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MartinLogan Motion XT B100
Distinctive Design, Elegant Execution, Beautiful Sound. Motion: Reimagined.
Motion XT B100
Our best bookshelf speaker, for those wanting maximum performance without moving to a tower speaker. The Gen2 Folded Motion® XT Tweeter and Nomex®-Reinforced Kevlar® woofer deliver exceptional clarity and precision, making B100 ideal for 2-channel or home theater setups. For those desiring a stand mount option, the B100 is threaded to securely attach to our matching STAND25 speaker stand (sold separately) for maximum stability.
Motion®: Reimagined
Our most ambitious acoustic and aesthetic development in MartinLogan's 40-year history. Motion® Series defines elegance and performance by leveraging exclusive technologies and decades of experience. The result is a loudspeaker collection that is not just an upgrade of its predecessor, but a whole new level of quality and excellence.
Legendary MartinLogan Sound
MartinLogan speakers are known for their exceptional articulation, detail and realism, regardless of the listening environment. By using advanced thin-film technologies and Controlled Dispersion, MartinLogan delivers a unique and unparalleled listening experience that is not commonly found in other speakers.
Gen2 Obsidian Folded Motion® Tweeter XT
The Gen2 Obsidian FMT XT Tweeter has been upgraded with a larger motor to provide higher output and lower distortion. The FMT XT offers the most effortless and detailed sound in the Motion range with a 40% increase in surface area over our signature FMT. Outside of our legendary Electrostatic speakers, these new tweeters provide our cleanest, most detailed and accurate high frequency presentation to date.
Folded Motion® Waveguide
After an extensive evaluation of nearly 50 design options, the Folded Motion® Waveguide profile was meticulously chosen to harmoniously align with the dispersion of the midrange drivers, resulting in enhanced output. The waveguide guarantees consistent sound quality regardless of the listener's position and minimizes unwanted room reflections. Proper waveguide design is crucial as it helps control the sound's dispersion pattern, ensuring that the sound is evenly distributed across the listening area and resulting in optimal sound quality.
Nomex®-Reinforced Kevlar® Midrange
The Nomex®-Reinforced Kevlar® Mid-bass in the Motion® XT B100 offers a perfect balance of lightweight, strength, anti-resonance and anti-ringing properties for unparalleled sound quality. When combined with the Gen2 Obsidian FMT XT, the clarity of vocals, dialogue and instrumental accuracy is unmatched at any volume. The seamless integration with Motion® XT CI products makes creating custom solutions effortless.
Modern Design Featuring
Luxurious FinishesThe Motion® speakers are the epitome of high-performance audio, utilizing cutting-edge technology and the highest quality materials to deliver sound quality that is truly unmatched. Their sleek, sophisticated design is an artful complement to any luxurious interior. Available in three finishes of Piano Black, Walnut, and Satin White, the Motion® series is an exquisite addition to any discerning individual's home, rivaling the most elegant of furnishings. Upgrade your audio experience and enhance your space with the Motion® series.
Stand25
The perfect match for B10 and B100, STAND25 includes interchangeable color trim pieces and attaches to the speaker base for maximum stability.
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Focused on an airy, highly detailed top end, the Motion XT B100 uses a Folded Motion tweeter for lightning-fast transients and vivid microdetail, paired with a Nomex‑Kevlar middriver that delivers natural, authoritative mids and a surprisingly tight, deep low end. Reviewers at StereoNET United Kingdom and Future Audiophile praise its wide soundstage and dynamic, studio-like clarity.
Pros
- Gen2 Obsidian Folded Motion tweeter provides extended, low‑distortion highs and exceptional transient detail.
- Nomex‑reinforced Kevlar middriver yields natural, well-bodied vocals and a transparent, studio‑like midrange.
- Surprisingly tight, deep bass for its size plus wide, immersive soundstage and confident dynamics.
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Cons
- Top end can be a little well‑lit or lively for some listeners in certain rooms.
- Relatively narrow horizontal sweet spot / placement sensitivity compared with more conventional dome tweeters.
- Lowest, visceral sub‑bass impact is limited by driver/box size and may benefit from a subwoofer for very deep bass.
Sound Quality
90/100
Bass
90/100
For a 6.5" rear-ported bookshelf the B100 delivers impressively deep, tight and controlled low end. Reviews repeatedly call the bass 'deep for its size' with good grip and little overhang (StereoNET) while Future Audiophile noted it 'stretched relatively low for its size' but lacked the visceral bottom of a subwoofer, so the performance is excellent for the driver/enclosure class.
Mid
92/100
Midrange is a particular strength: Nomex-reinforced Kevlar cone yields natural, detailed and well-bodied vocals and acoustic instruments. Both StereoNET and Future Audiophile highlight a transparent, studio-monitor-like presentation and accurate handover to the midrange without peaks.
Treble
90/100
The Gen2 Obsidian Folded Motion XT tweeter provides extended, highly detailed highs with sparkle and very low distortion, praised by both reviews. A couple of comments note the top end can be a touch 'well-lit' at times, but overall treble is clean, airy and non-harsh.
Soundstage Imaging
89/100
Imaging is precise with good depth and instrument placement; StereoNET reported a large, open soundstage that extended beyond the speakers. Future Audiophile warned of a somewhat narrower horizontal sweet spot typical of folded-motion designs, so excellent imaging but with some placement sensitivity.
Dynamics
91/100
Dynamics are lightning-fast thanks to the folded-motion tweeter and the well-controlled woofer. Reviewers noted confident handling of large dynamic swings and rhythmic material without tensing or harshness, delivering punch and transient speed uncommon in this size class.
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Build Quality
90/100
Cabinets are solid and well finished (gloss/wood/satin options) and the speakers are relatively heavy for their footprint, indicating robust construction. Reviewers praised the high standard of cabinetry and driver/crossover execution, with no exposed fasteners and quality fit-and-finish.
Features Connectivity
82/100
Passive bookshelf baseline applied (80) plus +2 for bi-wire/bi-amp capable five-way binding posts as noted on the rear panel; rear-ported design also present. No DSP/streaming expected or penalized.
Value for Money
90/100
At ~$850 the XT B100 is described as 'extremely good value' and a 'serious performer' by reviewers. Given the folded-motion tweeter, strong mids, and class-leading dynamics versus peers (e.g., comparisons to PSB Passif 50), the price/performance ratio is compelling.
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