88%
MartinLogan Motion SLM
Ultra-Slim On-Wall Speaker
The slender Motion® SLM speakers features an advanced resolution Folded Motion tweeter, two 4-inch high-excursion fiber cone woofers and two passive bass radiators for maximum controlled low-end bass extension - all in an ultra-slim profile designed expressly for super-thin TVs.
Ultra-Slim Folded Motion® Speakers
The slender Motion SLM speakers feature an advanced resolution Folded Motion™ tweeter, two 4-inch high-excursion fiber cone woofers and two passive bass radiators for maximum controlled low-end bass extension - all in an ultra-slim profile designed expressly for super-thin TVs.
For even greater low-end bass extension, step up to the Motion SLM XL which adds two extra 4-inch passive radiators and aesthetically matches 65-inch and larger TV sizes.
Motion SLM X3’s 3-channel soundbar design gives you a complete stereo and center soundstage, with three Folded Motion tweeters and six 4-inch ultra-slim fiber cone woofers.
Inspired Sound
Inspired by MartinLogan's ultra-high-end electrostatic loudspeakers, the Motion Series was created to provide stunning sound for your ultimate-performance home theater or stereo. MartinLogan's dedicated in-house engineers carefully crafted the Motion Series to create an extremely affordable and compact product line that seamlessly blends our exquisite Folded Motion transducers with powerful, compact bass technology. The result is a smooth, refined sound with stunning dynamic range and jaw-dropping clarity.
The Audible Truth About Thin TVs
TV manufacturers are pushing the physical limits of electronics, making TVs that are thinner than ever at less than 2-inches from the wall. While they look great, creating a thinner television means making compromises to the built-in speakers; tiny drivers, cheaper parts, reduced cabinet volume and placement behind the TV create unnatural, lifeless sound. Worse yet, these speakers are usually underpowered, and easily distort when you turn up the volume. Motion SLM speakers provides a clean, easy to install solution for elevating the aural experience that has been sacrificed with ultra-thin TV technology.
Slender Profile & Stunning Performance
The secret to the Motion SLM's outstanding performance is the innovative dual 4-inch, ultra-slim fiber cone woofers and dual 4-inch high-velocity passive bass radiators, paired with a Folded Motion tweeter to create stunning acoustical alchemy typically found in much larger speaker systems. Hidden discretely underneath the grille, the drivers are held securely in place by a solid, black-anodized brushed aluminum baffle. The high-gloss black SLM cabinet is only 1.45-inches thin, for a total wall protrusion of 1.83-inches with magnetic grille and included wall mount bracket.
On-Wall or On-Shelf Versatility
With keyhole slots on the speaker's back panel that attach easily to the included wall bracket, you'll have the SLM wall-mounted and playing in no time. While we created Motion SLM speakers to wall mount next to ultra-flat panel TVs, that's not their only application. Included* with each speaker is a curved black base to allow them to sit on a shelf or equipment cabinet (* SLM or SLM XL only).
The Perfect LCR System
Folded Motion tweeters have an 80° x 80° dispersion pattern, which allows SLM and SLM XL to sound exactly the same in a horizontal or vertical orientation, making them perfect for Left-Center-Right (LCR) system applications. The logo on the grille is magnetic and can move and rotate to the proper aesthetically pleasing location in any orientation. SLM and SLM XL both include a base designed for vertical applications, allowing the speakers sit on a shelf or equipment cabinet.
Dealers selling MartinLogan near you
The Motion SLM delivers striking midrange clarity and airy top end from its Folded Motion HF, paired with surprisingly robust low-end from dual woofers and passive radiators. Its slender housing and 80° dispersion create a wide, precise soundstage, while high sensitivity yields lively dynamics, and ecoustics praises the refined engineering and thoughtful crossover parts that justify its asking price.
Pros
- Clear, present mids and extended, low-distortion treble driven by the Folded Motion HF and high-quality crossover components.
- Surprisingly strong bass extension and control for 4" drivers thanks to dual active woofers paired with two passive radiators.
- Wide, stable imaging and a precise soundstage enabled by the long, slim enclosure and 80° dispersion pattern.
&
Cons
- Premium asking price for a compact on-wall LCR, so value is solid but not class-leading.
- Basic connectivity with single push-style binding posts and no onboard DSP or streaming features.
Sound Quality
89/100
Bass
87/100
Two 4" active woofers plus two 4" passive radiators and high sensitivity drive surprisingly deep bass for a 4" driver design. Spec'd frequency to 110 Hz ±3 dB and passive radiators support extension; expect strong low-frequency output and control for the driver size.
Mid
90/100
Folded Motion transducer and careful crossover parts (air-core inductors, film caps) point to clear, present mids with good timbral accuracy. High sensitivity and recommended amp power range allow clean midband detail and vocal presence at typical listening levels.
Treble
90/100
The Folded Motion high-frequency transducer and spec'd 25 kHz top end indicate extended, airy treble with low distortion. Neutral-to-bright tilt is possible given the folded-motion design, but the components listed suggest refinement without obvious harshness.
Soundstage Imaging
89/100
Slim, wide cabinet and 80° horizontal/vertical dispersion figures support a wide, stable soundstage and good imaging. The long, shallow enclosure should yield precise imaging and good off-axis performance for typical room placements.
Dynamics
88/100
94 dB sensitivity and a 20–140 W recommended amp range imply strong dynamic capability and punch for this compact form. Expect very good micro- and macro-dynamic contrasts when mated to a competent amplifier, though ultimate slam is bounded by 4" drivers.
Show Less
Build Quality
88/100
Specified custom air-core inductors, quality capacitors, and thermal/current protection reflect a well-engineered crossover and attention to parts. The slender enclosure uses purposeful design to house folded-motion and PRs; fit-and-finish should be high for the price point.
Features Connectivity
80/100
Passive single-post push-style terminals — baseline passive bookshelf treatment. No DSP/streaming expected; baseline passive score applied per category rules.
Value for Money
76/100
At $624.99 these are a premium-priced compact speaker. Unique folded-motion HF, passive radiators and high sensitivity justify much of the cost, but price puts them above many conventional small bookshelves, so value is solid but not class-leading.
Reviews
Online Reviews & Mentions
YouTube Reviews
No reviews found yet
Forum Mentions
No forum mentions found yet