MartinLogan Tribute 5XW Review: Rated 3.2/5

Last updated: October 21, 2026

The MartinLogan Tribute 5XW is rated 3.2/5 for sound quality, #23 of 28 In-Wall & In-Ceiling Speakers. See all Passive Home rankings for every top pick.

MartinLogan Tribute 5XW · Editor's rating 3.2/5, ranked #23 of 28 In-Wall & In-Ceiling Speakers
Check price at Audio Advice ($6,999.98 per pair) →

Prices on this page were last checked November 7, 2026 at 7:34 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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Brand: MartinLogan

#23 MartinLogan Tribute 5XW: $6,999.98 per pair Audio Advice $3,499.99 eBay

Pros: A slim, efficient in-wall speaker with a folded motion tweeter that rotates for vertical or horizontal mounting. Erin’s Audio Corner’s Klippel measurement shows a rated 94dB sensitivity that measured a still efficient 88.1dB at 1 meter, so it plays loudly for its size. The folded thin-film Folded Motion XT Obsidian tweeter rotates for horizontal or vertical mounting, and it pairs two carbon fiber woofers with two 6.5” passive radiators in a sealed box. It accepts 20-250W of amplifier power and mounts with a slim 3.8” depth behind the wall. Measured bass extension of 74.7Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 94dB.

Cons: The measurement is the weakest of the in-wall speakers here: a preference score of 1.84, or just 4.91 with a perfect subwoofer, with on-axis smoothness of 0.30, an average on-axis deviation of 1.56dB and wide directivity swings (SPDI deviation 3.25dB). Bass measured -3dB at only 74.7Hz, so a subwoofer is required, and MartinLogan rates it to 71Hz. At $3500 each a stereo pair costs twice that and MartinLogan sells it through dealers.

Is the MartinLogan Tribute 5XW right for you?

Buy it if

  • you have a modest amplifier (94 dB sensitivity is easy to drive).

Skip it if

  • you want neutral sound: its measured preference score is 4.9 even with a subwoofer.
  • you want the best value: the higher-rated Revel W553L costs about $5,910 less.
Released2020 (6 years ago)
Bass Extension (-10dB)68.3Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)74.7Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Crossover Frequency2,250Hz
DIY KitNo
Dimensions31.1”H x 10.6”W x 4.1”D (791 x 269 x 104 mm) (97mm mounting depth)
Drivers1.25 x 2.4” Folded Motion XT Obsidian tweeter, 2x 5.25” carbon fiber woofers, 2x 6.5” passive radiators
EnclosureSealed back box, in-wall
Frequency Response71Hz-25kHz +/-3dB (manufacturer)
Impedance4 ohms
Mounting Cutout236W x 757H mm
Power Handling20-250W recommended amplifier power
Sensitivity94dB (manufacturer), 88.1dB (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Spinorama Preference Score1.84
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub4.91
Weight25.6 lbs (11.6 kg)
Check current price at Audio Advice ($3,499.99) →Search eBay for MartinLogan Tribute 5XW →

Price history (per pair)

$6,999.98Sep 24, 2026 to Nov 5, 2026: $6,999.98Sep 2026Nov 2026

The price has held at $6,999.98 since Sep 2026.

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