Name: MartinLogan Motion® 35XT
Brand: MartinLogan
SKU: 839M35XTGB
Rating: 5 (63 reviews)

by Crutchfield's Dave Bar

Beautiful inside and out

With its flawless high-gloss finish, gently tapered cabinet, and handsome perforated magnetic steel grille, one could be forgiven for mistaking the MartinLogan Motion 35XT as a beautiful piece of furniture. But one listen will tell you this speaker's beauty runs far deeper. As MartinLogan's most potent bookshelf speaker, the 35XT dazzles with its dynamic, impactful, and transparent sound. And as a member of MartinLogan's award-winning Motion® series, this speaker takes advantage of advanced technologies like the Folded Motion™ XT tweeter, sophisticated crossovers, and custom bi-wire binding posts.

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Beautiful inside and out

MartinLogan Motion 35XT with grille removed

The Motion 35XT uses MartinLogan's innovative Folded Motion XT tweeter and a powerful 6-1/2" aluminum cone woofer.

Folded Motion XT tweeter for detailed sound

MartinLogan's innovative Folded Motion XT tweeter uses a pleated diaphragm that works similarly to an accordion by "squeezing" air to create sound. Because it requires almost 90% less excursion than the typical 1" dome tweeter, response time is drastically reduced along with distortion. The diaphragm's increased surface area also provides wide, yet controlled sound dispersion to create a realistic and highly accurate soundstage. Music sounds amazingly detailed, but smooth and effortless, without a trace of harshness. And the XT tweeter boasts a 40% larger radiating surface area than that of ML's standard Folded Motion design, for even greater bandwidth and efficiency.

Bass that keeps pace

The Motion 35XT uses a low-distortion 6-1/2" aluminum cone woofer to supply fast, clean midrange and powerful bass performance that blend in seamlessly with the Folded Motion XT tweeter. A low-turbulence rear-firing port extends bass performance, but keeps it tight and tuneful.

Praise for the MartinLogan Motion® 35XT from The Absolute Sound

The sonic character of the 35XT is first and foremost, refined. There is a relaxed quality to the 35XT that takes a natural acoustic recording like Stravinsky's Pulcinella and delivers wind sections and upper strings with sweetness and openness. Transients, low-level resolution, and micro-dynamics are likewise also very good-I always listen for the soft tapping of the keys of the oboe midway through this ballet. The 35XT never missed a cue.

All told, the Motion 35XT offers some stiff competition to battle-hardened rivals like the Sonus faber Venere 1.5 with its espresso midrange, or the Focal Aria 906 with its punchy bass response and all-around dynamism. But of these contenders only the ML has the virtue of its sweet tweet, and offers such a high level of overall transparency and musicality. The 35XT is a worthy heir to the proud tradition at MartinLogan.

— From Neil Gader's February, 2015 review in The Absolute Sound [Read the full review]

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Product highlights:

1.25" x 2.4" Folded Motion™ XT tweeter for exceptional musical detail with low distortion
6-1/2" aluminum-cone woofer with cast polymer basket for powerful, accurate bass
bass-reflex (ported) enclosure
high-precision, audiophile-grade crossover network
frequency response: 50-25,000 Hz (±3dB)
sensitivity: 92 dB
impedance: 4 ohms
recommended amplifier power: 20-250 watts
custom 5-way bi-wire binding posts
perforated steel grille attaches magnetically to cabinet
7-11/16"W x 13-9/16"H x 11-13/16"D
weight: 18.5 lbs.
warranty: 5 years (with product registration)
MFR # Motion 35XT-GB

What's in the box:

MartinLogan Motion® 35XT owner's manual

Bookshelf loudspeaker
Magnetic grille
4 Rubber bumpers
User's Manual (En/Fr)
Product Registration Card

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Researched by Crutchfield's Stacey B.

Features & specs


Enclosure	Bass Reflex
Finish	Piano Lacquer
Color	Gloss Black
Tweeter Type	Folded Motion XT
Tweeter Size (inches)	1.25 x 2.4
Midrange Size (inches)	N/A
Woofer Size (inches)	6.5
Woofer Composition	Aluminum
Woofer Surround	Rubber
Power Range	20-250
Sensitivity	92 dB
Impedance (Ohms)	4
Frequency Response	50-25,k Hz
Connector Type	Post
Bi-amp Inputs	Yes
Height (inches)	13-9/16
Width (inches)	7-11/16
Depth (inches)	11-13/16
Weight (pounds)	18.5
Wall-mountable	---
Bracket Included	No
Recommended Stand Height (inches)	24-28
Parts Warranty	5 Yrs w/Registration
Labor Warranty	5 Yrs w/Registration

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Features

2-Way Bookshelf Loudspeaker: The MartinLogan Motion 35XT bookshelf loudspeaker employs a 2-way speaker design and features MartinLogan's advanced resolution Folded Motion XT tweeter and a single 6.5" aluminum cone midbass woofer. Pairing these two drivers together creates a dynamic full-range sound with an expansive soundstage.

Folded Motion Tweeter: MartinLogan's Folded Motion XT tweeter helps give the Motion 35XT bookshelf loudspeaker its natural, realistic high frequency sound. Lightning fast transient response, combined with a large surface area (8x that of a typical 1" dome tweeter) creates clear, dynamic, and precise sound. The 1.25" x 2.4" Folded Motion XT tweeter works by moving air (which creates sound) perpendicular to the folded ridges of the diaphragm, similar to how an accordion works. This extremely low mass diaphragm "squeezes" air and requires almost 90% less excursion than the typical 1" dome tweeter, which drastically minimizes distortion while providing a lightning fast response time. The increased surface area also provides a wide, yet controlled sound dispersion (80°x30°) to create a realistic and carefully etched sound stage.
Aluminum Cone Woofer w/ Bass Port: The MartinLogan Motion 35XT bookshelf loudspeaker features a high-excursion 6.5" aluminum cone woofer with a cast basket housed in a non-resonant asymmetrical chamber with a rear-firing bass port. The aluminum cone woofer uses a rigid structured dust cap to reduce cone break-up and distortion. Pairing the 6.5" woofer with a rear-firing bass port provides higher output and audibly richer, deeper bass performance.

Precision Crossover: To seamlessly blend the audio output from the high frequency driver (tweeter) and the midbass driver (woofer), the Motion 35XT loudspeaker features a precision 2,200Hz crossover utilizing custom air core coil and low DCR steel laminate inductors, polyester film capacitors in series, and low DF electrolytic capacitors in parallel.

High-Gloss MDF Cabinet: Complementing the Motion 35XT loudspeaker's sonic accuracy is its solidly constructed 3/4" thick MDF cabinet. The cabinet is finished in either high-gloss piano black or black cherrywood, and includes MartinLogan's signature perforated grille. The Motion 35XT speaker's elegant and timeless look will blend into almost any decor. The speaker cabinet also features rounded edges and a gently tapered top.

Bi-Wiring/Bi-Amping: Using the dual posts, you can bi-wire or bi-amp the speaker. Bi-wiring or bi-amping the speaker provides improved bass & treble performance. If you decide to bi-wire or bi-amp, you must remove the jumpers between the terminal posts (failure to do this could result in damage to your amplifier and loudspeakers).

Bi-Wiring: Bi-wiring can provide noticeable improvements in the overall transparency of your loudspeakers. Run separate speaker wires to the low & high frequency drivers from a single amplifier (the upper set of binding posts are for the high frequency drivers; the lower set of binding posts are for the low frequency drivers).
Bi-Amping: Bi-amping allows you to use separate amplifiers for the high & low frequency sections of your loudspeaker for greater dynamic range & lower distortion. We recommend that your separate amplifiers have identical gain to preserve the speaker's voicing balance.

Note: MartinLogan's proprietary tool-less binding posts simplify cable connection and management. The binding posts will accept bare wire (16- to 10-gauge), pin-connectors, spade-connectors, and banana plugs (single only).

Break-in Period: Allow approximately 72 hours of break-in at 90 dB (moderate listening levels) before any critical listening.

Mounting Options: The bookshelf loudspeaker comes with 4 rubber self-adhesive feet to help secure them in place on a flat-surface, prevent slippage, and reduce vibration. The optional PinPoint heavy duty side-grip wall-mounting bracket (121AM41B, sold separately) can be used to wall mount the speakers.

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11 questions already asked

what model year are these speakers?

george Apr 10, 2020

2 answers

To tell the truth, I'm not really sure of the manufacturing date? I examined the physical speaker itself, and there is no manufacturing date at all, only the company name, speaker model designation, (35XT ), and their individual serial numbers. This model speaker has been out for a few years now, to the best of my knowledge, ( and possibly longer )? So, the date of manufacture could be anywhere in at least the last five to seven years years , ( I bought these in 2019. )

robert blaine Apr 11, 2020

This model was first released in 2014. They are not the very latest. MartinLogan just came out with the 35XTi, which is quite a bit more expensive. However there are a lot of XTs left in inventory at various places, and you can save quite a bit by getting the XT. And the XT's have the Folded Motion tweeter just like the XTi. I didn't listen to the XTi's, but I am very satisfied with these, and was able to upgrade my turntable etc with the savings.

alan Apr 10, 2020

I would like to use my existing Sanus NF30 stands with the 35XT speakers. However, the 35XT has no mounting holes and the NF30 top plate is only 6 inches square. The bottom of the 35XT is 7.6" x 11.8 ". I am concerned about resting such a relatively large speaker on a relatively small top plate (for example, what happens if my 75 pound dog bumps into the stand). Any advice?

sam Oct 10, 2018

3 answers

Doesn't sound like a good idea to put the speakers on that stand. Even without the dog, there's a significant risk.

michael r. Oct 16, 2018

I was looking at same stand,but I felt a little concerned also,though measuring the depth measures 10"acutely I think would work but the Dog it may not be good choice cus it will be top heavy any. I hope this helps Aloha

martin Oct 16, 2018

Mine sit on top of a credenza and a set of small (very short) IsoAcoustic stands. I use the stands not mainly for extra height but in order to tilt the speakers back slightly. No dog problem, but on rare occasions we do have an earthquake here in Southern California, so there is a risk that they'll topple. The speakers come with little rubber feet. You could simply glue those feet to the plate. If at any point you are unhappy with the arrangement the little feet can be peeled off and replaced to serve any new arrangement. No harm to the beautiful speakers. Damn, they are gorgeous and I'm thrilled with the sound. I supplement them with a Martin Logan Dynamo 700 subwoofer. That equipment and a nice glass of Cabernet Sauvignon and I am happy listener. Think I'll go do that now. You sure did pick some fine little speakers!

joel Oct 16, 2018

With Bi-wiring posts, do you HAVE to use a bi wire setup on these speakers? Meaning you also need an Amp with this capability to get the most out of these speakers?

james Oct 02, 2017

1 answer

No , you don't need an additional amp to use. They also come with jumpers to wire like a standard speaker. They are outstanding speakers!!!

glen Oct 03, 2017

What speaker stands would you recommend with these? Since no photos of the bottom are there mount points on the bottom?

jim Apr 07, 2015

4 answers

A SHELF. IF YOU WANT SPEAKERS ON A STAND FOR THE FLOOR BUY A LARGER SPEAKER. THE SOUND IS WONDERFUL FOR THEIR SIZE.

deborah l Apr 07, 2015

These speakers do not have wall mount or bracket attachment points. There are four self sticking rubber pads included which attach to the flat bottom surface to control vibration and sliding. I set my speakers on a bookshelf.

glen Apr 07, 2015

I'm pretty sure there's no mounting holes on bottom but I don't recall. You should spend for great quality stands because these speakers deserve it. Unless you're good with woodworking and you can make your own. They sound best with the tweeters at ear level.

phillip Apr 07, 2015

Any quality 24 inch stands will work. There are no mounting holes on the bottom. I recommend you invest in high quality stands of 24 inches in height.

phillip Apr 07, 2015

Do these speakers require that you sit in a "sweet spot"? ( which seems to a requirement of the large electrostatics)

gerald Nov 30, 2014

1 answer

No but the speakers are quite loud at full volume and can fill a fairly large space with sound

william Dec 02, 2014

I would like to know what I should spend for a receiver/amp to go with these speakers and what are some good choices to mate with an airport express. I might want capability for two optitical inputs as well. I dont want to pay more than the leakers but I would like to spen considerably less. My first choice is a peachtree but it's more than I want to spend. ?

kenneth Oct 31, 2014

1 answer

I forwarded your question to an Advisor and they responded with the following: There isn't a set amount that you should or shouldn't spend. There are a variety of factors that play into what model would best work for you, including tonal preferences you have. To be able to better recommend a product tailored to your preferences I suggest giving an Advisor a call at 1-800-324-9695 or online chat. Thanks!

kristina Nov 05, 2014 (Staff)

Comparing "apples to oranges" here... I currently have a pair of Klipsch RB-81 II's &RW-12D sub being powered by a Yamaha MX-1000u and Yamaha CX-A5100 pre/pro; PC setup fed from Creative SB ZxR soundcard (analog-out). How much of an upgrade would these ML's be over my RB-81's? I listen mostly to 60's-90's rock (all genres)... CD, Vinyl and lossless digital format. Thanks.

new user Apr 12, 2018

2 answers

I would take them home and listen. This is your best bet. You can return them if you are not happy. I think you will like them.

eliezer Apr 24, 2018

I actually haven't bought them yet. They do sound better than any speaker for price. I've listened to many.

robert Apr 24, 2018

Hello.Are these REALLY 92db.eff???I have a 12wpc.amp(Quad VA-1) so it should drive them fine in a smallish room yes?Thanks very much

alan Dec 23, 2017

2 answers

my experience with the 35xt's is they are efficient but the larger air motion tweeter puts a big load on some amps [marantz 7025] causing them to shut down. i had to unplug it to get it to reset several times - so i think any amp you use with them better have a hefty transformer.

richard Dec 28, 2017

These speakers are outstanding to say the least!!! You will not regret your purchase. I love them I think some of the best speakers I've ever owned and not the most expensive. I would highly recommend!

glen Dec 27, 2017

Would these speakers pair well with an AudioEngine S8 sub-woofer?

rebecca Nov 13, 2016

2 answers

Not sure, however, I have purchased the speakers and love them. I am considering getting a sub-woofer to pair with them for more bass when needed.

cynthia r Nov 15, 2016

Not 100% sure - seems a little under powered compared to these excellent ML speakers. I personally use a Hsu Research VTF-15H MK2 and this is awesome

kevin Nov 15, 2016

I was hoping to use these as the rears in a 7.1 set-up using a 300w X 7 amp at 4 ohms. I know it says recommended is up to 250, but would those 50 extra watts damage these speakers?

ryan Jun 24, 2016

2 answers

No as long as the amp is capable of driving a 4 ohm load without clipping. Check your amps owners manual

phillip Jun 24, 2016

That's really a question for the manufacturer, but (as an electrical engineer) I would recommend against it. However, there is probably zero chance of you ever delivering even 100W to these as rear speakers, and probably more like 20W in actuality. Unless you're using these outside, your ears will give out before you get near 300W( or even 100W) actually delivered.

david Jun 24, 2016

Can I use this with my 8 ohm NAD T748v2 receiver? The ML 35XT manual states it is compatible with 6, 8 ohm receivers.

varoujan Nov 04, 2014

1 answer

I would be hesitant to use a 4-ohm speaker with anything that is not rated for 4-ohms. The lower impedance will drive the amp harder, and could result in damaging the receiver.

jeff Nov 05, 2014 (Staff)

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