Short answer: the Q Acoustics 5040. It ranks #113 of 226 floorstanding speakers by sound quality, rated 4.1/5, at $3,998; the MartinLogan Motion XT F100 ranks #143, rated 3.9/5, and costs $3,999.98, so there is not much of a tradeoff to weigh.
Why pick the Q Acoustics 5040: C3 (Continuous Curved Cone) driver profile technology provides smooth midrange integration, controlled cone breakup, and improved bass damping. The catch: Free-field frequency response exhibits a noticeable mid-bass scoop around 200Hz (~6dB lower than mean SPL), causing an F3 of 70Hz (F10 of 39Hz) in open space and requiring boundary placement (11-22 inches from front wall) to reinforce upper bass output.
The case for the MartinLogan Motion XT F100: Enlarged Folded Motion XT tweeter offers 40% more radiating area for lower distortion and effortless high-frequency dynamics. The tradeoff: Forward upper treble character can sound unforgiving on compressed or bright source material.
Buy the Q Acoustics 5040. It is rated higher for sound quality than the MartinLogan Motion XT F100 and costs less, so only choose the other one for a particular feature it does better.
About the ratings: the MartinLogan Motion XT F100’s rating is estimated from measured siblings and predecessors rather than its own measurements, with a likely range of 3.7 to 4.1, so this verdict could change once it is measured.
Want more options? Browse the full Passive Home rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| Q Acoustics 5040 | MartinLogan Motion XT F100 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $3,998 per pair | $3,999.98 per pair |
| Ranked | #113 of 226 in Large Size Floorstanding Speakers | #143 of 226 in Large Size Floorstanding Speakers Estimated |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 39Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | - |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 70Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 31Hz (manufacturer specified) |
| Dimensions | 38.1”H x 11.5”W x 14.2”D (967 x 293 x 361 mm) | 47.8”H x 11.7”W x 15”D (1213 x 298 x 381 mm) |
| Impedance | 6 ohms nominal (3.0 ohms minimum, measured by Erin’s Audio Corner) | 4 ohms nominal |
| Sensitivity | 91.5dB (measured average, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 92dB (2.83V/1m, manufacturer specified) |
| Drivers | 0.88 in. decoupled dome tweeter, twin 5.0 in. C3 Continuous Curved Cone woofers | 1.25” x 2.4” Gen2 Obsidian Folded Motion XT Tweeter, 6.5” (16.5cm) Nomex-reinforced Kevlar midrange, 3 x 6.5” (16.5cm) aluminum cone woofers |
| Weight | 39.7 lbs (18.0 kg) each | 76.1 lbs (34.5 kg) each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear | ported, down-firing twin ports |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 3.80 | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.41 | - |
| DIY Kit | No | No |
| Frequency Response | - | 31Hz - 25kHz (+/- 3dB, manufacturer specified) |
| Crossover Frequency | - | 280Hz, 2600Hz |
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Prices on this page were last checked October 11, 2026 at 4:59 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
Q Acoustics 5040: $3,998 per pair Amazon eBay
Same family: the Q Acoustics 5010 (smaller bookshelf, estimated 3.5/5), the Q Acoustics 5020 (larger bookshelf, rated 2.2/5), the Q Acoustics 5050 (larger floorstanding, ranked higher, estimated 4.3/5) and the Q Acoustics 5090 (center, estimated 3.7/5).
Pros: C3 (Continuous Curved Cone) driver profile technology provides smooth midrange integration, controlled cone breakup, and improved bass damping. High voltage sensitivity (91.5dB SPL at 2.83V/1m) allows loud listening with low-to-moderate amplifier wattage. Cabinet features Point-to-Point (P2P) internal bracing and Helmholtz Pressure Equalizer (HPE) tubes to suppress internal standing waves and panel vibrations. Measured bass extension of 70Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 91.5dB.
Cons: Free-field frequency response exhibits a noticeable mid-bass scoop around 200Hz (~6dB lower than mean SPL), causing an F3 of 70Hz (F10 of 39Hz) in open space and requiring boundary placement (11-22 inches from front wall) to reinforce upper bass output. Measurements indicate an enclosure resonance near 300Hz visible in sound power data. Minimum impedance drops to 3.0 ohms, demanding a stable 4-ohm rated amplifier despite high sensitivity.
Full Q Acoustics 5040 review and specifications →
| Released | Apr 2023 (3 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 39Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 70Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| DIY Kit | No |
| Dimensions | 38.1”H x 11.5”W x 14.2”D (967 x 293 x 361 mm) |
| Drivers | 0.88 in. decoupled dome tweeter, twin 5.0 in. C3 Continuous Curved Cone woofers |
| Impedance | 6 ohms nominal (3.0 ohms minimum, measured by Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Sensitivity | 91.5dB (measured average, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 3.80 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.41 |
| Weight | 39.7 lbs (18.0 kg) each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
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MartinLogan Motion XT F100: $3,999.98 per pair Estimated Audio Advisor eBay
Same family: the MartinLogan Motion XT B100 (bookshelf, rated 3.6/5), the MartinLogan Motion XT F200 (larger floorstanding, ranked higher, estimated 4/5) and the MartinLogan Motion XT C100 (center, estimated 3.9/5). See every MartinLogan Motion generation.
Pros: Enlarged Folded Motion XT tweeter offers 40% more radiating area for lower distortion and effortless high-frequency dynamics. Triple 6.5-inch aluminum woofers deliver robust bass extension down to 31Hz.
Cons: Forward upper treble character can sound unforgiving on compressed or bright source material. 4-ohm nominal impedance demands an amplifier with generous current delivery.
Full MartinLogan Motion XT F100 review and specifications →
| Released | Feb 2023 (3 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 31Hz (manufacturer specified) |
| Crossover Frequency | 280Hz, 2600Hz |
| DIY Kit | No |
| Dimensions | 47.8”H x 11.7”W x 15”D (1213 x 298 x 381 mm) |
| Drivers | 1.25” x 2.4” Gen2 Obsidian Folded Motion XT Tweeter, 6.5” (16.5cm) Nomex-reinforced Kevlar midrange, 3 x 6.5” (16.5cm) aluminum cone woofers |
| Frequency Response | 31Hz - 25kHz (+/- 3dB, manufacturer specified) |
| Impedance | 4 ohms nominal |
| Sensitivity | 92dB (2.83V/1m, manufacturer specified) |
| Weight | 76.1 lbs (34.5 kg) each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, down-firing twin ports |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- No independent measurement review is linked for this model; it is ranked from hands-on listening and comparison against similarly priced speakers.
- Head-to-Head Comparisons