Short answer: the MartinLogan Motion B10. Both are rated 3.6/5 for sound quality (#60 and #134 of 168 bookshelf speakers), and the MartinLogan Motion B10 costs $1,039.98 against $1,359.98 for the MartinLogan Motion XT B100, with sound quality a draw, the lower price decides it.
What the MartinLogan Motion B10 does well: MartinLogan’s folded-motion tweeter technology (a 9.2 sq in diaphragm, larger than a typical dome) reaches this price point, with an excellent sound-power smoothness score of 0.111, meaning its off-axis output tracks its on-axis response unusually well. The catch: On-axis deviation of 0.669dB is rough for the price, with a pronounced +0.32dB per octave upward tilt giving it a notably bright balance, and predicted in-room smoothness of just 0.16, the roughest of any speaker measured here.
The case for the MartinLogan Motion XT B100: A premium 6.5-inch standmount with MartinLogan’s large folded-motion tweeter and high rated sensitivity. The catch: The measured response rises strongly at +0.84dB per octave and directivity-index consistency is a poor 4.34, so tonal balance and off-axis behavior are less neutral than the price implies.
Buy the MartinLogan Motion B10. Both are rated the same for sound quality, and it costs $320 less than the MartinLogan Motion XT B100.
Still deciding? The full Passive Home rankings cover every ranked option.
Specifications Side By Side
| MartinLogan Motion B10 | MartinLogan Motion XT B100 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,039.98 per pair | $1,359.98 per pair |
| Ranked | #60 of 168 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers | #134 of 214 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Enclosure | Rear-ported, 2-way | 2-way, rear-ported |
| Drivers | 1” x 1.4” Gen2 Obsidian Folded Motion tweeter, 5.5” woven fiberglass midrange | 1.25 x 2.4” folded-motion XT tweeter, 6.5” Kevlar woofer |
| Dimensions | 12.5H x 7W x 9.75D in | 14.5H x 8W x 12.5D in |
| Weight | 14.6 lbs (6.6 kg) each | 20.5 lbs (9.3 kg) each |
| Sensitivity | 92dB | 93dB |
| Impedance | 5 ohms nominal | 4 ohms |
| Country | United States (design) | United States (design) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 4.01 | 3.83 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.76 | 6.35 |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 74.7Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner via spinorama.org) | 71.8Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner via spinorama.org) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 56.1Hz (derived, log-interpolated between spinorama.org -9dB/-12dB points) | 50.7Hz (derived, log-interpolated between spinorama.org -9dB/-12dB points) |
| DIY Kit | No | No |
Frequency Response Compared
Both speakers’ spinorama measurements, overlaid. A flatter line is more neutral: peaks sound forward or harsh, dips sound recessed. Each curve is shifted so its average from 300 Hz to 3 kHz sits at 0 dB, so loudness differences between the two are removed and only the shape is compared.
Measurement data: MartinLogan Motion B10 (measured by Erin’s Audio Corner) and MartinLogan Motion XT B100 (measured by Erin’s Audio Corner), via spinorama.org.
Watch Them Compared
Videos and reviews that test both speakers side by side.
Related Speaker Comparisons
More worthwhile head-to-heads for MartinLogan Motion B10:
- KEF LS50 Meta vs MartinLogan Motion B10
- KEF Q150 vs MartinLogan Motion B10
- KEF Q1 Meta vs MartinLogan Motion B10
- KEF Q Concerto Meta vs MartinLogan Motion XT B100
- KEF R3 vs MartinLogan Motion XT B100
Prices on this page were last checked October 10, 2026 at 5:37 PM UTC. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date/time and are subject to change; the price and availability shown on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
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The Two Speakers In Full
MartinLogan Motion B10: $1,039.98 per pair Crutchfield eBay
Same family: the MartinLogan Motion F10 (smaller floorstanding, estimated 3.8/5), the MartinLogan Motion F20 (larger floorstanding, estimated 3.9/5), the MartinLogan Motion C10 (center, estimated 3.7/5) and the MartinLogan Motion MP10 (surround, estimated 3.5/5).
Pros: MartinLogan’s folded-motion tweeter technology (a 9.2 sq in diaphragm, larger than a typical dome) reaches this price point, with an excellent sound-power smoothness score of 0.111, meaning its off-axis output tracks its on-axis response unusually well. Sensitivity of 92dB makes it easy to drive. Measured bass extension of 74.7Hz (-3dB).
Cons: On-axis deviation of 0.669dB is rough for the price, with a pronounced +0.32dB per octave upward tilt giving it a notably bright balance, and predicted in-room smoothness of just 0.16, the roughest of any speaker measured here. Bass extension is shallow too, a Harman in-room estimate of just 62Hz.
Full MartinLogan Motion B10 review and specifications →
| Released | Feb 2023 (3 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 56.1Hz (derived, log-interpolated between spinorama.org -9dB/-12dB points) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 74.7Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner via spinorama.org) |
| Country | United States (design) |
| DIY Kit | No |
| Dimensions | 12.5H x 7W x 9.75D in |
| Drivers | 1” x 1.4” Gen2 Obsidian Folded Motion tweeter, 5.5” woven fiberglass midrange |
| Enclosure | Rear-ported, 2-way |
| Impedance | 5 ohms nominal |
| Sensitivity | 92dB |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 4.01 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.76 |
| Weight | 14.6 lbs (6.6 kg) each |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
MartinLogan Motion XT B100: $1,359.98 per pair Amazon MartinLogan Dealer Network eBay
Older model: the MartinLogan Motion 35XTi (ranked lower, estimated 3.4/5). See every MartinLogan Motion generation.
Same family: the MartinLogan Motion XT F100 (smaller floorstanding, estimated 3.9/5), the MartinLogan Motion XT F200 (larger floorstanding, estimated 4/5) and the MartinLogan Motion XT C100 (center, estimated 3.9/5).
Pros: A premium 6.5-inch standmount with MartinLogan’s large folded-motion tweeter and high rated sensitivity. Erin’s data predicts 55Hz in-room extension, a 6.35 subwoofer-assisted preference score and good 0.153 sound-power smoothness. Measured bass extension of 71.8Hz (-3dB).
Cons: The measured response rises strongly at +0.84dB per octave and directivity-index consistency is a poor 4.34, so tonal balance and off-axis behavior are less neutral than the price implies. The cabinet is large, heavy and $680 per pair before stands.
Full MartinLogan Motion XT B100 review and specifications →
| Released | Mar 2023 (3 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 50.7Hz (derived, log-interpolated between spinorama.org -9dB/-12dB points) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 71.8Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner via spinorama.org) |
| Country | United States (design) |
| DIY Kit | No |
| Dimensions | 14.5H x 8W x 12.5D in |
| Drivers | 1.25 x 2.4” folded-motion XT tweeter, 6.5” Kevlar woofer |
| Enclosure | 2-way, rear-ported |
| Impedance | 4 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 93dB |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 3.83 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.35 |
| Weight | 20.5 lbs (9.3 kg) each |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons