Martin Logan Motion 15From real comments

Verdict distilled from 42 mentions across 10 aspects in comments under product review videos.

Positive sentiment76%
PROS 76%
CONS 24%

Rank based on 42 mentions across 10 aspects

View the verdict as

Buy this if...

  • You want standout vocal, piano and jazz reproduction with a wide, deep soundstage
  • You plan to pair with a subwoofer and use a modest amp or AVR
  • You can find one at a clearance or open-box price for strong value

What users love

Skip this if...

  • You need strong deep bass without adding a subwoofer
  • You listen mainly to rock at higher volumes and want a punchier woofer
  • You want a speaker that can play very loud like a larger design

What users complain about

Compare in seconds

Based on user comments

Best choiceBest value
1Mid
Wharfedale Denton 85
Warm, non-fatiguing soundStrong bass without needing a subwooferExcellent build quality and finishCan be overwhelming at higher volumes in smaller roomsLess precise detail retrieval than pricier speakersPlacement-sensitive for best imaging
Wharfedale Denton 85
Warm, non-fatiguing sound
Strong bass without needing a subwoofer
Excellent build quality and finish
Can be overwhelming at higher volumes in smaller rooms
Less precise detail retrieval than pricier speakers
Placement-sensitive for best imaging
2
Yamaha NS-670
Wonderful, balanced soundEnduring build qualityGood cosmetic condition possibleUncertain resale pricingAge-related hesitancy to serviceScratchy potentiometers
Yamaha NS-670
Wonderful, balanced sound
Enduring build quality
Good cosmetic condition possible
Uncertain resale pricing
Age-related hesitancy to service
Scratchy potentiometers
3Budget
Polk Audio Signature S20
Amp compatibilityExcellent value for priceStrong bass response
Polk Audio Signature S20
Amp compatibility
Excellent value for price
Strong bass response
4Premium
Yamaha NS-600A
Wide, immersive soundstageBuild and finish qualityStrong brand loyalty and satisfactionAmplifier pairing uncertaintyHigh price relative to alternativesPlacement sensitivity required
Yamaha NS-600A
Wide, immersive soundstage
Build and finish quality
Strong brand loyalty and satisfaction
Amplifier pairing uncertainty
High price relative to alternatives
Placement sensitivity required
5Premium
Epos ES-7N
Big sound for its sizeArticulate midrangeLong-term owner satisfactionCheap build componentsHigh price relative to build
Epos ES-7N
Big sound for its size
Articulate midrange
Long-term owner satisfaction
Cheap build components
High price relative to build
6Budget
Wharfedale Diamond 8.1
Excellent ValueBalanced, Non-Fatiguing SoundLong-Term Durability
Wharfedale Diamond 8.1
Excellent Value
Balanced, Non-Fatiguing Sound
Long-Term Durability
7Mid
Wharfedale Evo 4.1
Well-implemented AMT tweeterDeep, punchy bass beyond expectationsSolid build quality and attractive cabinetNeeds a powerful amplifierYellow/gold AMT tweeter styling divides opinionBenefits from burn-in before sounding its best
Wharfedale Evo 4.1
Well-implemented AMT tweeter
Deep, punchy bass beyond expectations
Solid build quality and attractive cabinet
Needs a powerful amplifier
Yellow/gold AMT tweeter styling divides opinion
Benefits from burn-in before sounding its best
8Budget
Pioneer BS22
Exceptional value for moneyClear, detailed mids and vocalsSurprisingly strong bass outputRequires adequate amplification to shineCan sound boomy or bass-heavy without treatmentIsolated complaint about cheap construction and poor mids
Pioneer BS22
Exceptional value for money
Clear, detailed mids and vocals
Surprisingly strong bass output
Requires adequate amplification to shine
Can sound boomy or bass-heavy without treatment
Isolated complaint about cheap construction and poor mids
9Premium
Focal Sopra No1
Exceptional detail and resolution
Focal Sopra No1
Exceptional detail and resolution
10Mid
Polk Audio Signature S10
Fits Into a Larger Signature Series SystemDecent Sound QualityGreat for Small RoomsNeeds a Subwoofer to Fill a Room
Polk Audio Signature S10
Fits Into a Larger Signature Series System
Decent Sound Quality
Great for Small Rooms
Needs a Subwoofer to Fill a Room
You are here
31Mid
Martin Logan Motion 15
Strong value, especially discountedExcellent mids and trebleGreat with vocals, jazz and acoustic musicLimited bass without a subWoofer struggles at higher volumes/rock musicLoose front decorative panel on some units
Martin Logan Motion 15
Strong value, especially discounted
Excellent mids and treble
Great with vocals, jazz and acoustic music
Limited bass without a sub
Woofer struggles at higher volumes/rock music
Loose front decorative panel on some units

Who wins on what

Ranked by what users actually praise

Overall Impression

The Motion 15 excels at mids, treble and soundstage. Multiple owners describe beautiful mids and treble, excellent imaging, and a soundstage so wide and deep it can mimic surround sound from stereo alone. Vocals, piano, jazz and acoustic guitar are repeatedly called standout genres, with the speakers seeming to 'vanish' in the room and create a spooky phantom image, according to several long-term owners across both the original and 15i versions.

Bass is limited and often needs a subwoofer. Several commenters note bass rolls off around 60-70Hz and the woofer doesn't keep up at higher SPLs, especially for rock music. Many pair the speakers with a sub (including 8-inch ML subs or SVS PB-3000s) to fill in the low end, describing the resulting combination as exactly the sound they wanted, while acknowledging the speaker alone is light on bass.

Strong value, especially at clearance prices. Buyers frequently mention snagging these on clearance, open-box, or demo deals for $150-470 versus much higher retail, calling them a bargain relative to pricier competitors like the Kef LS50. Several say they compare favorably to speakers costing twice as much, though a couple of units arrived with loose front decorative panels requiring screw tightening.

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