MartinLogan Motion Foundation B2 and Dynamo 600X Review
Table of contents
Earlier this year, MartinLogan garnered attention in the audio community by unveiling its all-new Motion Foundation Series. Although the company is best known for its high-end electrostatic speakers, it has consistently shown its ability to expand and diversify its product range. The Motion Foundation Series serves as MartinLogan's new entry-level line and includes an array of models: two bookshelf speakers, two floorstanding speakers, and a center channel.
Specifications
In this new series, the B2 bookshelf speakers capture the attention as the larger of the two bookshelf options in the Motion Foundation lineup. The B2 employs a 6.5-inch aluminum mid-bass driver, which benefits from technology cascaded down from MartinLogan's Motion and Motion XT series. The driver is composed of an Aluminum cone situated within a Cast Aluminum basket. This aluminum cone is designed to enhance various sound qualities including clarity, detail, and output.
Above the mid-bass driver, you'll find the newly developed Gen2 Obsidian Folded Motion Tweeter S, which measures roughly 1 inch. This tweeter works in harmony with the Folded Motion Waveguide to ensure even sound distribution across the listening area. Designed with a tweeter dispersion pattern of 90° vertical by 90° horizontal, the waveguide is similar to that used in MartinLogan's higher-end Motion Series. The B2 bookshelf speakers feature a frequency response that spans from 42 Hz to 23 kHz ±3 dB. They also boast a sensitivity rating of 90 dB and offer an impedance of 5 ohms which makes them relatively easy to drive.
Design
The Motion Foundation series, including the B2, comes in three distinct finishes: Black, Walnut, and Satin White. For this review, I chose the Walnut option. While it's not made of real wood veneer, the finish is pretty convincing. The B2 is outfitted with a round, hidden mounting tab style grille that neatly covers the driver. The company designed the grille with a hidden retention system behind the trim ring making it cosmetically invisible. Turning to the back of the speakers, you'll find a rear port and a standard set of binding posts; there's no option for bi-wiring, although that's likely not an issue for most users. Each speaker measures 15-inches x 7.75-inches x 11.5-inches and weighs in at around 15 pounds.
If you're lacking a dedicated spot for your bookshelf speakers, the Foundation B2 offers a compatible stand mount solution with the STAND25. MartinLogan provided me with a set of these stands, and they pair seamlessly with the B2 speakers. The design of STAND25 allows it to thread directly into the bottom of the speakers using the provided bolts. The stands can be filled with a dampening material of your choice to minimize resonance. Both rubber feet and metal spikes are included for any type of floor surface.
In terms of aesthetics, STAND25 comes with three interchangeable accent pieces in Black, Copper, and Silver, which easily slide into the sides to enhance the stand's visual appeal. The wire management channel at the rear of the STAND25 neatly conceals any speaker wire, avoiding the clutter of exposed wiring hanging down from the speaker. Each stand weighs about 13 pounds and measures 26.75-inches x 14.5-inches x 6.5-inches.
Setup
I positioned the speakers approximately 1.5 feet away from my front wall and angled them slightly inward to enhance high-frequency response. While moving the speakers closer to the wall could boost the low-end frequencies, I paired them with a MartinLogan Dynamo-600X subwoofer, so I didn't feel the need for additional bass. This subwoofer is equipped with a 240-watt amplifier and a 10-inch down-firing driver, providing ample low-end support.
As for the equipment, I’m testing these speakers with a variety of components, including a Trinnov Altitude16 powered by a Trinnov Amplitude16, a Denon 4800H, and a Cambridge Audio CXA81 for dedicated two-channel listening. The Dynamo-600X subwoofer was connected via a coaxial cable and features ARC (Anthem Room Correction) which allows me to calibrate it directly through the mobile app.
Performance
Starting with the low frequencies, the Foundation B2 bookshelf speakers impress with their low-end output, even more so when you consider the limitations of a single 6.5-inch driver. During my testing of Sam Smith's "Too Good at Goodbyes," the bass lines come through not just as audible elements but as textured and impactful components of the song. These low frequencies add a tactile quality, blending seamlessly with Sam's vocals and the more nuanced instrumentals. Each beat provides a rhythmic foundation that carries the melancholic mood of the song, without overpowering or muddying the overall sonic landscape.
The inclusion of the MartinLogan Dynamo-600X subwoofer takes this experience to an entirely new level. This subwoofer doesn't just hit; it hits both hard and fast, providing that extra "oomph" that elevates the entire musical landscape. The bass becomes more vivid, saturated with both energy and depth. It amplifies the emotional weight of the song's bittersweet lyrics while also adding a sense of space.
While listening to GoGo Penguin's "Atomised," the midrange performance of the Foundation B2 speakers reveals itself as predominantly neutral, yet it possesses a certain lifelike quality that feels like you’re listening to it live. This is most evident in the rendition of the piano, an instrument that often serves as the litmus test for midrange accuracy. Each keystroke comes through with clarity and precision, capturing the natural resonance and timbre of the instrument. The tonal balance between the hammers hitting the strings and the resulting reverberation feels authentic as if the piano is being played in the room with you.
The imaging capabilities of the Foundation B2 speakers are surprisingly sophisticated for bookshelf units of their size. During my listening sessions, I found that instruments and vocals didn't just emanate from the left or right channels. There were moments when it felt as though a phantom center channel was in play, lending an extra layer of depth and pinpoint localization most often associated with larger speakers.
So now let's talk about that new tweeter and the top-end performance of the Foundation B2 speakers. When tuning into Laurie Anderson's "Born, Never Asked," the high frequencies offer a distinct challenge. This track features an assortment of high-frequency elements, from spacious hand-claps and wood-block hits to marimba strikes, each demanding speed and control. But it's Anderson's unique violin technique that puts the speaker's high-frequency response to the test. Her customized violin uses magnetic tape on the bow, creating a sound that examines a system's treble speed.
The Foundation B2's Gen2 Obsidian Folded Motion Tweeter not only keeps up but also delivers each nuance crisply and without distortion. The tweeter's control and articulation make each high-frequency element stand out distinctly in the soundstage, exhibiting both speed and finesse.
Conclusion
The MartinLogan Foundation B2 speakers offer a dynamic and lively experience that distinguishes them in a crowded marketplace. When coupled with the Dynamo-600X subwoofer, the audio setup reaches new heights, and the aesthetic appeal of the accompanying stands further elevates the overall experience. Priced at $399.99 each, these speakers are an exceptional value for the investment. Suitable for both seasoned audiophiles and casual listeners, the Foundation B2 speakers are a versatile choice that redefines what bookshelf speakers can achieve across a variety of audio setups.
Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
Fantastic imaging for a bookshelf speaker | Grill is somewhat fragile when reattaching |
Detailed and lively sound | |
Easy to drive |
FAQ
Who owns MartinLogan speakers?
MartinLogan was originally founded in 1983 in Lawrence, Kansas, by Gayle Martin Sanders and Ron Logan Sutherland, which is where the brand's name comes from. For a long time, the company operated independently, although it was acquired by a private equity firm in 2005, along with Paradigm and Anthem. Paradigm was founded in Canada in 1982 by Scott Bagby and had acquired the Canadian electronics company Sonic Frontiers in 1995, which was later rebranded as Anthem. In 2019 Scott Bagby and his son John acquired full ownership of all three brands, bringing them under private ownership. Today, MartinLogan continues to be headquartered in Lawrence, Kansas, where it manages product development, sales, and service.
What is MartinLogan known for?
MartinLogan is best known for its electrostatic speaker technology, although the company also offers a diverse range of audio solutions including dynamic cone drivers, in-wall speakers, and soundbars.
What kind of tweeter does MartinLogan use?
MartinLogan's unique Folded Motion Tweeter employs a very lightweight diaphragm that compresses air, thereby needing far less movement than a standard 1-inch dome tweeter.
