MartinLogan Motion 20i vs. Triangle Borea BR03

MartinLogan Motion 20i Tower Speaker Triangle Borea BR03 Bookshelf Speakers
MSRP
$2000 $630
Dimensions (H × W × D)
36.60” × 6.80” × 11.70”
930mm × 173mm × 297mm
14.96” × 8.11” × 12.36”
380mm × 206mm × 314mm
Power Type
Passive Passive
Frequency Response
46-25,000 Hz 46-22,000 Hz
ASR Score
n/a 4.2
ASR Score w/Subwoofer
n/a 6.5
Amazon.com
Amazon.com

Key Takeaways

TLDR Summary: In the realm of high-fidelity audio, the MartinLogan Motion 20i and Triangle Borea BR03 are distinct contenders. The Motion 20i towers with their Folded Motion tweeters offer a spacious soundstage and articulate highs that blend seamlessly with their robust bass, courtesy of the larger cabinet. Meanwhile, the Borea BR03 bookshelf speakers punch above their weight, delivering nuanced midrange and precise imaging within a more compact form. While the Motion 20i excels in a larger room, the Borea BR03 shines in intimate settings. Personal preference and listening space will guide audiophiles between these two excellent, yet diverse, sonic experiences.

Speaker Comparison

When the discussion steers towards high-fidelity audio, the room gets silent, and ears perk up to catch every nuance about to be unveiled. The MartinLogan Motion 20i tower speakers and the Triangle Borea BR03 bookshelf speakers represent two schools of thought in the audiophile landscape. One embodies the towering presence of floor-standing elegance; the other encapsulates the charm of compact, bookshelf proficiency. While they cater to slightly different preferences and spatial constraints, both have the same objective: to deliver an immersive audio experience that resonates with the listener's soul.

The Elegance of MartinLogan Motion 20i

The MartinLogan Motion 20i is a speaker that stands tall, both literally and figuratively, in the world of sound. Its floor-standing design allows for a more extended low-frequency response, giving the bass a room-filling authority that's difficult for smaller bookshelf speakers to match. The Motion 20i boasts a Folded Motion Tweeter, a unique technology that ensures a lightning-fast response with minimal distortion. This translates to crystalline highs that can reveal the subtlest details in a recording, capturing the breath of a vocalist or the delicate resonance of a violin string with impeccable precision.

MartinLogan Motion 20i Tower Speaker
MartinLogan Motion 20i arrow (at Amazon.com)

Compact Versatility of Triangle Borea BR03

In contrast, the Triangle Borea BR03 bookshelf speakers offer a different proposition. Their compact size makes them more adaptable to various spaces, from intimate apartments to being part of a larger surround sound setup. The BR03s shine with a silk dome tweeter that produces a smooth and refined high-frequency response, allowing them to render the textures of music with a touch of warmth and naturalness. Though smaller in stature, these speakers do not shy away from delivering a robust sonic punch, with the mid-bass driver ensuring that the music has body and presence.

Spatial Considerations and Aesthetic Appeal

The choice between the MartinLogan Motion 20i and the Triangle Borea BR03 may also come down to the listener's space. The Motion 20is demand more room to breathe and are better suited for larger listening environments where their sound can unfold and fill the area. They are also an aesthetic statement, with their slender profile and premium finishes, they can complement the decor and become a focal point of any room. Meanwhile, the BR03s can tuck away on a bookshelf or stand, offering greater flexibility for smaller rooms or for those who prefer a more minimalist audio setup.

Triangle Borea BR03 Bookshelf Speakers
Triangle Borea BR03 arrow (at Amazon.com)

When it comes to the listening experience, the MartinLogan Motion 20i speakers deliver a more expansive soundstage, allowing for a three-dimensional representation of the musical event. The listener can close their eyes and pinpoint the position of each instrument in the orchestra, each layer given room to breathe and be appreciated individually. It's an enveloping experience that makes you feel like you're within the walls of a concert hall rather than your own home.

Power Handling and Efficiency

Power handling and efficiency are critical considerations for any audiophile, and this is another area where these two contenders diverge. The MartinLogan Motion 20is are relatively efficient, but they can truly come alive with a high-current amplifier that can control and drive their larger drivers. On the other hand, the Triangle Borea BR03s are more forgiving with amplification, thanks to their efficient design. This makes them an excellent choice for those with modestly powered amplifiers or for listeners not looking to make a significant additional investment in amplification.

A final contemplation should be the types of music you most frequently indulge in. The MartinLogan Motion 20i excels in revealing the grandeur of large-scale works, the complex layers of symphonies, and live recordings. The Triangle Borea BR03, with its warmth and engaging mid-range, might better suit those who love vocal-centric genres, jazz ensembles, or the intricate subtleties of acoustic performances. Both speakers have the potential to captivate, but it's the nuances in your musical taste that might sway your decision.

In the end, choosing between the MartinLogan Motion 20i and the Triangle Borea BR03 is a journey of personal preference, room characteristics, and the relationship one wishes to have with their music. Whether you lean towards the statuesque presence and sonic depth of the Motion 20is, or the versatile and intimate sound of the BR03s, it's clear that both speakers hold their ground in the pursuit of audio excellence. What remains is a listening session, where your ears will be the judge, and the music, as always, will be the true hero of the story.


Check Current Prices:

MartinLogan Motion 20i Tower Speaker
MartinLogan Motion 20i Tower Speaker
Triangle Borea BR03 Bookshelf Speakers
Triangle Borea BR03 Bookshelf Speakers
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.