary Soft Magnetic Compound technology that reduces distortion. Their speakers feature distinctive wood fiber cones and are designed to be used without toe-in, which creates a broader, more even spread of sound across the listening area.
Check Amazon
Expand Details

Product Strengths

  • Nice bass extension down to about 40, 45 Hertz in the room
  • Very low distortion and good dynamic range
  • Excellent resolution throughout the frequency range
  • Hybrid tweeter widens the sweet spot and opens up the soundstage
  • Well-constructed and well-engineered

Product Considerations

  • The speaker sounds a little too laid back in the mid-range
  • High frequency has a lot of sizzle or pop, the level of the tweeter stands out more above the mid-range
  • Without some equalization or some sidewall absorption, it is a tough sell
  • SMC material reduces third harmonic distortion, and some people may feel that it is too polite
  • May need a cooler and livelier amplifier to get the best sound

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Neat Elite Classics are only just a little less capable at shifting air at low frequencies and are a little more balanced tonally, whereas the Dali's are a little recessed in the upper mid-range

Takeaway: The Dali Rubicon 6s are well-engineered speakers that offer excellent resolution throughout the frequency range. The hybrid tweeter widens the sweet spot and opens up the soundstage.

Video review

Our take on the brand

DALI is a speaker brand known for its unique hybrid tweeter module that combines a soft dome and planar ribbon tweeter, along with proprietary Soft Magnetic Compound technology that reduces distortion. Their speakers feature distinctive wood fiber cones and are designed to be used without toe-in, which creates a broader, more even spread of sound across the listening area.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
Product image
Axiom
M60 (On-wall)
2437
2437
/
3
Reviews
Axiom Audio manufactures its own drivers and features unique design elements like rear-firing drivers with DSP processing, die-cast metal faceplates that act as heatsinks, and Vortex ports to reduce air turbulence. Their speakers, including the LFR1100 and M100 v4, are known for uncommon features at their price points, such as seven drivers per speaker for greater linearity and the ability to reach exceptionally low frequencies of 15Hz in their subwoofers.
Check Amazon
Expand Details

Product Strengths

  • Great sound and is considered one of the greatest audio bargains
  • Even tonal balance, very neutral, and offers a balance of detail and exceptional musicality
  • Creates a credible soundstage and reveals detail in well-recorded material, with a wide stage extending beyond the speakers and conveying depth
  • Can play loudly with minimal effort due to its 89dB sensitivity and 8-ohm impedance
  • Superb imaging, especially with two-channel listening

Product Considerations

  • High-end finishes increase the price significantly
  • Some reviewers find the grills flimsy
  • Some reviewers found the speaker install difficult
  • The height of the tweeter was a bit low for one reviewer, causing the soundstage to feel low at times
  • Some reviewers find Axiom speakers as a whole as unforgiving or too bright

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Compared to PSB Platinum M2 and Usher X-718, the Axiom M60 v2 could play much louder and go far lower in the bass
  • Compared to Onix Rocket RS450s, there's a considerably increased size of the soundstage

Takeaway: The Axiom M60 v2 speakers are a great value for their excellent performance and ability to draw one into their music. With a seemingly boundless dynamic range, they bring music to life and can be a solid choice if space allows.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Axiom Audio manufactures its own drivers and features unique design elements like rear-firing drivers with DSP processing, die-cast metal faceplates that act as heatsinks, and Vortex ports to reduce air turbulence. Their speakers, including the LFR1100 and M100 v4, are known for uncommon features at their price points, such as seven drivers per speaker for greater linearity and the ability to reach exceptionally low frequencies of 15Hz in their subwoofers.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
Product image
Monitor
SoundFrame 1 (In-wall)
1099
1099
/
3
Reviews
Monitor Audio is an independently owned hifi brand that has earned multiple Editors Choice awards for their Silver Series speakers, which feature proprietary driver designs. Their speakers are distinguished by unique technologies like the MPD tweeter and C-CAM drivers, which provide exceptional clarity while resisting distortion and listener fatigue.
Check Amazon
Expand Details

Product Strengths

  • Smooth, spacious sound with good weight
  • Excellent build and finish quality
  • Slim design allows it to be hung on the wall like a picture
  • Employs true 3-way full range drivers with pivoting Inverted Dual Concentric mid-range/tweeter modules, and C-CAM bass drivers
  • Clever drive unit arrangement ensures that imaging is excellent

Product Considerations

  • Midrange colouration can harm timing, potentially leading to a slightly congested presentation with complex rhythms
  • Bass presence is limited due to the sealed-box design
  • Without the grilles, the speakers have a stark, industrial look

Takeaway: The SoundFrame offers both stylish design and impressive sound quality, making it a good choice for those who want their speakers to blend seamlessly with their home decor. Its innovative features and well-built construction make it a worthwhile investment.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Monitor Audio is an independently owned hifi brand that has earned multiple Editors Choice awards for their Silver Series speakers, which feature proprietary driver designs. Their speakers are distinguished by unique technologies like the MPD tweeter and C-CAM drivers, which provide exceptional clarity while resisting distortion and listener fatigue.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page

What competes at this price?

Dali
Fazon Mikro
502
/
Released
The DALI FAZON MIKRO is an ultra compact on-wall speaker featuring our signature wood fibre cone and soft dome tweeter module. The high-gloss lacquered aluminium cabinet fits perfectly in any living room and delivers true Hi-Fi in a very small package.
Check Amazon
DALI is a speaker brand known for its unique hybrid tweeter module that combines a soft dome and planar ribbon tweeter, along with proprietary Soft Magnetic Compound technology that reduces distortion. Their speakers feature distinctive wood fiber cones and are designed to be used without toe-in, which creates a broader, more even spread of sound across the listening area.
Expand Details

Our Summary

Product Strengths

  • The speakers produce a lively and informative sound
  • The system has excellent cohesion, showing no jarring shifts in tone
  • The system offers excellent detail and tonality, especially with voices
  • The subwoofer integrates well and packs a good punch for its size
  • The build quality is excellent with a high-calibre paint finish

Product Considerations

  • The soundstage can be relatively small, and the system can struggle to convey the scale of some explosions
  • Dynamics could be better—the system can fall a little flat dynamically when it comes to building tension
  • Low frequencies from the subwoofer can sound overly bloated if the volume dial is cranked up too high
  • Dispersion from the Mikro speakers is not as wide as some would like
  • The sound might be too polite and small-scale for some tastes, lacking heft and authority

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • The Fazon Mikro lacks the out-and-out heft, authority and dynamics of similarly priced packages like the Quad L-ite Plus or the Monitor Audio Radius R90HT1

Takeaway:

The Dali Fazon Mikro 5.1 is a stylish speaker package that delivers a refined and detailed sound for both movies and music. It's an assured system that's easy to admire because of the build quality and the solid sound.

Video review

Our take on the brand

DALI is a speaker brand known for its unique hybrid tweeter module that combines a soft dome and planar ribbon tweeter, along with proprietary Soft Magnetic Compound technology that reduces distortion. Their speakers feature distinctive wood fiber cones and are designed to be used without toe-in, which creates a broader, more even spread of sound across the listening area.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
Q Acoustics
7000i 5.0
865
/
Released
2022
Don't be misled by the appearance this award winning model's small elegant, all aluminium cabinet. First and foremost, the 7000i L+R are 'full range', true hi-fi loudspeakers, capable of delivering an excellent sonic performance across a wide range of applications.
Check Amazon
Q Acoustics, a popular entry-level hifi brand among professional reviewers, offers excellent performance at affordable prices.
Expand Details

Our Summary

Product Strengths

  • Open, easy-going tone
  • Agile, seamlessly integrated bass
  • Stunning design and build quality

Product Considerations

  • Small, fiddly cable terminals

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • The 7000i system delivers outstanding sound quality, even more impressive than the KEF E305, Quad L-ite Plus, and DALI Fazon Mikro

Takeaway: The 7000i is the best-sounding speaker package and will add a touch of class to any living room without hogging much space. It has an easy-going, open tone but with enough power, scale and bass punch to make movies sound exhilarating.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Q Acoustics, a popular entry-level hifi brand among professional reviewers, offers excellent performance at affordable prices.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
Focal
Theva Surround
649
/
Released
2023
Theva Surround is the wall-mount speaker from the Theva range. It completes your Home Cinema system and can be easily installed in different spots to enjoy total sound immersion. Boasting a TNF tweeter and a Slatefiber cone speaker driver – both exclusive Focal technologies –, it spatialises every listening session for an uncompromising sound experience.
Check Amazon
Focal is a French hifi brand that makes their own drivers in-house, including their highly-regarded beryllium tweeters and unique slatefiber mid/bass drivers made from recycled carbon fiber. Their speakers and headphones feature distinctive technologies like their "W" sandwich cone design for optimal driver performance and Mimi Sound Personalization that adapts audio to individual hearing profiles.
Expand Details

Our Summary

Product Strengths

  • Sweet and detailed audio performance with clear instrumental separation and expansive dimensionality
  • Warm and full-bodied bass and midrange
  • Clear yet 'mellow' treble, creating a pleasing sound signature
  • Accurate sound that doesn't do much to color the recording, so listeners get a balanced presentation of the source content
  • Good level of dynamic range for reasonably sized bookshelf speakers, and they can get louder than expected for their size/price class

Product Considerations

  • The laid-back sound may occasionally obscure some definition
  • The speakers run on the cooler side of things, never becoming too indulgent in any aspect and instead providing a sound that is accurate and slightly pulled back, but never muted or lifeless
  • Asymmetry of the phase coherence of their vertical lobe can be a slight problem for anyone listening under the tweeter axis
  • Does not feel as substantial as some other speakers in their price class

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Vs Focal Vestia No. 1: Theva offers a lot of what makes the Vestia No. 1 great while saving money, but is not as immediately striking in detail or treble extension
  • Vs Bowers & Wilkins 606 S3: Theva is more compact and easier to place, but doesn't look as premium
  • Vs Polk Legend Series L100: Theva has a more laid-back sound profile, making it a better listen in most cases, while the L100 presents a more precise center image

Takeaway: The Theva No. 1 is a great speaker for enjoying detailed and smooth sound without harshness. It's a good option for different types of content, from music to movies, and is especially suited for smaller spaces.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Focal is a French hifi brand that makes their own drivers in-house, including their highly-regarded beryllium tweeters and unique slatefiber mid/bass drivers made from recycled carbon fiber. Their speakers and headphones feature distinctive technologies like their "W" sandwich cone design for optimal driver performance and Mimi Sound Personalization that adapts audio to individual hearing profiles.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
Dali
Alteco C-1
600
/
Released
The DALI ALTECO C-1 is a true multipurpose speaker. It adds Atmos, DTS-X and Auro-3D height information to an existing surround setup, and is a discreet on-wall solution for a stereo installation.
Check Amazon
DALI is a speaker brand known for its unique hybrid tweeter module that combines a soft dome and planar ribbon tweeter, along with proprietary Soft Magnetic Compound technology that reduces distortion. Their speakers feature distinctive wood fiber cones and are designed to be used without toe-in, which creates a broader, more even spread of sound across the listening area.
Expand Details

Our Summary

Product Strengths

  • Designed to deliver delicate Atmos sounds and add height to the surround sound experience
  • Brilliantly built and seem built to last
  • Does an outstanding job in reproducing a cinematic feel
  • They are full-bodied and an easy and engaging listen
  • Can be used discreetly on your living room wall while providing an exceptional stereo listening experience when paired with a subwoofer

Product Considerations

  • With the vinyl wrap, it looks a little bit like Ikea furniture, so it may not be the best option for a classy looking system
  • Speaker terminals use a push fit spring clamp system for very thin wire, which can be annoying
  • When used on top of floor standers, they do not sound as good as when wall-mounted
  • Dolby Atmos content availability may be lacking

Takeaway: The Alteco C1 is a well-built speaker that adds a cinematic feel to a home theatre experience. It is a versatile speaker that can be used in different ways and is a good value for the price.

Video review

Our take on the brand

DALI is a speaker brand known for its unique hybrid tweeter module that combines a soft dome and planar ribbon tweeter, along with proprietary Soft Magnetic Compound technology that reduces distortion. Their speakers feature distinctive wood fiber cones and are designed to be used without toe-in, which creates a broader, more even spread of sound across the listening area.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
Monitor
SoundFrame 1 (On-wall)
686
/
Released
The SoundFrame series consists of three sizes of speakers that complement any room. SoundFrame 1 On-Wall adopts the aspect of a typical portrait picture frame and is designed for music and film audio in a front left/right and surround configuration.
Check Amazon
Monitor Audio is an independently owned hifi brand that has earned multiple Editors Choice awards for their Silver Series speakers, which feature proprietary driver designs. Their speakers are distinguished by unique technologies like the MPD tweeter and C-CAM drivers, which provide exceptional clarity while resisting distortion and listener fatigue.
Expand Details

Our Summary

Product Strengths

  • Smooth, spacious sound with good weight
  • Excellent build and finish quality
  • Discreet and stylish design, blending easily with room décor
  • Slim cabinets make them easy to hang on the wall
  • Driver arrangement ensures excellent imaging, even when speakers are mounted high

Product Considerations

  • Midrange colouration can harm timing
  • Bass is more limited compared to some rivals due to the sealed-box design
  • Can become a little muddled with complex rhythms
  • Without grilles, they sport a stark, industrial look

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • When compared to rivals such as PMC's Wafer 2, the SoundFrames have the most limited bass
  • SoundFrames are better than the KEF T205 system

Takeaway: The Monitor Audio SoundFrame is a stylish and innovative speaker system that delivers impressive sound quality despite its slim design. It's a great option for those who want a system that blends seamlessly with their décor without compromising on performance.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Monitor Audio is an independently owned hifi brand that has earned multiple Editors Choice awards for their Silver Series speakers, which feature proprietary driver designs. Their speakers are distinguished by unique technologies like the MPD tweeter and C-CAM drivers, which provide exceptional clarity while resisting distortion and listener fatigue.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page

Questions? Ask the brand's dealers.

All Dealers
No items found.

How to buy

Speakers

Search all hifi products

Explore our database of 10,000+ new and 25,000+ used hifi products.