MartinLogan Motion SLM Hi-Performance Flat Panel LCR Speaker - Gloss Black - Each

These speakers are a tale of two powers: low and high. (Both stories have a happy ending.)Background: I purchased these to replace two Vandersteen 2Ce signatures, which were just too big for my new listening space. I'm running a Rotel RSP 985 surround pre-amp and 5-channel amplifier. I was seriously considering wireless soundbar systems, such as the M-L Motion Vision-X, Cadence, and the Sonos; however, one must remember that the shortcoming of any wireless soundbar system is their D-A converters. Plus, upon listening to them, I was astonished at how terrible they sounded. Since I already had the surround equipment, why not just find some wall-mounted mains? (*sigh* the digital revolution is still just around the corner. . . .)Low power: These units are extremely small and only weigh about 6.5 lbs, but when mounted on the wall they provide every bit as wide a sound stage as the fully toed-in Vandersteens (because of the proprietary M-L tweeter that has an expanded throw angle). I re-emphasize that these tweeters are heavenly! Great sound on spoken and sung voice, brass instruments, ride and crash cymbals (crossover frequency is 2.6 KHz). Also, they operate *very* efficiently, and are well-balanced, at low power. Bass is fine. This is important, because large speakers want to be fed a lot of power in order to provide good frequency response, which I can't provide at 12AM with three sleeping rugrats. As a side note, because this is part of a home theater setup, I use a Vandersteen VCC-1 center channel, but one could probably skip this (because voices are so clear coming out of the tweeters), or use another M-L SLM as a center channel. I find it interesting to note that while watching movies at low power, most of the voice seems to be coming out of the mains, not the center channel, at the same driven power (in other words, the M-L SLM appears more efficient).High power: As power ramps up, the *ultra clean* high frequencies tend to dominate, with the mid-range becoming a bit less pronounced (which I prefer), and the bass starts dropping off. Accordingly, I supplement the bass with a subwoofer, which is a must for high power listening (I use a Vandersteen 2W subwoofer with the gain overcranked). Please note that the M-L SLMs replaced the *huge* 2Ces, and provide nearly the same listening experience (I did not compare them side-by-side). One thing I did notice at high power is that the vertical soundstage is a bit compressed, which makes sense because the two *actual* speakers are the two innermost diaphragms. (The outer two diaphragms are passive radiators--in order to release vacuum pressure created on a sealed container as the primary speakers move in-and-out. Interestingly, this information is not available through any pre-purchase information source. I had to actually listen up close to figure this out.)Other thoughts: The speakers are 100% plastic. It is hard to justify hundreds of dollars for plastic speakers . . . until you listen to them. Mounting and de-mounting is simple because the speakers just slip onto a mounting bracket. If you pulled hard enough the plastic mounting holes would break off the bracket. A cost-saving measure by M-L that won't affect but .1% of users with true anger issues. Speakers are rated 4 ohms, but are also compatible with 6- or 8-ohm amplifiers (besides, impedance is not a constant). Inputs are cheap push-style (meaning a cylinder-shaped button with a hole in the side that you depress to slide in bare wires, that then springs back to provide pressure on the wire). Another cost-saving measure which sacrifices signal transmission (less actual contact between wire and inputs, vice banana plugs or even spades), but again, I used cheap (and old) Monster cable to connect them (versus bi-wired Kimber Kable on the Vandersteens) and the sound was still comparable, so perhaps their efficiency counters what they sacrifice in "quality." If you pull on the wires they will easily pop out. Probably a 1% issue if you plan to use the included stands and move them around. (Speaking of the stands, when the boxes arrived they were probably 20 lbs, of which 2/3 of the weight was the stands. The speakers weigh almost nothing.)

For it's size is a high performer. Great sound, perfect fit for my space and look beautiful sitting on the wall

I love my martin Logans.Beautiful sound and perfect application for my needs.

Our media wall is on the same wall as our front door and we wanted something that wouldn’t block the walkway through the living room into the rest of the house. We went to a store and liked these, but they weren’t in stock. The look is perfect. The low profile is exactly what we were looking for. As for the sound, it’s decent enough. It’s not the best sound, but with something so thin, we knew we might have to sacrifice a little bit of power and sound for the low profile. We got a center speaker too, so we are clearlyfans. The speakers even handle our karaoke nights, so I would recommend them if you’re working with limited space like we are!

Excellent speaker. I now own four of them, using them as my Left, Center, and Right in a 5.1 setup and another as just my center channel in another 5.1 setup.It's a little light as a center channel, but for a regular living room or similar setup I think it's more than adequate. The sound is crystal clear and I have no complaints. The only thing you might be lacking is on the low end, but a good sub should take care of that.They are pricey and do go on sale from time to time, but I think they're worth it if you care about both aesthetics and quality sound.

I’m using these as rear surround speakers….and they sound Good. I have Martin Logan electro static fronts and mid room speakers and these fit well with them.

The MartinLogan SLM and ML SLM XL's are awesome! Not only do they look great when mounted flat against the wall, but the performance (after about a 50 hour break in period) of these speakers are tremendous. I have two SLM XL's up front about 18 inches away from my Sony 65" Bravia W Series, one SLM as the center channel below the Sony and two SLM's mounted on the rear wall. I would highly recommend adding the ML 700W Sub to the set-up, it really makes the entire room shake, and compliments the SLM's perfectly! My room is fairly large, 25x20 with 18' ceilings. I'm driving the system with a Denon AVR-1911. It takes a bit of tweaking to get the sound perfect to your liking after the initial break-in of the SLM's, but you will be amazed with the sound that comes out of these thin, wall-mounted speakers.

I've had these for about six weeks now, and they sound even better today than when I first installed them. Very clear performance. Outstanding highs (not tingy), and "like being there" mid-range sound. I have the SLM's set up as the front l, r of a 5.1 system that also includes an ML Motion 6 center, and Motion 4's in the rear, all running through a Marantz SR 6007. I can spend hours sitting in the "sweet spot" of my media room reveling in the delicious sounds produced by these speakers. I debated for quite some time before spending $1,000 on a pair of speakers. I am satisfied that it was money well spent.