Bowers and Wilkins and MartinLoganMotion are two of the most well-known names in the audio industry. The American company Martin Logan is known widely for manufacturing conventional floorstanding and subwoofer speakers using electrostatic loudspeaker technology. On the other hand, Bowers and Wilkins, the British company is famous for its professional loudspeakers with innovative technology.
In case you aren’t sure which brand to choose, you can’t go wrong with any of them. There are some features you won’t get if you choose one over the other. But both brands have high-quality features, good audio, and are durable, so it doesn’t really matter which one you choose.
Even though I don’t use either of these brands, I have tried them and know how each one works. b In this article, we will be looking at some of the speakers and compare them for making your purchase decision easier.
Martin logan motion 15i vs Bowers and Wilkins 685 s2 comparison
Both Martin Logan Motoins 15i and Bowers & Wilkings 685 S2 are passive two-way bass reflex speakers that deliver great audio response. Let’s look deeper into their specifications to know which one performs better overall.
Design and Build Quality
The Martin Logan Motion 15i are compact speakers with a standard design available in three different colors- gloss black, matte white and red walnut. The red walnut version of the loudspeaker gives it a pop of color and makes it stand out the most. These speakers have a design that is slightly tilted towards the front for better audio direction. The front surface is covered with a magnetic fabric grille that protects the tweeter. There is a 31 mm thick front baffle which complements the 18mm MDF cabinets. The MDF cabinet houses a 13cm aluminium mid or bass cone and a 2.6 x 3.6cm tweeter. The twist in the design is that the tweeter has a unique accordion shape that gives it more lightweight property than the traditional dome structure. This increases the lowers distortion and serves as a heat sink. The crossover networks are composed of high-quality electrolytic capacitors for thermal and current protection.
The Bowers and Wilkins 685 S2, on the other hand, is one funky loudspeaker with its yellow tweeter which is the first thing that will probably catch your eye. Four different colors of the speaker are available- black ash, light oak, red cherry and wenge. The key feature of the speaker design is the decoupled reinforced dome tweeter. The dome shaped tweeter is 25 mm in size and it is constructed of aluminum, reinforced further with a metal ring to strengthen it and improve damping. This structure is suspended in a ring of soft gel, which helps to absorb any unwanted vibrations from the cabinet and is covered with a protective grille mesh. The 16.5cm Kevlar mid/bass driver has a unique mushroom shape anti resonant plug that also helps with damping. The 685 S2 also have front-mounted flow port that allows it to be placed close to the wall.
Audio Performance
Martin Logan Motion 15i offer sound quality that take the listeners by surprise. First, the speakers deliver a detailed stereo imaging with a wide soundstage, letting the sound travel freely through the space around the loudspeakers. The bass response was good enough for the compactness of the speaker and cabinet size. The damping property of the aluminum woofer ensures smooth and non-resonant bass response. The loudspeakers really shine in the midrange area, which offers detailed response, focusing on the vocal clarity, texture and overall fluidness of sound. The unique folded motion tweeter design helped to efficiently improve the treble response, making it appear more bright and joyful. Overall, the Motion 15i offers great focus on detail and excellent instrumental separation for a wonderful audio experience.
Bowers and Wilkins 685 S2 has a powerful audio output with simple response. With a frequency response of 48 Hertz to 22 Kilohertz, these speakers can produce audio that has a heavy bass and really light treble. This wide frequency response makes these dynamic speakers suitable for music in any genre- from head-banging metal to soothing classical music. The 685 offer deep and powerful bass response, and a very clean and precise treble response thanks to the unique reinforced tweeter design. The speakers can work quite well without unnoticeable distortion at high volume levels. Overall, the loudspeakers offer a deep and spacious soundstage, adding depth and perception to your favorite song.
Why you should buy the Martin Logan Motion 15i
- Folded motion tweeter for lower audio distortion
- Aluminum Cone Woofer for lightweight property
- Proprietary Vojtko Crossover Network for head dissipation
Why you should get the B&W 685 s2
- Distinctive design
- Decoupled reinforced tweeter for clear audio response
- Mushroom shaped Kevlar woofer cone for anti-damping property
- Excellent audio dynamics
Final verdict
Now let’s take a deeper look into the differences between both the two-way speakers.
The Martin Logan Motion 15i has a frequency range of 60 hertz to 25000 hertz whilst the Bowers and Wilkins 685 S2 offers frequency within the range of 49 hertz to 22000 hertz. These specifications suggest that the S2 is capable of producing audio with lower bass response, but the 15i can deliver audio in the higher range better. When the sensitivity and power ratings are compared, it is observed that the Martin logan speaker can get louder and more powerful than the Bowers Wilkins speakers.
Although Bowers Wilkins’ 685 S2 has a decent build quality with exceptional technology incorporated in its driver design for efficient audio response, when tested, the Bowers and Wilkins speakers sound much better comparatively.
Martin logan motion 35xt vs Bowers and Wilkins 706 s2
If you are looking for easy-to-use speakers that offer wide soundstage and dynamic audio response, Martin Logan Motion 35XT would be a great choice. With its flowport technology, the B&W 706 S2 deliver audio with precision and meticulousness. Here are the specifications of the two audio products for better understanding:
Design and Build Quality
Martin Logan Motion 35xt are beautifully crafted loudspeakers that are available in two variations- an all glossy black finishing and gloss black finishing with a hint of cherry. The speakers are quite extraordinary in terms of build quality. The two-way speaker design includes sloped top cabinets composed of MDF with its corners being tapered for a smooth and effortless look. Martin Logans signature perforated metal grille is also seen in the design and a brushed aluminum baffle gives it a timeless look. The 35xt features a Folded Motion XT tweeter, a component which works like an accordion. The design allows air to move perpendicular to the folded ridges of the diaphragm, which in turn squeezes the air and results in reduced distortion and transient audio response. The dynamic speaker also includes a 6.5-inch aluminum cone woofer with a rigid dust cap and a cast basket for better bass response and reduced distortion. The woofer is housed in a chamber including a rear front firing port.
The Bowers and Wilkins 706 s2 are bookshelf speakers that have a compact design available in three different color options- gloss black, rosenut and satin white to complement your home theater system. These compact bookshelf speakers might look basic, but they do give off a stylish appeal. One of the unique features about the 706 S2 is that it comes with sturdy stand and can also be wall mounted. The S2 incorporates a one inch decoupled carbon dome tweeter in its construction for pinpoint imaging and accuracy in the higher frequency range. Since it is decoupled, audible distortions are minimized and the result is crystal clear and detailed sound response. This decoupled driver is cushioned with a synthetic gel which helps to isolate the matter from the mounting hardware. The design also features a 6.5″ Continuum cone midbass/midrange driver which helps to deliver natural audio response with precision. Bowers and Wilkins uses a Flowport technology in its speaker design for efficient bass response.
Audio Performance
Martin Logan Motion 35 XT offers a dynamic audio response with a bold and large soundstage. The loudspeaker has a wide frequency response of 50 hertz to 25000 Hertz. It can function with a sensitivity of 92 dB and impedance of 4 Ohms, the figures suggesting that the speaker can get quite loud. The aluminum cone woofer helps the speaker to produce a powerful bass response and offers clean midrange audio response. The rear firing bass port delivers richer and higher bass output. However, if you do want to enjoy bass below 50 hertz, you can pair the loudspeaker up with a subwoofer for better results. Individual instruments in a song can be sharply distinguished even though the upper range harmonics can sometimes get a little dark. Motion 35 XT loudspeaker exhibits a wide left-to-right stereo image that adds depth to the audio, almost making it seem life-like.
Bowers and Wilkins 706 S2, on the other hand, offers audio in a wider range of frequency. The speakers can be used as both stereo speakers for listening to music or surround sound speakers for movie experience thanks to their impressive versatility. Firstly, the carbon dome tweeter helps to raise the breakup threshold to 47 kilo hertz, meaning that the S2 can deliver bright and pinpoint audio in the treble section. The high end is extended without seeming too bright or analytical. The construction of the woofer cone ensures that the vocals and instruments being delivered sound precise and there is a smooth transition in the audio. Overall, the speakers offer promising sound with life-like soundstage and outstanding details in audio response.
Why you should buy the Martin Logan Motion 35 XT
- Flawless high gloss MDF finish and aesthetic design
- Spacious soundstage with detailed stereo imaging
- Folded Motion Tweeter technology
- Aluminum cone woofer with rear bass firing port
Why you should get the Bowers and Wilkins 706 s2
- Efficient design with stands for reduced audio distortion
- Decoupled carbon dome tweeter and continuum cone bass
- Flowport Technology
Final verdict
Both BW 706 S2 and Motion 35XT are 2-way speakers which look stylish and perform well. When we look at their specifications, we can see some notable differences.
Firstly, the BW 706 S2 has a frequency range of 50-28k Hz whereas Logan Motion 35XT has a frequency range of 50-25k Hz. Both speakers have different sensitivity ratings. The 35 XT has a rating of 92 dB whereas its competitor has a sensitivity rating of 88 dB. This 4 dB difference makes MartinLogan 35XT a more sensitive speaker compared to B&W 706 S2. This means that the 35 XT will play louder with the same amount of watts. The Logan Motion 35 XT is also capable of handling more power. However, the Bowers and Wilkins S2 has a nominal impedance of 8 Ohms and thus can be easier to drive. It also has a wider frequency range compared to its competitor.
Both speakers have their pros and cons, but if we compare them from a holistic point of view, the Martin Logan Motion 35 XT is better in terms of delivering exceptional audio with wide soundstage and has a versatile yet efficient design.
Martin logan ethos vs Bowers and Wilkins cm10 s2
Strange, unique and outstanding- the Martin Logan Ethos are surely sight for the eyes but they perform even better. Bowers Wilkins CM10 S2 might look like your average loudspeaker next to the Ethos but once they are plugged in, they surely know how to change the game! Let’s look at the specifications:
Design and Build Quality
The Martin Logan Ethos are floor-standing speakers that truly stand out of the crowd with their unique design. The speakers are very thin and have a small footprint, and the CLS XStat electrostatic panel is the highlight of the design. The electrostatic panel is curved to produce a horizontal radiation pattern, known as the CLS or Curve Line Source. It is surrounded by an extruded aluminum structure called the airframe. The function of this structure is not only to provide support but also to offer sonic and electrical isolation. Clear spacers, known as ClearSpar, help to prevent grounding of the membrane by suspending the membrane between isolators, therefore decreasing resonance. The Generation diaphragm is a massless transparent membrane which protects the panel thanks to its uniform surface resistivity characteristics. Apart from the electrostatic panel, the design of the ethos speakers includes an eight-inch PoweredForce aluminum woofer, which includes built-in protection circuitry for efficient audio response. Needless to say, these speakers are not only eye-catching, but they also include a myriad of technology and innovation for the best audio output.
Bowers and Wilkins CM10 S2 are impressive loudspeakers that stand tall with all their glory. Available in the three colors Rosenut, gloss black and satin white, the cm10 s2 speakers are stylish and effective in terms of design. The speakers have a simple straight edged rectangular cabinet composed of real wood veneer finishing, which makes the overall build quality quite impressive. All the three color designs, except for the Satin white comes with black magnetic grille which are attached to the cabinet body. B&W CM10 S2 comes with three different types of drivers in its speaker composition. A one-inch decoupled double dome tweeter made up of aluminum is located outside of the cabinet so as to provide more room for the woofers which are positioned inside the structure. The cabinet hosts a 6 inch woven Kelvar cone midrange driver and three 6.5 inch kelvar cone bass drivers. At the back end of the structure is a molded plastic flowport and two sets of binding posts.
Audio Performance
Martin Logan Ethos might look extra when it comes to appearance. And it is certainly not behind when it comes to audio performance. The speakers eight-inch poweredforce woofer cone is designed to be able to produce 100 decibels of power output continuously at 50 hertz with a clean spectrum. The speaker can perform in frequencies as low as 34 hertz and as high as 23000 hertz. The bass response is clean and powerful and were delivered by the ethos with forceful impact. Whilst the bass seems rigid, the treble on the other hand is airy and smooth. However, the speakers could have been more neutral in terms of timbre and the bass damping could have been more effective in different sound modes. The sense of depth and arena that these speakers showcase in their audio is also quite an impressive feature. Overall the speakers exhibit a balanced sound with a delicate high end.
When looked at the specifications, the CM10 S2, it can deliver audio at a frequency range of 45 hertz to 28000 hertz. The bass being delivered is detailed and powerful, the control of the response is just remarkable. The highlight of the audio performance of Bowers and Wilkins CM10 S2 is the treble response as the tweeters are able to deliver the high frequencies with impressive accuracy. The instruments in the songs being played through the speakers sound clear and well defined, easily separable from each other. There is a fluidity in the midrange which is also quite impressive given the value at which the speakers come. Whether it was the blues, country or rock, the bowers and wilkins cm10 s2 performed astoundingly well in all genres. Overall, the speakers perform with a decent center imaging and immersive soundstage with layers of depth and perception to the audio.
Why you should buy the Martin Logan Ethos
- Unique and eye-catching design with premium hand rubbed wood finishes
- Xstat electrostatic transducer with innovative technology
- PoweredForce woofer with built-in protection circuitry for effective bass response
- Vacuum Bonding proprietary system for uniform diaphragm tensioning
Why you should get the Bowers and Wilkins cm10 s2
- Lifelike stereo imaging with precision
- Kevlar® brand fibre cone FST midrange
- Decoupled Double Dome aluminium tweeter
- Mundorf EVO capacitor delivers simplified and precise crossover
Final verdict
When placed next to each other, the two speakers look miles apart. The Martin Logan Ethos definitely stands out with its unique appearance whilst the Bowers and Wilkins CM10 S2 feels a bit more recognizable thanks to its standard design. The Ethos is definitely larger than the CM10 S2 and both speakers come in three different color variations for flexibility in designing your home theater.
When it comes to audio specification, the CM 10 seems to have a wide frequency range, going lowest at 45 hertz and highest at 28000 hertz. The Ethos, on the other hand, can produce bass at the lowest frequency of 34 hertz, suggesting that these speakers are better for bass heavy music. Both speakers perform well, but if you are looking for something new, the Ethos would be a refreshing place to start.
Martin Logan motion 35xti vs Bowers & Wilkins 606 s2
Both Martin Logan motion 35 xTi and Bowers Wilkins 606 S2 are two way speakers that deliver audio response with great quality and precision. Whilst the 35 xTi shines in the bass region, the B&W shows its power in the treble section. The table below shows the difference between the two speakers at a glance:
Design and Build Quality
At first sight, the Martin Logan Motion 35xti look quite like standard bookshelf speaker models. However, on closer look, you will observe that rather than it being just a rectangular box, the speakers have a sloped top with slightly angled plane. At the bottom of the cabinet rests the Martin Logan logo, which gives the speakers their own touch of identity. The build quality of the 35xti should also be talked about since the MDF cabinet is a premium wood fiber build that has a smooth and solid finishing. The speakers have been built to include internal bracing to reduce unwanted vibrations and allow a smooth flow of sound. Underneath the metallic grille, the Martin Logan speakers hide a Folded Motion XT tweeter and a 6.5-inch aluminum woofer cone. Along with the woofer cone, you will also find a cast polymer basket. The speakers also include robust binding posts in their design for bi wiring.
Bowers and Wilkins 606 S2 has a two-way design with effective technology for optimized audio response. Available in the colors black, white and oak, these speakers are designed with an MDF and vinyl finishing. The speaker comes with an acoustic, magnetic grille which is convenient to install and replace. It includes a one inch decoupled doubled dome aluminum tweeter for natural and spacious treble response. This tweeter is decoupled so that unwanted vibrations can be avoided. Using aluminum in the tweeter construction is useful since it is lightweight and rigid, and helps to avoid audible distortion. Apart from this driver, the 606 S2 also includes a continuum cone bass/midrange driver which is 6.5 inches in size. The composite cone allows precision and vocal clarity by reducing distortions in audio. Bowers and Wilkins uses Flowport technology, which incorporates a flared port design for reduced distortion and smoother audio flow. The crossover design is also optimized for the best audio output.
Audio Performance
Martin Logan Motion 35 XTi sound incredible for the price they are in. The bass response on the 35 XTi is clean, controlled as well delicate. The custom-built and low distortion aluminum cone driver is designed for handling maximum power output and delivering bass with the finest of details. Whilst the bass is solid and dynamic, the audio does get a little muddy at the midrange and this is a place for improvement. Nevertheless, the high end is very pleasing to the ears thanks to the Folded Motion tweeter which uses a large surface area for minimum distortion, increasing audio efficiency to greater amount. The 80×30-degree controlled dispersion in the speaker tweeters increases audible bandwidth, keeping the details in the audio intact. The level of details and realism in the treble response is commendable and will keep the listeners really satisfied. Martin Logan Motion 35 XTi also offers a huge soundstage with pinpoint accuracy.
Bowers and Wilkins 606 S2 offers exceptional audio quality. The composite construction of the 6.5-inch continuum cone midrange woofer helps the 606 S2 speakers to deliver a smooth and accurate sound by eliminating abrupt transitions and unwanted distortion. The result is a bass response that it clear, controlled and precise, which help rhythmic drive and offers a sense of agility in the audio. Moving up the frequency range, the mids sound pleasant as well. The vocals and instruments are delivered with precise clarity. The treble articulation is quite astounding thanks to the decoupled dome tweeter, which is able to offer 38 kilo hertz breakup performance. The decoupling technology also ensures that there are minimal vibrations and it is easier to hear the subtle changes in the vocals. The result of this is natural and spacious sound. The speakers offer greater stability in sound compared to the previous models and are quite improved in terms of audio production.
Why you should buy the Martin Logan motion 35xti
- Folded Motion XT Tweeter for minimizing distortion
- Bass Reflex MDF Cabinet for solid construction
- Proprietary Vojtko Crossover Network for optimal frequency and balanced tone
- Aluminum Cone Woofer with unique concave cap design
Why you should get the Bowers & Wilkins 606
- 1″ Decoupled Double Dome Aluminum Tweeter for natural, spacious and pure treble response
- 5″ Continuum Cone Midbass/Midrange Driver for precise bass response
- Optimized Crossover Design
- Flowport Technology with dimpled flare port
- Mounting options for customizability
So Which One’s the Best?
There are good and bad things about both of them. So let’s see how they compare with each other.
If you want low-frequency bass, the Martin Logan Motion 35 XTi can go as low as 50 hertz. The Bowers and Wilkins 606 S2 can go up to 280000 hertz. This is true, but the 35 XTi can go louder because its sensitivity rating is higher than the 606 S2 at 88 decibels. This means that it can go even louder than the 606 S2. Martin Logan Motion speakers are also able to handle more power from the amplifier because they have a power output of 20 to 250 watts each.
For people who like to listen to loud music with a lot of bass, the Martin Logan 35 XTi might be the best choice. It’s also good if you want to listen to music that has a high frequency range. The B&W 606 S2 is a good choice.
Conclusion
Most of the comparisons made between the speakers showed that whilst they were good from some aspects, there was also room for improvement in other ways.
From testing and reviewing both the competitors’ products, a holistic view can be observed which is the fact that the mid-bass from the Martin Logans is much less than the Bowers and Wilkins speakers. The Bowers and Wilkins speakers are able to handle multiple instruments at once but the Martin Logan speakers focused more on the vocals, making the center stage clear and precise with all the instruments blending smoothly in the background.
We can conclude that the Martin Logan speakers deliver audio with tightness and precision. This gives more of a studio vibe because, as an audiophile, you will be able to enjoy every single detail. What’s even better is that this can be done with much less power thanks to the speakers being so loud. On the other hand, Bowers and Wilkin speakers deliver colorful sound that is lively and pleasant to hear, but you would definitely require an amplifier to spice things up with these speakers.
People also ask
How do electrostatic speakers sound?
An electrostatic loudspeaker has a thin plastic diaphragm that is sandwiched between two metal sheets with holes in them (the grids or stator plates). This means the audio signal doesn’t go to the grids in the correct order. While one grid makes the diaphragm push, the other makes it pull, which moves air and makes sound.
Why do Bowers and Wilkins cost so much?
The more good the sound is, the more it will cost. When it comes to the B&W desktop computer speaker, it sounds crisper and clearer than the other one. It also has distortion-free bass, which shows that the materials used are pricey.
Freelance tech journalist & author soundboxlab.com Read More
