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
- Superb sound quality in three discrete channels with separation that's among the best heard from a soundbar
- The Folded Motion tweeter provides clarity that may be unrivaled for a soundbar
- Highly detailed sound for movie and video soundtracks
- Voices are clear and distinct
- Some of the best treble performance available at any price
Product Considerations
- Even midbass is a marginal endeavor due to the frequency response of 120Hz-25kHz (+/-3dB), so MartinLogan suggests it be augmented with a subwoofer
- True, accurate bass is not possible in such a slim, compact speaker
- Soundstage is smaller than with separate speakers
- Audiophile values—soundstaging and transparency—are simply not possible when all three front channels are squeezed into four linear feet
- Because the objective is thin, thinner, thinnest, the posts don't accept such audiophile esoterica as banana plugs; you make do with pins or tinned/bare wire
Takeaway: The MartinLogan Motion SLM X3 is a slim, compact speaker that provides high-end performance, perfect for those who have large flat screen TVs. It delivers detailed sound and clear voices, enhancing the movie and video soundtrack experience.
All
Motion SLM X3
reviews

Manufacturer details
- Frequency Response: 120–25,000 Hz ±3dB
- Recommended Amplifier Power: 20—140 watts per channel
- Horizontal Dispersion: 80°
- Vertical Dispersion: 80°
- Sensitivity: 93 dB/2.83 volts/meter
- Impedance: 4 Ohms
- Crossover Frequency: 3,000 Hz
- High Frequency Transducer: Three 1" × 1.4" (2.6cm × 3.6cm) Folded Motion Transducer with 5.25" × 1.75" (13.3cm × 4.4cm) diaphragm
- Low Frequency Transducer: Six 4" (10.2cm) paper cone
- Weight: 13 lbs. (5.9 kg)
- Dimensions: 6.3" x 48" x 2" (16.2cm x 122cm x 5.1cm)
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.
Select products
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.
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Used
Martin Logan
What if you spend more?
Immersive 5.1 Surround Sound for the Price of a Soundbar Unleash home cinema surround sound in any small to medium size room with the compact and versatile Prime Satellite 5.1 Surround Sound System. Small Speakers, Huge Sound Redefining performance in the compact speaker category, SVS Prime Satellite fits nearly anywhere and fills a space with immersive home theater surround sound. Easy to mount on a wall or place on furniture, it’s the biggest sounding small speaker available. Immersive, Breathtaking Bass Unleash room-shaking output you can feel with deep bass extension down to 20Hz. Featuring a 12-inch high-excursion driver, 325 watts RMS, 850+ watts peak amplifier, and the SVS subwoofer control smartphone app, SB-1000 Pro subwoofer is the ticket to thrilling and immersive home audio experiences.
Our summary
Product Strengths
- Awesome gloss finish makes it look more expensive
- Integrates a little bit better with a subwoofer
- A little bit better sound quality in terms of resolution, especially in the high end, and a little bit of a wider sound stage
- More efficient than the Micas and has a bit easier time playing louder in a larger space than the Micas do
- Built in keyhole mount
Product Considerations
- Absolutely require a subwoofer, or else the user may be unhappy
- Heavier speakers so you might want to find a stud before mounting them
- The gloss finish version is significantly more expensive than its competitor
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- SVS Prime Satellites offer about 20-25% better sound quality compared to Mica 000s
- SVS Prime Satellites are more efficient compared to Mica 000s
- SVS Prime Satellites have a wider sound stage compared to Mica 000s
- Sound signature is very similar between the two, both on the brighter side of neutral, but the SVSs are a little bit more brighter and a little bit forward
Takeaway: The Prime Satellites offer a gloss finish and improved sound quality, especially in the high end, when paired with a subwoofer. They are also more efficient and have a wider soundstage compared to some alternatives, making them a good choice if aesthetics and performance are important.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Dolby Atmos® | 101 dB SPL | 950 Watts RMSDevialet Dione is Devialet’s acoustic engineering applied to home cinema: a high-end, all-in-one Dolby Atmos® 5.1.2 soundbar that elevates all contents on your television.A true all-in-one soundbar.Seventeen autonomous high-end drivers, all powered by proprietary Devialet technologies, come together to deliver deep infrabass and crystal-clear treble. A plug-and-play way to enjoy a vivid, cinematic viewing experience in a 3D, 5.1.2 configuration. Do you dare to feel the crescendo?
Our summary
Product Strengths
- Excellent clarity and detail across the full-range drivers create a satisfyingly rich listening experience
- Remarkable bass performance delivers a deep and weighty low-end that rivals systems with external subwoofers
- Expansive, informative, and assertive full-range sound transforms the viewing experience
- Striking, high-end design features a unique rotatable center channel ('Orb') for versatile placement options
- Elegant, simple Dolby Atmos speaker provides sound without much added physical or sonic clutter
Product Considerations
- High price tag compared to competitors, especially considering the lack of DTS:X support and HDMI passthrough
- Middling surround sound performance offers a limited ability to create a truly enveloping soundfield
- Lacks sound enhancement features, like bass/treble adjustments, graphic EQ, or individual channel volume controls
- Bass can be overpowering at times
- Lacks a remote control, relying on a mobile app or HDMI-CEC for control
Takeaway: The Devialet Dione is a unique and powerful soundbar that delivers exceptional bass and clear audio, making movies and music sound great. It is a stylish, all-in-one solution for those who want high-end sound without the clutter of a traditional surround system.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Product Strengths
- Clear and detailed audio, enhancing dialogue clarity significantly over TV speakers
- Compact size and aesthetic design make it suitable for smaller TVs (around 40-50 inches) and rooms, with flexible placement options
- Integrates seamlessly into the Sonos ecosystem, offering user-friendly operation and a cohesive app for control and setup
- Versatile connectivity through Wi-Fi and Apple Airplay 2, enabling wireless music streaming and integration with other Sonos speakers
Product Considerations
- Limited bass performance, potentially requiring a separate subwoofer for a more immersive experience
- Only connects to TVs via an optical port, lacking HDMI ARC and the ability to support higher quality audio formats
- Absence of Bluetooth connectivity, limiting its versatility for direct connections with devices
- Soundstage is narrower compared to wider soundbars, which may not provide as immersive a listening experience, although it does output in stereo
- The use of an optical connection means users have to go through an additional setup process so that their TV's remote can adjust the volume on it
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Sonos Beam Gen 2: Offers a more affordable entry point into the Sonos ecosystem, sacrificing some features of the Beam Gen 2—such as Dolby Atmos and HDMI connectivity
- Vs Roku Streambar Pro: Has similar audio performance but fewer connectivity options
Takeaway: The Sonos Ray is a compact and stylish soundbar that noticeably upgrades the sound quality of the TV, especially for dialogue. Its integration with the Sonos ecosystem makes it a great choice for those looking to expand their multi-room audio setup.
Video review
Our take on the brand
What competes at this price?
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Extruded aluminum housing provides exceptional build quality.
- 3D Array technology cancels out crosstalk distortion, providing sound that performs almost like having separate speakers, with good channel separation.
- Folded ribbon tweeters provide delicate sound that is not fatiguing or ear-piercing at louder levels.
- The soundbar can handle up to 300 watts per channel, providing a truly cinematic experience with quiet parts being real quiet and loud parts getting real loud.
- Soundstage can be surprisingly wide.
Product Considerations
- Bass response benefits from pairing with a subwoofer.
- Frequency response only reaches down to 80 Hz.
- Auto room correction should not be used.
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- As good as flagship soundbars from Samsung and LG.
Takeaway: The SuperCinema soundbar offers a cinematic experience with impressive sound separation and a wide soundstage thanks to its unique technology. This soundbar is a good option for those seeking a sleek, powerful, and customizable audio solution.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Stunning design and premium build quality, using a mix of textures and materials for a tailored look
- Clear and intelligible dialogue, especially with a slight emphasis on the vocal range
- Easy to set up and use, with a straightforward app interface
- Powerful sound that can fill a small-to-medium-sized room, driven by a 400-watt amplifier
- Impressive Dolby Atmos performance, creating a taller, broader, and deeper soundstage, especially with Atmos content
- Only one HDMI input and no HDMI input passthrough
Product Considerations
- Lacks adjustability and customization options like individual channel level controls, EQ presets, or dialogue enhancements
- Bass performance lacks physicality and visceral impact compared to soundbars with separate subwoofers
- The soundbar requires a true Dolby Surround or Atmos signal for best results, stereo mixes can sound constrained
- Some reviewers noted occasional HDMI handshake issues when switching between Atmos and stereo content
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Samsung Q950A—the Samsung is better overall, sounds good with almost any signal, and has more bass and features, but the Panorama 3 has better design and ease of use
- Vs Sonos Beam Gen 2—the Panorama 3 is more convincing and confident in larger spaces, but the Beam Gen 2 is expandable and more affordable
- Vs Bang & Olufsen Beosound Stage—the Beosound Stage does a better job with non-Atmos content and offers more flexibility and customization, but the Panorama 3 is equal to or slightly better spatially with Atmos content
- Vs Bose 900—the Bose 900 sounds great with non-Atmos content and is expandable, but the Panorama 3 does a better job spatially with Dolby Atmos movies as an all-in-one solution
Takeaway: The Panorama 3 is a stylish and simple to use soundbar that delivers a powerful and detailed audio experience. With its impressive Atmos performance, it's a good choice for those looking to upgrade their TV's sound without the complexities of a full home theater system.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Impressively detailed, solid, and satisfying Dolby Atmos delivery
- Effectively combines spaciousness and clarity when playing non-Atmos soundtracks
- Sound is clear and crisp
- Has a rich, wide sound and handles Dolby Atmos content well
- The soundbar is more musical than most and is able to exhibit a lot of subtlety and has great dialogue reproduction
Product Considerations
- Music lacks drive and drama
- The soundbar is taller than average and may block part of the screen if placed on the same surface as a TV
- Initial setup can be difficult
- Lacks HDMI inputs, requiring the TV to be connected via optical cable
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Sonos Arc: The Pulse Soundbar+ offers music tracks full of sound color splendor, but the Sonos Arc is punchier, better organized, and more engaging overall
- Vs Sonos Arc: Sonos has dedicated upward-firing speakers, while the Bluesound does not
- Vs Sonos: Bluesound has a richer soundstage than Sonos
Takeaway: The Bluesound Pulse Soundbar+ provides detailed and solid sound for both movies and music. It is a good choice for those who appreciate nuance and detail, with the added benefit of BluOS streaming and multiroom capabilities.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Clear dialogue and good vocal clarity, making it a solid choice as an upgrade over TV speakers for vocal-centric content
- Compact size makes it ideal for smaller TVs (around 40-55 inches) and rooms
- Easy to set up and integrate into the Sonos ecosystem using the Sonos app
- Balanced, crisp sound that surpasses many budget soundbars and offers better sound than the majority of internal TV speakers
- Full Sonos wireless support with AirPlay 2 and Spotify Connect
Product Considerations
- Lacks low bass, which can make it disappointing for movies or music with a lot of bass, if listening to music with a higher value soundbar
- No HDMI connectivity, relying on optical input, which may cause control issues for some users
- No Dolby Atmos support
- Trueplay room correction is only available for iOS devices
- IR volume adjustments can be problematic
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The Beam Gen 2 is the 'utmost winner' with better sound, connectivity, fit, build, and aesthetic
- The Sonos Beam is better with a discrete center channel to improve dialogue reproduction
Takeaway: The Sonos Ray is a compact and capable soundbar that greatly improves the TV's sound, making it easier to hear dialogue and enjoy music. Its small size and easy setup make it a good fit for smaller spaces and those new to the Sonos ecosystem.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Compact design fits easily in most rooms.
- Integration with the HEOS ecosystem allows for multi-room audio.
- Clear dialogue reproduction, especially with the Dialogue Enhancer feature.
- Supports Dolby Atmos and DTS:X for immersive audio.
- Versatile connectivity options include HDMI eARC, a full HDMI in, optical input, USB, Ethernet, and 3.5mm AUX input.
Product Considerations
- Volume may be limited, potentially exhibiting compression or harshness at maximum volume.
- Simulated surround sound, with a limited Dolby Atmos effect, may not provide the most immersive experience.
- Bass reproduction can be lacking and may require the addition of a separate subwoofer.
- The HEOS app has been described as clunky and not very user-friendly.
- The sound can be a little boomy.
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to the Sonos Beam (Gen 2), the Denon offers more connectivity with an extra HDMI input, but the Sonos has better center and surround performances and a more persuasive Dolby Atmos effect.
- Compared to the Yamaha YAS-209, one may prefer the Yamaha for more bass because it comes with a dedicated sub.
- Compared to the Bose Smart Soundbar 300, the Denon supports Atmos content and comes with more sound enhancement features, including EQ presets and auto-volume mode.
- It can fly solo or work as the cornerstone of a larger multi-room sound system, similar to the Polk React and Sonos Beam Gen 2.
Takeaway: The Denon Home Sound Bar 550 is a compact and feature-rich soundbar that offers good sound, especially when paired with additional speakers and is a good fit if already invested in the HEOS ecosystem. It is a versatile option for enhancing TV audio and enjoying high-resolution music.
Video review
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