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MartinLogan Motion® 40i Floor-standing speaker (Red Walnut)

Item # 839MO40IRW

It delivers a wide-open soundstage, sublime high-end detail, smooth midrange accuracy, and deep bass extension.

It delivers a wide-open soundstage, sublime high-end detail, smooth midrange accuracy, and deep bass extension.

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2 questions - 9 answers

Item # 839MO40IRW

Shop all MartinLogan Floor-standing Speakers

About the MartinLogan Motion® 40i

Eric A.

The best never rest

Crutchfield customers raved about the MartinLogan Motion® 40, but the legendary speaker maker isn't willing to rest on its laurels. The next-generation Motion 40i delivers a similar wide-open soundstage, sublime high-end detail, smooth midrange accuracy, and deep bass extension from a new design that improves on the original. This model features a drive-stabilizing dust cap and stiffened motor suspension on its midrange and low-frequency woofers. The latter are mounted low to reduce an unwelcome acoustic phenomenon known as floor bounce, to keep the bass and critical midrange frequencies properly balanced. Because details matter.
MartinLogan Motion 40i

The MartinLogan Motion® 40i looks beautiful and delivers smooth, detailed sound.

The best never rest

Crutchfield customers raved about the MartinLogan Motion® 40, but the legendary speaker maker isn't willing to rest on its laurels. The next-generation Motion 40i delivers a similar wide-open soundstage, sublime high-end detail, smooth midrange accuracy, and deep bass extension from a new design that improves on the original. This model features a drive-stabilizing dust cap and stiffened motor suspension on its midrange and low-frequency woofers. The latter are mounted low to reduce an unwelcome acoustic phenomenon known as floor bounce, to keep the bass and critical midrange frequencies properly balanced. Because details matter.

A solid mid- and low-frequency foundation

MartinLogan uses aluminum cones for their unique blend of lightness and rigidity. A 5-1/2" woofer keeps those crucial midrange frequencies clear and neutral, so vocals sound almost as if the singer were in the room. Two 6-1/2" woofers ensure the Motion 40i goes plenty low. The rear-firing bass port helps efficiently enhance bass response without adding distortion to this speaker's clean performance.

Detail and precision from the Folded Motion® tweeter

Perched above the Motion 40i's midrange 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:

Got wire?

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Product highlights:

  • 1" x 1.4" Folded Motion® tweeter for exceptional detail with low distortion
  • one 5-1/2" aluminum cone midrange driver
  • two 6-1/2" aluminum cone low-frequency woofers
  • bass-reflex (ported) cabinet with rear-firing port
  • proprietary high-performance Vojtko™ crossover network
  • frequency response: 40-25,000 Hz (±3dB)
  • sensitivity: 92 dB
  • nominal impedance: 4 ohms
  • recommended amplifier power: 20-300 watts
  • fabric-wrapped magnetic grille
  • includes removable floor spikes for extra stability on carpeted floors
  • dual five-way binding post speaker terminals allow bi-amping or bi-wiring
Dimensions and warranty:
  • 7-5/8"W x 42-1/2"H x 12-13/16"D
  • weight: 49 lbs.
  • warranty: 5 years (with product registration)
  • MFR # MO40IRW

What's in the box:

  • Floorstanding loudspeaker
  • 2 Grilles
  • 4 Rubber feet (pre-installed)
  • 4 Spike feet (w/ nuts attached)
  • User's Manual
  • Warranty/Registration Information

Customer reviews for MartinLogan Motion® 40i

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4.5 out of 5 stars
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More details on the MartinLogan Motion® 40i

Stacey B.

Features & specs

General
Enclosure Ported
Finish MDF/Wood veneer
Color Walnut
Tweeter Folded Motion Ribbon
Tweeter Size (inches) 1.0 x 1.4
Midrange Size (inches) 5.5
Woofer Size (inches) 6.5
Woofer Composition Aluminum
Woofer Surround Rubber
Built-in Powered Sub No
Dolby Atmos Drivers No
Connector Type Binding post
Bi-amp Inputs Yes
Parts Warranty 5 Years
Labor Warranty 5 Years
Specifications
Power Range 20-300
Frequency Response 40-25k Hz
Sensitivity 92 dB
Impedance (Ohms) 4
Subwoofer Amp Power ---
Height (inches) 41-1/2
Width (inches) 7-9/16
Depth (inches) 13-1/16
Weight 49 lbs

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.

High-Performance Woofers & Midrange Driver: Two custom built, 6.5" bass drivers and one custom built-in 5.5" midrange driver pair 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.

  • Aluminum Cone Woofer Construction: 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.
  • Stiff Midrange Suspension: To deliver accuracy in the critical midrange, the dedicated midrange driver features a specially engineered "stiff" suspension. Stiffening the suspension (the spider and surround) raises the driver's resonant frequency and optimizes its performance to achieve a natural roll-off and inherently operate within an ideal range for a mid-frequency reproduction.
  • Deliberate Low-Mounted Woofer Design: Both bass woofers are positioned low in the cabinet and close to the floor. This deliberate design addresses a phenomenon known as floor bounce where sound reflected off the floor (from drivers positioned high on a cabinet), and those aimed directly at the listener interfere with each other. Without addressing these issues, listeners would experience bloated bass and massive increases and decreases in sound levels throughout critical midrange frequencies. Through careful crossover design and driver positioning, the floorstanding Motion Series loudspeaker delivers a flat, balanced response through the bass and midrange regions. Such considerations are crucial when seeking to achieve accurate reproduction of vocals and instruments such as kick drums.

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.

Dual Gold-Plated Binding Posts: The Motion 40i is outfitted with two sets of gold-plated binding posts allowing you to bi-amp or bi-wire the floorstanding speaker. These binding posts ensure a secure connection to many types of cable and connectors. The binding post terminals will accept banana plugs (single only), pin-connectors, spade-lugs, and bare wire (up to 10AWG). The binding posts are gold-plated for excellent audio signal transfer and resistance to corrosion.

  • 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: 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).

Rubber & Spike Feet: The Motion 40i floorstanding loudspeaker comes with both rubber & spike feet. The rubber feet come pre-installed on the bottom of the speaker cabinet and are ideal for hardwood, tile, laminate, and vinyl flooring. The rubber feet can be removed and the included spike feet can be screwed into the bottom of the speaker cabinet. The spike feet are designed for carpeted floors.

  • Dimensions with Rubber Feet: 7.5625" (w) x 41.5" (h) x 13.0625" (d)
  • Dimensions with Spike Feet: 7.5625" (w) x 42.375" (h) x 13.0625" (d)

Notes:

  • 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.

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
Are these speakers bright or forward in mid range? What brand of integrated amp would pair nice with this speakers sound signature?
michael  Nov 03, 2021
5 answers
A
More forward for sure. Very realistic in sound. I replaced energy cf50 towers which were bright and sounded really good but different. I power the Martins with a high current Denon DRA 800H which is very reasonable for sound clarity it provides to these speakers.
michael  Sep 23, 2022
A
I would say they're bright in mid range. As for the second part of your question I wouldn't be able to answer. Mine are being driven by a Denom AVR. So I can only imagine the sound from an integrated amp. This speakers replaced klipsch towers.
joe h  Nov 03, 2021
A
I would say yes but in a very good way. Mine are paired with the Martin Logan sub that came free when I bought the 40is. Bought an nad388 as integrated amp. The set up sounds amazing in my medium sized great room.
robert  Nov 03, 2021
A
Mine are paired with an NAD 368 integrated amp which was a good match price and power wise. Not an audio reviewer so don't know how to answer your midrange question. My experience is this speaker amp combo sounds great with live music, jazz, and vinyl. It does not excel in 80's pop music which has thin vocals and poor digital mastering. These speakers make that hard to listen to
michael  Nov 03, 2021
A
I would say more forward than bright. Very realistic in sound. I have them powered with a Denon DRA 800H and that powers them well. Has an option in receiver to select 4 ohm
michael  Nov 03, 2021
Q
Are these speakers made in the US?
brian  May 03, 2021
4 answers
A
They are Canadian manufactured. Awesome speakers!!
joe h  May 04, 2021
A
My understanding is they have manufacturing facilities in Canada, China and Taiwan....
tim  May 04, 2021
A
No. They are designed in the US, but manufactured in China.
eric  May 04, 2021
A
The box they came in said "made in china"
bob  May 03, 2021

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