Dayton Audio MK402BTX vs. MartinLogan Motion 30i

Dayton Audio MK402BTX Powered Bluetooth Bookshelf Speakers MartinLogan Motion 30i Center Channel Speaker
MSRP
$150 $900
Dimensions (H × W × D)
9.50” × 5.75” × 6.63”
241mm × 146mm × 168mm
6.90” × 16.50” × 10.50”
175mm × 419mm × 267mm
Power Type
Powered Passive
Frequency Response
60-20,000 Hz 65-25,000 Hz
ASR Score
3.7 n/a
ASR Score w/Subwoofer
6.1 n/a
Amazon.com
Amazon.com

Key Takeaways

TLDR Summary: In the realm of home audio, the Dayton Audio MK402BTX offers an impressive value proposition, serving up a Bluetooth-enabled, compact bookshelf speaker design that delivers surprising fidelity at its price point. Meanwhile, the MartinLogan Motion 30i centers on high-end, audiophile-grade clarity, bringing an expansive soundstage and precision to dialogue and musical vocals in a home theater setup. The Dayton excels in versatility and convenience for casual listeners, while the MartinLogan caters to discerning ears that demand nuanced performance, especially as part of a larger, premium audio system.

Speaker Comparison

When it comes to outfitting a living space with sound, the audio enthusiast has an array of choices that run the gamut from the modestly priced to the esoteric high-end. In this comparison, we'll be looking at two very different speakers: the Dayton Audio MK402BTX Powered Bluetooth Bookshelf Speakers and the MartinLogan Motion 30i Center Channel Speaker. These two contenders may differ in purpose and price, but both aim to deliver a gratifying audio experience.

Design and Build

The Dayton Audio MK402BTX bookshelf speakers present a practical and compact design, suitable for smaller rooms or as a secondary audio system. Their unassuming black vinyl finish gives them a discreet presence in any room. In contrast, the MartinLogan Motion 30i exudes a more luxurious vibe with its sleek lines and the signature MartinLogan perforated grille. The Motion 30i is larger and demands more space, not just physically but also sonically, as it's designed to anchor the dialogue and action in a multi-channel home theater system.

Dayton Audio MK402BTX Powered Bluetooth Bookshelf Speakers
Dayton Audio MK402BTX arrow (at Amazon.com)

Sound Quality and Performance

The MK402BTX speakers are a pleasant surprise, delivering a sound that belies their size. The highs are crisp without being too sharp, and the mids are clear, making them suitable for a wide variety of music genres. However, being bookshelf speakers, they lack the low-end punch that a larger speaker or a separate subwoofer would provide. Meanwhile, the MartinLogan Motion 30i center channel is a powerhouse of clarity and depth. The Motion 30i features MartinLogan's renowned Folded Motion tweeter, offering a detailed and nuanced treble that brings out the subtlety in vocals and dialogues. Its larger cabinet and drivers produce a much fuller and more dynamic range, with a particularly robust mid-range that makes movie soundtracks come to life.

Connectivity and Usability

One of the Dayton's key features is its built-in Bluetooth capability, which allows for convenient wireless streaming from a variety of devices. This feature, coupled with its self-powered design, means you can enjoy music without a receiver or separate amplifier. The Motion 30i, on the other hand, is a traditional passive speaker, relying on an external amplifier or receiver for power. Its connectivity is limited to high-quality binding posts for speaker wires, emphasizing its role in a dedicated high-fidelity system.

MartinLogan Motion 30i Center Channel Speaker
MartinLogan Motion 30i arrow (at Amazon.com)

In terms of usability, the Dayton MK402BTX is incredibly user-friendly, with a simple setup that's virtually plug-and-play. The MartinLogan Motion 30i requires more careful integration into an existing audio system, with considerations for matching amplifier power and ensuring it is timbre-matched to other speakers in a surround sound setup for the best cohesive audio experience.

Value Proposition

For those on a budget or looking for an easy entry into the world of quality audio, the Dayton Audio MK402BTX speakers are a remarkable value. They offer a high degree of functionality and decent sound quality at a price point that's hard to beat. The MartinLogan Motion 30i, while significantly more expensive, is an investment in audiophile-grade performance. It's built to satisfy the discerning listener who requires exceptional dialogue clarity and a speaker that can keep up with the dynamic demands of high-definition audio in movies and music alike.

Ultimately, the choice between the Dayton Audio MK402BTX and the MartinLogan Motion 30i center channel speaker comes down to the listener's needs and preferences. The Dayton is ideal for casual listeners and those who prioritize convenience and versatility, while the MartinLogan is tailored for the audio purist seeking an immersive home theater experience. Each serves its purpose with aplomb, and it's this diversity in the audio landscape that allows enthusiasts to tailor their systems to their unique tastes and requirements.


Check Current Prices:

Dayton Audio MK402BTX Powered Bluetooth Bookshelf Speakers
Dayton Audio MK402BTX Powered Bluetooth Bookshelf Speakers
MartinLogan Motion 30i Center Channel Speaker
MartinLogan Motion 30i Center Channel Speaker
Amazon.com
Amazon.com

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Disclaimer: the speaker data listed on this website are correct to the best of our knowledge, but we do not guarantee the accuracy of the data. Please double-check any measurements with the manufacturer before making a final purchasing decision.