Definitive Technology and Martin Logan have both come a long way to become leading manufacturers of audio products for the global market. This article will help you understand the two brands to be able to choose the best for your audio system.
Definitive Technology and Martin Logan are both vintage brands that specialize in the manufacture of audio devices. Martin Logan is, however, a little older and more advanced. However, technology keeps changing and you should look at the diverse factors other than age when choosing products from these brands.
Definitive Technology vs. Martin Logan History
Definitive Technology History
The company was founded by a sound-obsessed veteran, Sandy Gross, and a group of audio engineers on a mission in Maryland in 1990.
It mainly deals with the design and merchandising of floor speakers, soundbars, home theater audio systems, headphones, and wireless home audio.
In 2004, Direct Electronics acquired Definitive Technology, and Sandy Gross became the President of the audio division until 2010, when he left the company. Directed Electronics also acquired Polk Audio.
In 2008, the company changed its name to DEI holdings. DEI combined Definitive Technology, Polk, and the Boom movement. In 2013, however, the brands collectively became Sound United.
Martin Logan History
Martin Logan is an American company that manufactures subwoofers, floor-standing, in-wall hybrid, and wall-mounted speakers. It was founded 43 years ago in Lawrence, Kansas, the U.S.A by Gayle Martine Sanders and Ron Logan Sutherland.
Despite having been trained in different fields (Martin had trained in architecture and advertising while Logan had trained in electrical engineering), one thing they shared was a love for music and speakers.
Difference Between Definitive Technology And Martin Logan
Definitive Technology: Features, Design, and Performance
The company continues to perfect its performance through research. The Definitive Technology Descend subwoofers such as the D17’s are some of their best products. The company also quotes a given sensitivity of 87dB and frequency response of 38 Hz to 24 kHz.
The bipolar speakers are built with drivers in the rear and front to help radiate sound in phase to both directions. This allows the speakers to create a vast, deep sound stage. The bipolar speakers are, however, not built with the ability to achieve pinpoint imaging of direct-radiating speakers.
In addition, the speakers have in-built Class D amplifiers to help deliver a smoother, consistent bass. Besides, the multiple subwoofers in the speakers help eliminate the possible nulls in sound delivery.
Martin Logan – Features, Design, and Performance
Here are some of the critical features of Martin Logan with reference to the Motion 15 model.
Classic Décor
Built-in three color schemes, Martin Logan Motion 15 will suit most of your home décors. The speakers are appealing and will surely make your home or office space more adorable.
Powerful standalone
These speakers perform gorgeously well when operated independently. You will, however, need to add an external amp to improve the sound experience you get from them.
Customized home theater
They are flexible and easily customizable with any home theater system. If you like to customize your home sound, then you can choose Martin Logan.
Audiophile Performance
Even when operated at higher volumes, the sound systems are of audiophile quality and have very little or no sound distortion. Also, you can quickly secure the connections with the audiophile grade-5 wiring.
Pros And Cons Of Definitive Technology Speakers
In this section, we’ll refer to the D11 speakers.
Pros
- the sound is natural and rich
- Excellent performance regardless of room size
- the design is futuristic
- Precise sound
Cons
- more expensive
- not as loud as ported woofers
Pros And Cons Of Martin Logan Speakers
This section will refer to the Martin Logan Motion 15 speakers.
Pros
- A fantastic choice for home décor
- Remarkable performance sound quality
- Great for a customized home sound
Cons
- A single speaker without any other form of connection
- The metal grille doesn’t add much to the décor
- It needs an external amplifier
Definitive Technology vs. Martin Logan Room Space
Definitive Technology classifies most of its speakers as “Big Sound, Room-Friendly Size.” This is because the speakers are generally compact and will fit any room.
On the other hand, Martin Logan speakers require a minimum of 20 feet long and 15 feet large room. They also require that the room should have adequate reverberation and minimal absorption for best placement.
Definitive Technology vs. Martin Logan when using an AV receiver
Definitive Technology delivers a wide-open deep holographic soundstage. They also work perfectly well with receivers that support fewer channels and have good EQ. you should, however, listen to them before you can make a more substantive decision.
On the other hand, Martin Logan speakers work with receivers or amps to deliver a better sound experience. They perform better when placed closer to the listener. Also, you must correctly match the receivers with the speakers for varied listening conditions.
Example: Definitive Technology R-51M vs. Martin Logan DEBUT 2.0 B6.2
| Feature | Definitive Technology BP9040 | Martin Logan Motion 40 |
| Finish | MDF | Piano Finish |
| Impedance | 8.0 ohms | 4.0 ohms |
| RMS rated power | 50.0 W | 300.0 W |
| Speaker type | No data | No data |
| Woofer size (cm) | No data | 17 |
| Speaker placement | Floorstanders | Floorstanders |
| Sensitivity | 92.0 dB | 92.0 dB |
| Weight | 16 kg | 22 kg |
Best Definitive Technology Speakers On Amazon
1. [easyazon_link identifier=”B07Q5TWBP1″ locale=”US” tag=”speakermasters-20″]Definitive Technology ProCinema 6D[/easyazon_link]
ProCinema 6D is a modern design speaker designed with an exceptional quality sound to ensure you enjoy music and movies anywhere.
[amazon box=”B07Q5TWBP1″]
With six speakers installed and satellite speakers that enable wireless playing of music, a channel speaker that refers to a surround system and makes a channel of audio, and a subwoofer for bass production, this speaker is generally unbeatable.
Pros
- Compact design
- Good sound quality with exceptional surround sound
- Perfect bass
- Portable
Cons
- Channel speaker could be fixed
2. [easyazon_link identifier=”B00422L380″ locale=”US” tag=”speakermasters-20″]Definitive Technology BP-9080x[/easyazon_link]
The 52-inch-tall tower speaker is built to deliver a sound that transcends the status quo. It is built with BDSS technology drivers on the front and rear array of 8 speakers.
[amazon box=”B00422L380″]
It also includes a massive integrated powered 12-inch subwoofer and 12-inch dual bass radiators.
Pros
- Versatile placement options
- Powerful L/R bipolar design
Cons
- Very expensive
3. [easyazon_link identifier=”B000TDCJHK” locale=”US” tag=”speakermasters-20″]Definitive Technology Procenter 1000 Compact Center Speaker[/easyazon_link]
The speaker comes with innovative technology that makes it possible to fix the problem encountered by the split sound produced by sets of speakers.
[amazon box=”B000TDCJHK”]
The speaker’s design is simple, but the power and performance are gorgeous. Besides, the speaker is quite affordable. The price does not, however, affect its performance, power, or accuracy.
Pros
- Affordable
- Distortion-free sound
- Powerful bass
Cons
- Low profile design
Best Martin Logan Speakers On Amazon
1. [easyazon_link identifier=”B072BQK3YL” locale=”US” tag=”speakermasters-20″]MartinLogan Motion 4i Bookshelf Speaker[/easyazon_link]
With a folded motion tweeter, it requires almost90% less excursion than the typical 1″ dome tweeter.
[amazon box=”B072BQK3YL”]
It is built with a flawless high-gloss piano black finish, signature performed grille, and subtle curves that give it an elegant appearance.
Pros
- Highly dynamic and precise sound
- Elegant design
- Fast response time
Cons
- Not suitable for large spaces
2. [easyazon_link identifier=”B078X3NLSW” locale=”US” tag=”speakermasters-20″]Martinlogan Motion SLM-XL[/easyazon_link]
It is built with folded motion tweeter with advanced Vojtko filtering ability, dual paper cone woofers, and four passive radiators that make it sound incredible.
[amazon box=”B078X3NLSW”]
The speaker comes with shelf stands for installations other than wall-mount.
Pros
- High-quality sound
- Shelf stands included
- Advanced Vojtko filtering
Cons
- Expensive
3. [easyazon_link identifier=”B071Z2TL21″ locale=”US” tag=”speakermasters-20″]Martin Logan Motion 8 Center Channel Speaker[/easyazon_link]
It has a folded motion tweeter engineered with a large surface area to create clear, highly dynamic, and precise sound.
[amazon box=”B071Z2TL21″]
The design helps to provide a fast response time and minimizes distortion.
Pros
- Luxurious styling
- Outstanding performance
- Easy hookups
Cons
- Expensive
Are Martin Logan Speakers Good For Movies?
The speakers sound excellent and are a good fit for a custom home theater system. Besides, they deliver a crisp sound with precise detail supported by the folded motion tweeters.
Characteristically, these are what you need for your movies theater to catch the actual sound effects of the actions.
Are Martin Logan Speakers Neutral
Martin Logan speakers are not neutral. For instance, the overall balance of Martin Logan Vista is on the bright side of neutral. They, however, have an excellent transient response.
Are Martin Logan Speakers Considered High End?
Compared with Definitive Technology Speakers, Martin Logan is considered high-end. Also, the speakers deliver a striking balance between mid-range and low-frequency sounds.
Conclusion
The two brands share strikingly similar properties in terms of sound performance. Therefore, it is essential to read the full review and make your judgment before choosing the right brand for your sound system.
