MartinLogan Motion SLM X3 Ultra-Slim Passive Soundbar
- Passive L-C-R three channel soundbar
- Three Folded Motion tweeters, 1" x 1.4"
- Six 4" woofers, sealed cabinet
- 120 to 23,000 Hz, plus or minus 3 dB
- 4 ohm, 140 watts max
- 1.45 in cabinet, 1.83 in wall protrusion
- Wall mount bracket and magnetic grille
Updated 25 days ago · Based on the Amazon listing and published specifications, not hands-on testing.
A refined, very slim front speaker array for a wall-mounted TV in a home theater with a receiver and subwoofer. It is passive with limited bass, so it needs both an amplifier and a sub.
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ASIN: B078X3NLSWModel: Motion SLM X3Category: Soundbar Speakers
Overview
Not a powered soundbar with Bluetooth, the MartinLogan Motion bar is a passive speaker holding left, center and right channels in one slim cabinet. Folded Motion tweeters handle detail and six small woofers carry the midrange.
Three proper channels in a cabinet thin enough to hang flush under a TV make it a clean front stage for a theater. Low bass is not its job, so a subwoofer and receiver are part of the plan.
Who it's for
Theater builders with an AV receiver and subwoofer get detailed front channels in a nearly flush cabinet. Buyers without an amplifier need an active soundbar instead.
Pros and cons
- True three channel front stage
- Folded Motion tweeters for detail
- Very slim wall profile
- Wall bracket included
- Needs a receiver or amplifier
- Limited low bass
- No wireless or built-in inputs
- Push style binding posts
Performance notes
Detail and dispersion come from the Folded Motion tweeters, which move air with a pleated diaphragm and need little excursion. The small woofers in a sealed cabinet stop well above deep bass, so the receiver's crossover should hand lows to a subwoofer. Its low impedance asks for an amplifier that handles that load comfortably.
Specifications
| Brand | MartinLogan |
|---|---|
| Model | Motion SLM X3 |
| Dimensions & fit | |
| Woofer Diameter | Six 4 inch, sealed cabinet |
| Item weight | 13 pounds |
| Depth | 1.45 in cabinet, 1.83 in wall protrusion |
| Capacity & performance | |
| Speaker Maximum Output Power | 140 watts |
| Construction & materials | |
| Enclosure Material | Aluminum, Steel, Plastic |
| Color | Gloss Black |
| Compatibility & installation | |
| Connectivity | Push style binding posts |
| Included components | |
| Included components | Wall mount bracket, magnetic grille |
| Other details | |
| Number of Audio Channels | 3 (L-C-R) |
| Speaker Type | Passive soundbar |
| Frequency Response | 120 to 23,000 Hz plus or minus 3 dB |
| Tweeter type | Three 1" x 1.4" Folded Motion, 5.25" x 1.75" diaphragm |
| Impedance | 4 ohm |
| High Frequency Driver | Three 1" x 1.4" Folded Motion Transducers with 5.25" x 1.75" diaphragm |
| Low Frequency Drivers | Six 4" paper cone, sealed cabinet |
Frequently asked questions
What comes in the box with the MartinLogan Motion SLM X3?
The description mentions an included wall mount bracket and a magnetic grille. Speaker wire, amplifier and subwoofer are not included.
Does the Motion SLM X3 need an amplifier?
Yes. It is a passive three channel speaker with push style binding posts, so it needs a receiver or amplifier.
How far does the SLM X3 stick out from the wall?
The cabinet is 1.45 inches thin, for a total wall protrusion of 1.83 inches with the grille and bracket.
Do I need a subwoofer with the Motion SLM X3?
Its listed response starts at 120 Hz, so a subwoofer is needed for deep bass.