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MartinLogan Motion® 15i Bookshelf speaker (Matte White)

Item # 839MO15IMW

It takes up relatively little space, and delivers a disproportionately large sound.

It takes up relatively little space, and delivers a disproportionately large sound.

2 questions - 2 answers

Item # 839MO15IMW

About the MartinLogan Motion® 15i

Eric A.

A top-notch bookshelf speaker

The MartinLogan Motion 15i takes up relatively little space, and delivers a disproportionately large sound. This upgraded successor to the popular Motion 15 adds a drive-stabilizing inverted dust cap and stiffened motor suspension for the woofer. Because details matter.

A top-notch bookshelf speaker

The MartinLogan Motion 15i takes up relatively little space, and delivers a disproportionately large sound. This upgraded successor to the popular Motion 15 adds a drive-stabilizing inverted dust cap and stiffened motor suspension for the woofer. Because details matter.

A solid mid- and low-frequency foundation

MartinLogan uses aluminum cones for their unique blend of lightness and rigidity. This speaker's 5-1/4" woofer blends warm and neutral midrange frequencies with surprisingly solid low end. The rear-firing bass port helps efficiently enhance bass response without adding distortion.

Detail and precision from the Folded Motion™ tweeter

Perched above the Motion 15i's woofer is the source of this speaker's impressive high-frequency performance — MartinLogan's acclaimed Folded Motion tweeter. Its pleated diaphragm 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 and distortion are drastically reduced. The diaphragm's increased surface area also provides wide, yet controlled sound dispersion to create a realistic and highly accurate soundstage.

Unique crossover network

Motion Series speakers feature proprietary Vojtko™ crossovers, named after MartinLogan's chief audio technologist, Joe Vojtko. "A Vojtko crossover isn't so much a set of design requirements as it is a philosophy," the company explains. Each speaker's drivers are carefully selected or designed to operate within an intentional frequency range and specific performance parameters. That allows the crossover networks — built from high-quality capacitors and resistors — to be clean and uncomplicated.

Part of a complete MartinLogan surround sound system

The MartinLogan Motion Series features an array of speakers that are voice-matched for compatibility in an immersive surround sound system:

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Product highlights:

  • 1" x 1.4" Folded Motion® tweeter for exceptional detail with low distortion
  • 5-1/4" aluminum-cone woofer with cast basket
  • bass-reflex (ported) cabinet with rear-firing port
  • proprietary high-performance Vojtko™ crossover network
  • frequency response: 60-25,000 Hz (±3dB)
  • sensitivity: 92 dB
  • nominal impedance: 5 ohms
  • recommended amplifier power: 20-200 watts
  • fabric-wrapped magnetic grille
  • 5-way binding post speaker terminals
Dimensions and warranty:
  • 6-13/16"W x 11-7/16"H x 9-1/2"D
  • weight: 12 lbs.
  • warranty: 5 years (with product registration)
  • MFR # MO15IMW

What's in the box:

  • Bookshelf loudspeaker
  • Grille
  • 4 Rubber feet
  • User's Manual
  • Warranty/Registration Information

See the difference between "Open Box" and "Scratch & Dent" Outlet items

Customer reviews for MartinLogan Motion® 15i

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24 reviews

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More details on the MartinLogan Motion® 15i

Stacey B.

Features & specs

Enclosure Ported
Finish MDF/Lacquer
Color White
Tweeter Type Folded Motion Ribbon
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 Binding post
Bi-amp Inputs No
Height (inches) 11-7/16
Width (inches) 6-7/8
Depth (inches) 9-9/16
Weight (pounds) 12
Wall-mountable No
Bracket Included No
Recommended Stand Height (inches) 24-28
Parts Warranty 5 Years
Labor Warranty 5 Years

Product Research

Features

Folded Motion Tweeter: MartinLogan's signature 1.0" x 1.4" Folded Motion tweeter utilizes an extremely low mass diaphragm that "squeezes" air, thus demanding significantly less excursion than the typical 1" dome tweeter. Its folded design also allows for a much larger surface area than compared to that of a regular 1" dome tweeter for controlled dispersion and low distortion characteristics. MartinLogan's Folded Motion tweeter is engineered to deliver much of the same high-frequency detail and speed of their large, dynamic electrostatic panel in a small space. This Folded Motion tweeter with advanced thin-film transducer technology offers a 40% larger radiating surface and 80x80 degree controlled dispersion for an increased audible bandwidth without sacrificing any detail and minimizing distortion to an unprecedented level, while also increasing efficiency and the tweeter's already lightning-fast response time. The result is a natural, realistic, and dynamic sound.

Aluminum Cone Woofer: A custom built, 5.25" low-distortion driver pairs a high-power magnet structure with an aluminum cone diaphragm to deliver massive excursion and sound output, while preserving bass details and maximizing power handling capability - all without a hint of distortion. A unique concave dust cap design reinforces the strength and rigidity of the cone, while also reducing break up modes. The use of aluminum for the cone maximizes rigidity and strength of the driver without adding excessive weight. This, along with the exceptional damping properties of aluminum, ensures the smooth, non-resonant response necessary for seamless blending with the high-resolution Folded Motion tweeter. An added benefit of aluminum is its outstanding thermal conduction capability which allows cones to serve as efficient heat sinks for the voice coil.

Proprietary Vojtko Crossover Network: The MartinLogan Motion Series speaker features a proprietary Vojtko crossover network network using polypropylene and low-DF electrolytic capacitors, custom-wound inductors, and thermal and current protection. Vojtko crossovers are named after MartinLogan's chief audio technologist, Joe Vojtko. His unique approach to crossover design is as big of a part of the "MartinLogan Sound" as are electrostatic and Folded Motion thin-film driver technologies. A Vojtko crossover isn't so much a set of design requirements as it is a philosophy. Vojtko crossovers are designed in such a way that all drivers are kept within their optimal frequency range and balanced with one another. The drivers themselves are as much a part of a Vojtko crossover as are capacitors and resistors. Before the design of any crossover begins, drivers are carefully selected or designed to operate within a very intentional frequency range and with precise and predictable performance parameters. Vojtko crossovers are always built from high-quality parts, and care is taken to avoid overly complex topologies (a straightforward objective due to the careful selection of woofers and tweeters). The final and most critical aspect of a Vojtko Crossover is its final voicing is conducted in a space that is indicative of a real-world environment, so the MartinLogan Motion Series speakers will sound their best in real-world rooms.

Bass Reflex MDF Cabinet: The MartinLogan Motion Series loudspeaker utilizes a solid built cabinet design to eliminate fidelity robbing vibrations. The speaker cabinet is constructed from 18mm (0.7") MDF with 31mm (1.2") thick front baffles and additional internal bracing to further reduce cabinet resonance. On the back of the cabinet is a rear-firing port which helps the speaker be more efficient and have better bass performance. The speaker enclosure comes with a fabric wrapped magnetic grille. The cabinet is available in three finishes - gloss black, matte white, and red walnut.

Gold-Plated Binding Posts: The MartinLogan Motion Series loudspeaker is outfitted with a set of gold-plated binding post terminals for excellent audio signal transfer and resistance to corrosion. These binding post terminals will accept bare wire (up to 10AWB), pin-connectors, spade-lugs, and banana connectors (single only).

Mounting Options: The Motion 15i 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 15i 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).

Motion Series: MartinLogan's Motion Series incorporate Folded Motion tweeter technology, high performance aluminum cone woofers, custom tune crossovers, and solidly built MDF cabinets to deliver refined sound with an ultra-wide dynamic range for stunning clarity and low distortion. The Motion Series consists of three floor-standing loudspeakers (MO20i / MO40i / MO60XTi), two bookshelf loudspeakers (MO15i / MO35XTi), and two center channel loudspeakers (MO30i / MO50XTi).

Optional Powered Subwoofer: Add on an optional MartinLogan powered subwoofer (sold separately - see Accessories Tab) for bigger and deeper bass response when listening to your movie and music soundtracks.

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Customer Q&A

2 questions already asked

Q
What should I set the Crossover Frequency to when I pair these with a Subwoofer?
gratefulhops  Jan 06, 2023
1 answer
A
That is a great question, Kevin. This decision has quite a few variables like what subwoofer you are using, what type of listening you do (home theater or music), and what frequency your subwoofer low pass crossover is set. There is a good amount of personal preference involved in these settings, but we can provide some advice. A great starting point would be the 60-80hz mark as the MartinLogan Motion 15i's can play that low. If you are using a home theater receiver with auto room calibration it may set the crossover higher at the 100-120hz mark, that would sound great with a subwoofer also. If you are able to adjust your specific hi-pass to these, the two crossover points above are a great place to start and you can fine tune your settings from there! I hope this helps Kevin.
bo  Jan 06, 2023 (Staff)
Q
What is the difference between these and the 15s?
jason  Dec 27, 2019
1 answer
A
Thanks for your question. For information on comparing two or more models I would recommend reaching out to an Advisor by phone (1-800-324-9695) or online chat. They will be able to help determine the differences and help you make the best choice for your system and your budget.
kristina  Jan 07, 2020 (Staff)

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