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MartinLogan Motion® 15 Bookshelf speaker (Gloss Black)

Item # 839MO15GB

The operative word for MartinLogan's Motion 15 is "beauty." This mini-monitor has it in spades, from its...

The operative word for MartinLogan's Motion 15 is "beauty." This mini-monitor has it in spades, from its...

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7 questions - 15 answers

Item # 839MO15GB

Shop all MartinLogan Bookshelf Speakers

About the MartinLogan Motion® 15

Steve Kindig

A mini-monitor for music lovers

The operative word for MartinLogan's Motion 15 is "beauty." This mini-monitor has it in spades, from its furniture-grade fit and finish to its stunningly natural sound. This member of  MartinLogan's award-winning Motion® series features advanced speaker technologies like the Folded Motion™ tweeter. Though small in size, the Motion 15 delivers huge musical enjoyment.
MartinLogan Motion 15

The Motion 15 uses a 5-1/4" aluminum cone mid/woofer and MartinLogan's innovative Folded Motion tweeter.

A mini-monitor for music lovers

The operative word for MartinLogan's Motion 15 is "beauty." This mini-monitor has it in spades, from its furniture-grade fit and finish to its stunningly natural sound. This member of  MartinLogan's award-winning Motion® series features advanced speaker technologies like the Folded Motion™ tweeter. Though small in size, the Motion 15 delivers huge musical enjoyment.

Folded Motion tweeter for detailed sound

MartinLogan's innovative Folded Motion tweeter uses a pleated diaphragm that works like an accordion by "squeezing" air to create sound. It requires about 90% less excursion than a typical 1" dome tweeter, resulting in quicker response time and much lower distortion. The tweeter's controlled sound dispersion creates a focused soundstage with a real sense of presence. Music sounds amazingly detailed, but smooth and effortless, without a trace of harshness.

Bass that keeps pace

The Motion 15 uses a 5-1/4" aluminum cone woofer to supply fast, clean midrange and lower-mid frequencies that blend in seamlessly with the Folded Motion tweeter. A low-turbulence rear-firing port extends bass performance, but keeps it tight and tuneful.

Deceptively good sound

When MartinLogan visited Crutchfield for a day of training, they had a mix of their electrostatic and dynamic models lined up in the front of the room. They started off our session with a few minutes of an atmospheric live track. The sound was strikingly open and immediate — we thought we were listening to one of ML's electrostatic panels. Imagine our surprise when it turned out to be the little Motion 15s. Sometimes it's fun to be fooled.

Got wire?

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Product highlights:

  • 1" x 1.4" Folded Motion™ tweeter for exceptional musical detail with low distortion
  • 5-1/4" aluminum-cone woofer with cast basket
  • bass-reflex (ported) enclosure
  • frequency response: 60-25,000 Hz (±3dB)
  • sensitivity: 92 dB
  • impedance: 5 ohms
  • recommended amplifier power: 20-200 watts
  • 5-way binding post speaker terminals
  • perforated steel grille attaches magnetically to cabinet
  • 6-13/16"W x 11-7/16"H x 9-1/2"D
  • weight: 12 lbs.
  • warranty: 5 years (with product registration)
  • MFR # MO15-GBL

What's in the box:

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

Customer reviews for MartinLogan Motion® 15

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More details on the MartinLogan Motion® 15

Stacey B.

Features & specs

Enclosure Bass Reflex
Finish Piano Lacquer
Color Gloss Black
Tweeter Type Folded Motion
Tweeter Size (inches) 1.0 x 1.4
Midrange Size (inches) N/A
Woofer Size (inches) 5.25
Woofer Composition Aluminum
Woofer Surround Rubber
Power Range 20-200
Sensitivity 92 dB
Impedance (Ohms) 5
Frequency Response 60-25k Hz
Connector Type Post
Bi-amp Inputs No
Height (inches) 11-7/16
Width (inches) 6-13/16
Depth (inches) 9-1/2
Weight (pounds) 12
Wall-mountable No
Bracket Included No
Recommended Stand Height (inches) 24-30
Parts Warranty 5 Yrs w/ Registration
Labor Warranty 5 Yrs w/ Registration
The MartinLogan Motion® 15 replaces these items:

Product Research

Features

2-Way Bookshelf Loudspeaker: The MartinLogan Motion 15 bookshelf loudspeaker employs a 2-way speaker design and features MartinLogan's advanced resolution Folded Motion tweeter and a single 5.5" 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 tweeter helps give the Motion 15 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" x 1.4" Folded Motion 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°x80°) to create a realistic and carefully etched sound stage.
  • Aluminum Cone Woofer w/ Bass Port: The MartinLogan Motion 15 bookshelf loudspeaker features a high-excursion 5.5" 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 5.5" 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 15 loudspeaker features a precision 2,700Hz 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 Cabinet: Complementing the Motion 15 loudspeaker's sonic accuracy is its elegant, yet understated styling. A high-gloss, piano black, white or black cherrywood finish, along with MartinLogan's signature perforated grille, give the Motion 15 speaker an elegant and timeless look that will blend into almost any decor. The speaker cabinet also features rounded edges and a gently tapered top.

Binding Posts: 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 Motion 15 bookshelf loudspeaker can be mounted on a speaker stand (sold separately - see Accessories Tab), shelf, tabletop, or other flat surface. Self-adhesive rubber feet are included to isolate the speaker from the mounting surface and to protect the mounting surface and speaker from scratches. The rubber feet add approximately 0.125" to the overall height of the speaker.

  • Although the speaker is designed to deliver a superb sonic performance when placed close to a wall, you may notice improved imaging and detail if you are able to place the speaker 2' to 3' from the rear wall and 2' or more from the side walls.
  • To achieve better stereo imaging, you should aim (or "toe-in") a pair of speakers toward the primary listening position. Try to position the speaker so the tweeter is at ear-level in regards to your main listening position when seated.

Note: The 3/8" threaded insert on the back of the Motion 15 is not intended to bear the full weight of the speaker in a wall-mount installation. It is designed only to secure the speaker to stands that offer support from beneath. However, the Motion 15i can be wall mounted using a side-clamp style mounting bracket (sold separately - see Accessories Tab).

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Customer Q&A

7 questions already asked

Q
Can you attach speaker wire to these speakers without banana plugs?
max richard  Sep 30, 2020
5 answers
A
Yes but if you are going to spend this much for speakers I recommend that you invest in cables that have the banana plugs that you would use to connect the speakers. If your amp has wire connectors only then look for cables that have a wire connection you would use for the amp and banana plugs to connect the speakers.
charles a  Oct 04, 2020
A
Yes you can, I have them connected to just speaker wire.
jon  Oct 01, 2020
A
Yes you can. Pretty standard posts for connection
jeff  Sep 30, 2020
A
Yes. I did it and it works fine. I've since attached banana plug that are more convenient.
michael  Sep 30, 2020
A
Absolutely....And these speakers are so awesome. They put a smile on my face every time I listen to them.
thomas  Sep 30, 2020
Q
I'm thinking of purchasing a Denon X6700h , Will This push my Cerwin Vega AT-15 very good or do I need to buy another amp with more wattage?
wesley  Sep 27, 2020
1 answer
A
It would be sufficient for Motion Bookshelves. The floorstanding models require much more to shine. Enjoy!!!
bernard  Sep 27, 2020
Q
Hello whats the difference between the 15s and the 15i?
jerry  Dec 04, 2020
2 answers
A
I believe the only difference is the the cosmetic refresh of the new motion series
westwind  Dec 07, 2020
A
From my research on forums, YouTube, and specs from ML site the only difference is looks. Nothing else has really changed, so not really worth paying extra money for the newer version unless you really just love the new look.
nathan  Dec 07, 2020
Q
parasound power amp with this spec Continuous Power Output - Stereo: 205 Watts RMS x 2, 20 Hz-20 kHz, 8 O, both channels driven 315 watts RMS x 2, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 4 O, both channels driven Continuous Power Output - Mono: 630 watts RMS, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 8 O can I use this amp for these motion 15 speakers?
peter  Jul 24, 2020
2 answers
A
I would use the 315 watts RMS x 2, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 4 O, both channels driven for best sound. 8 O amp won't be strong enough but again I'm no expert. This is just what I think would work best.
ronen  Jul 24, 2020
A
I don't see why not. What would your concern be?
jay  Jul 24, 2020
Q
can the martin logan 15 bookshelf speakers be placed on their sides?...limited space where I want to place them
alan  Jul 22, 2020
2 answers
A
Yes, they are flat on their side as well. You can use the rubber pads supplied I their side.
robert  Jul 25, 2020
A
Due to the tweeter dispersion I would say probably not. However, you can audition them on their sides and decide whether they sound good to you.
john  Jul 25, 2020
Q
Looking for recommendations for 24 inch speaker stands for these please? Plan on using then as rear surrounds .
bernard  May 12, 2020
2 answers
A
Hey Bud, No idea how you found out I got this speaker but I returned it as it did not suit my needs so I have no answer for you. Crutchfield staff can be more of a help. Great speaker btw. Cheers
ronen  May 12, 2020
A
Amazing speakers. I've had B&W and also Klipsch Reference and these blow them away. Perfect as rears on stands. Mine are not well placed and still sound amazing.
fredrick t  May 12, 2020
Q
Can this be wall mounted?
kristen  Sep 24, 2017
1 answer
A
They are pretty heavy. They do have a hole in the back that is threaded for a bolt. I would say about 1/4" probably for a specific stand. I would feel safer with them attached secerly to a shelve as you would need a double threaded bolt into a stud to hold them. They are beautiful and with only two, OMG the sound is way more then I expected. I will be getting more.
shannon de  Sep 24, 2017
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