The full review
Martin Logan Motion 20 Speakers Review
First Impressions and Aesthetics
The Martin Logan Motion 20 speakers arrived in perfect condition from the seller, IQ Home Entertainment. There were no infractions with shipping, and the unboxing further aroused my anticipation. The cabinet bears a sleek black piano finish that effortlessly blends with my home decor. Initially, my wife was apprehensive about integrating "huge ugly speakers" into our living room. The speakers are pretty imposing in stature but surprisingly sleek. The design easily won my wife over and surprisingly enhanced our living room's style quotient.
Expectations Vs. Reality
With a sizeable investment in the Martin Logan Motion 20 speakers, I braced myself for a powerful auditory experience. Diving into speaker reviews, I realized scores of other users mirrored my expectations - we all expected this product to deliver. I won't beat about the bush: the Martin Logan Motion 20 lives up to the hype, but with certain limitations that could be deal-breakers for some.
Setting the Stage
I am writing this review after using the MartinLogan Motion 20 Loudspeaker for about three months. I am no audio snob, but I appreciate quality sound. My priority was to create an environment in my home that could mimic a studio's sound stage, and the Motion 20 speakers phenomenally brought that experience to reality.
The Sound Experience
First, the speakers deliver a quality sound at any volume, with no hint of distortion throughout the range. They perform marvelously, whether it's music, movies, or even simple soundtracks. The Motion 20s balance subtle sophistication and raw power, putting you in the studio or on set with the artists. They feel and sound authentic, unlike you're simply listening to car stereos.
On to the physics. If you've ever set up a home theatre of your own, you know that the placement of the speakers can essentially make or break the experience. In my setup, I powered my ML20s with a Marantz sr5012, complemented with a decent sub, Polk speakers for the middle and rear Bose satellites mounted about 7 feet high. The result is a soundstage that is as immersive as possible, stunningly copying the live experience.
Quality and Appearance
With a glossy black finish, the speakers sound great and look superb. I assure you that they enhance the aesthetics of any room you place them in. And let's face it, we all have a partner concerned about 'huge ugly speakers' in the living room! Well, it's a relief when sound and style blend seamlessly together, as in the case of the ML20s.
Technical Aspects and Functionality
The system offers flexibility in connections. They come with four connectors that allow bi-amp/bi-wire options. You could use the provided bridges if you cannot exercise this option. I tried both - first with the bridges, then without them. It was a significant improvement when bi-wiring the speakers. They deliver exceptionally well with a substantial subwoofer like the SVS SB 12. This elevates the bass experience and blends perfectly with the speaker's output.
Customer Service and Seller Responsiveness
The customer service provided by IQ Home Entertainment was impressive. When I reported that one of the speakers arrived damaged, they were responsive and swift in action. Though disappointed, I was relieved at their speedy reaction. I was allowed to keep the speakers until replacements were received.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Excellent Sound Quality
- Aesthetically Pleasing Design
- Fantastic Customer Service by the seller
Cons:
- The sound might be 'too polished' for some
- Size and appearance might not appeal to everyone
- Shipping mishaps
Conclusion
Considering everything from sound, style, seller responsiveness, and overall customer experience - the Martin Logan Motion 20 speakers are an investment I don't regret. Despite minor quibbles about their performance and a shipping mishap, these speakers found their place in my living room and heart. But they might not be for everyone, especially if you prefer a raw and more present audio experience.