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Jul 27, 2023

MartinLogan’s Motion Foundation Series: High Tech Sound For ‘Emerging Audiophiles’

MartinLogan Motion Foundation FrequencyResponse: 36 Hz - 23 kHz ± 3 dB Impedance: 4 ohms Sensitivity(2.83 volts/meter): 92 dB Dimensions (Hx W x D): 44-7/16" x 8-3/4"x 16” Weight:52.5 lbs

MartinLogan Motion Foundation

FrequencyResponse: 36 Hz - 23 kHz ± 3 dB

Impedance: 4 ohms

Sensitivity(2.83 volts/meter): 92 dB

Dimensions (Hx W x D): 44-7/16" x 8-3/4"x 16”

Weight:52.5 lbs

FrequencyResponse: 41 Hz - 23 kHz ± 3 dB

Impedance: 4 ohms

Sensitivity(2.83 volts/meter): 92 dB

Dimensions (Hx W x D): 41-7/16” x 8-3/8” x 14-7/16”

Weight:46.5 lbs

FrequencyResponse: 42 Hz - 23 kHz ± 3 dB

Impedance:5 ohms

Sensitivity(2.83 volts/meter): 90 dB

Dimensions (Hx W x D): 15” x 7-3/4” x 11-1/2”

Weight:15 lbs

FrequencyResponse: 48 Hz - 23 kHz ± 3 dB

Impedance:5 ohms

Sensitivity(2.83 volts/meter): 89 dB

Dimensions (Hx W x D): 13-11/16” x 7-1/4” x 9-1/2”

Weight:11.5 lbs

FrequencyResponse: 53 Hz - 23 kHz ± 3 dB

Impedance:4 ohms

Sensitivity(2.83 volts/meter): 91 dB

Dimensions (Hx W x D): 7-5/8” x 20” x 10”

Weight:18 lbs

MartinLoganhas been making various incarnations of its Motion Series speakers since 2009.Chief Audioholic Gene DellaSala described some of the older Motion speakers as“very dynamic (with) good bass response.” They weren’t perfect, but they “had theability to play loud and clean,” according to Gene. So in February of 2023,when MartinLogan launched the all-new Motion Series and Motion XT Series speakers at an exclusive event hostedby our friends at Audio Advice in NorthCarolina, Gene was there to see what the new speakers could do. Compared to theolder versions, the 2023 Motion and Motion XT speakers represented “a big stepup,” according to Gene, who was “enamored by their performance.”

Vocalswere anchored right in the center, there was no coloration or bloat.…Everything we put on in this demo really gave us a sense that these speakersare well tuned (and) well balanced.

—Audioholics founder Gene DellaSala (F100 Listening Impressions)

Giventhat the Motion XT Series maxes out at about $5,500 per pair for the flagshiptowers, this kind of performance is impressive indeed. Compared to MartinLogan’sfamous electrostatic speakers, the Motion and Motion XT speakers are priced farmore accessibly, and they’re also easier to drive and easier to place in aroom. It’s no wonder, then, that these speakers have been so successful overthe last dozen years or so. But while the prices of the Motion and Motion XTofferings are considered very reasonable in some circles of the high-end audioworld — and they’re certainly fair for what you’re getting — the averageconsumer at a big-box store like Best Buy might not be ready to take theplunge. And so, with the aim of expanding the company’s reach to a much wideraudience, MartinLogan is now launching the new Motion Foundation Series. Thisfive-strong range of loudspeakers is designed to offer unprecedented value for“emerging audiophiles” and anyone else who wants to enjoy great-sounding musicand entertainment at home. MartinLogan says that this highly-anticipated lineof speakers “redefines affordability while maintaining the brand’s commitmentto an uncompromising audio experience,” and is “designed to capture newcustomers” by offering the brand’s renowned high-performance technologies atlower prices. The result is simply exceptional value and “an immersive audioexperience (that will) set new standards in affordable performance,” accordingto the company.

Someof MartinLogan’s signature technologies are easy to spot, starting with theFoundation speakers’ 2nd-generation Obsidian Folded Motion Tweeter S, whichreportedly delivers much of the same performance found in the Motion and MotionXT Series tweeters, but in a more compact and affordable design. And like thosemore expensive speakers, the Foundation Series places the tweeter within acustom Folded Motion Waveguide to deliver consistent, smooth, and controlledsound across the listening area. Aluminum midrange and bass drivers, designedin house, promise robust and detailed performance throughout the range. Thesenew drivers, combined with all new crossovers and cabinets, should deliver the“remarkable articulation, detail, and realism” that MartinLogan is known for,at more approachable prices than ever before.

TheMotion Foundation Series is a game-changer for MartinLogan and the world ofhigh-end audio. We are excited to offer an exceptional audio experience at aprice point that is accessible to a broader audience. This series opens up newpossibilities for emerging audiophiles, allowing them to elevate theirlistening experiences and enjoy the unparalleled clarity, detail, and precisionthat have defined the MartinLogan brand for over 40 years.

—Allan Tarrant, Senior Vice President at MartinLogan

Keyto the clarity, detail, and precision that Mr. Tarrant refers to isMartinLogan’s Gen2 Obsidian Folded Motion Tweeter S. The company describes this“groundbreaking” design as a “technological marvel (that) delivers effortlessperformance that surpasses conventional tweeters.” Like the tweeters in theMotion and Motion XT Series speakers, the Folded Motion Tweeter S is an airmotion transformer (AMT) tweeter that uses folded thin film material to squeezeair in and out. Like the bellows of an accordion, the folded diaphragm allows agreater surface area of material to fit into a small space, resulting in a moreefficient mechanism for moving air. MartinLogan promises “incredible detail andclarity that brings your favorite content to life with remarkable realism.” Thetweeter is designed with a hallmark feature called Controlled Dispersion, which“optimizes room acoustics and minimizes the detrimental effects commonlyassociated with speaker placement,” according to the company. The sound isfocused into the listening area in such a way that it “ensures increasedflexibility, clarity, and enhanced (loudspeaker) placement options, regardlessof the room’s design.”

ControlledDispersion is further enhanced by the Folded Motion Waveguide used around thetweeter throughout the Motion Foundation Series. Similar to the waveguide usedin the more expensive Motion Series, this waveguide is designed for a tweeterdispersion of 90° verticalx 90° horizontal. (The step-up Motion XT Series employs a larger tweeter witha 45° x 90° waveguide.) MartinLogan says that the FMTWaveguide envelops the listening space with exceptional detail and precision,while “avoiding performance-robbing room reflections.” The result is reportedlya more consistent sound across a wider seating area. The FMT Waveguide isn’tjust about creating an immersive audio experience for all listeners, however. It should make for alistening experience that is not only more consistent but also more accurate,as it’s designed to align “the output of the tweeter and midrange in perfectharmony,” according to MartinLogan.

Roomacoustics are vital, as everything in the listening room has an impact on speakerperformance. MartinLogan minimizes these harmful effects by focusing the soundinto the listening area.

—MartinLogan

Ofcourse, a tweeter can only do so much. The Motion Foundation Series also incorporatesnew aluminum midrange and bass drivers featuring trickle-down technology fromthe Motion and Motion XT Series. The drivers use cast aluminumbaskets, which you don’t always see in this price range. The aluminum cones themselves feature a unibodyconstruction that helps to “maximize clarity, detail, and output, ensuring anengaging and captivating listening experience,” according to MartinLogan.

TheMotion Foundation Series represents a significant milestone for MartinLogan. Webelieve in making it possible for a wider audience to experience true HighFidelity sound. We leveraged our 40 years of design and engineering experienceto meticulously refine every aspect of these speakers to achieve the bestpossible performance. This kind of expertise is not commonly seen in this rangeof products. Each detail has been carefully crafted to provide an extraordinaryaudio experience at an amazing value. The Motion Foundation Series representsthe culmination of extensive research and development. Following the approachwe used with our premium Motion XT and Motion Series products, MotionFoundation takes into account anechoic measurements, in-room testing, and blindlistening tests resulting in a line of speakers that sets high benchmarks forperformance and value within their class.

—Andrew Lindsey, MartinLogan Product Manager

Otheradvanced features include the Anti-Lobing 2.5-way design used in thecenter-channel speaker, which “minimizes tonality alteration commonly found in2-way center channel designs without the larger cabinet requirements typicallyassociated with 3-way designs.” MartinLogan promises clearer dialogue andhigher accuracy, all without sacrificing “furniture-friendly sizing.”Meanwhile, the tower speakers in the Motion Foundation Series have built-infloor bounce compensation via “precision woofer placement and crossovertuning.” MartinLogan says that these design elements combine to deliver “a morenatural and full sound by taking advantage of a constant found in all listeningrooms: the floor.” Each speaker in the Motion Foundation Series was extensivelymeasured (both in an anechoic chamber and in real-world listening rooms) andsubjected to multiple blind listening tests to achieve the best possibleperformance from every component, from the drivers to the cabinets to thelow-distortion McCracken-Vojtko Crossovers. (While I don’t know for sure, Ihave a feeling that these custom crossover networks were designed byMartinLogan’s Senior Loudspeaker Design Engineer, Joe McCracken, and thecompany’s longtime Lead Audio Technology Engineer, Joe Vojtko. Just a hunch.)

TheMartinLogan Motion Foundation Series includes five new models: twofloorstanders, two stand-mounts, and one center-channel speaker. All are rear-ported, and allare available in Black, Walnut, and Satin White finishes. They all includeSecure-Lock Grilles with stealth mounting tabs. Note that MartinLogan lists theprice for each speaker, rather than for a pair.

TheF2 is the flagship tower, designed for “those looking for the most dynamiclistening experience.” The F2 pairs theGen2 Obsidian Folded Motion Tweeter S with a 5.5-inch midrange driver and atrio of 6.5-inch aluminum woofers. It stands just over 44 inches tall, andpromises bass response down to 36Hz (± 3dB ). The F2’s nominal impedance is 4 ohms, and its sensitivity rating is ausefully high 92dB.

Motion Foundation F2 (left) and F1 (right)

Thesmaller F1 floorstander uses the same tweeter and midrange driver as the F2.The three aluminum bass drivers are scaled down to 5.5 inches. It stands justover 41 inches tall, and promises bass response down to 41Hz (± 3dB). The F1’snominal impedance is 4 ohms, and its sensitivity is 92dB.

TheB2 is the larger of two bookshelf speakers in the Motion Foundation Series. Inaddition to the Gen2 Obsidian FMT S tweeter, it uses a 6.5-inch mid-bassdriver. Standing 15 inches tall, the B2 promises bass response down to 42Hz (±3dB). The B2’s nominal impedance is 5 ohms, and its sensitivity is 90dB.

Motion Foundation B2 (left) and B1 (right)

TheB1 uses a 5.5-inch mid-bass driver in acabinet just over 13-and-a-half inches tall. The B1 promises bass response downto 48Hz (± 3dB). The B1’s nominal impedance is 5 ohms, and its sensitivity is89dB.

TheC1 center-channel speaker is a 2.5-way design using a pair of 5.5-inch driversflanking the tweeter. The C1 promises bass response down to 53Hz (± 3dB). TheC1’s nominal impedance is 4 ohms, and its sensitivity is 91dB.

TheMotion Foundation Series are available through authorized MartinLogandealers, like our friends at Audio Advice. But given the low prices, I imagine that many buyers willorder them sight unseen. And given their 4-ohm and 5-ohm impedance ratings,these speakers may not pair well with entry-level receivers. The highsensitivity of the floorstanders should help, but we'd recommend an amp ratedfor 4-ohm speakers even though the series brochure describes the speakers as“compatible” with amps rated for 8 ohms if you're planning to listen at exceedingly loud SPL for long durations of time. Will the “emerging audiophiles” andnew customers that MartinLogan is trying to reach know that they’ll need astout amplifier to make the most of the Motion Foundation Series? I don’texpect someone spending $600 on a pair of Motion Foundation B1 bookshelfspeakers to have a very expensive amp, and there are plenty of good, affordableintegrated amps and mid-range AV receivers capable of driving these speakers.Nevertheless, it’s a caveat worth mentioning in the context of a product aimedat newcomers to the world of high-end audio. Will the Motion Foundation Seriesbe able to offer a significant chunk of the impressive performance we’ve seenfrom MartinLogan’s costlier Motion and Motion XT Series? Share your thoughts inthe related forum thread below.

Unless otherwise indicated, this is a preview article for the featured product. A formal review may or may not follow in the future.

Jacob is a music-lover and audiophile who enjoys convincing his friends to buy audio gear that they can't afford. He's also a freelance writer and editor based in Los Angeles.

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