Looking for high-end speakers to max out your in-house audio experience? If you have a budget over $2000, the obvious choices are between KEF vs Martin Logan. And choosing one from the two is difficult.
So, which speakers are better between KEF vs Martin Logan?
Between KEF vs Martin Logan, KEF R11 is more expensive than its ML equivalent. KEF has 4 woofers whereas ML has two. KEF has an original patent-pending Uni-Q tweeter and ML has an originally folded motion tweeter. KEF has a higher frequency response than ML. Finally, ML requires higher amps.
The details are discussed in the next sections of the article. Read through to find out the answers you’re looking for.
KEF vs Martin Logan: Quick Comparison
When looking to update your home theater, audiophiles have a big budget. For a budget over $2000 for speakers, the top picks are KEF and Martin Logan.
But, you might be wondering whether KEF speakers are any good. Yes, in fact, they are one of the best in the class audio systems. On to comparing a KEF home theater speaker, R11 with the Martin Logan Motion 60XTi.
For your convenience, we have done a comparison and testing for better decision-making.
Take a look at the short comparison table-
| KEF R11 | Martin Logan 60XTi | |
| Technology | Uni-Q, Metamaterial Absorption,Single Apparent Source | MartinLogan ESL Advances, Folded Motion Tweeter, |
| Type | 3-way Bass Reflex | Dual aluminum cone woofers |
| Driver | Uni-Q Array | 6.5” Aluminum Cone |
| Nominal Impedance | 8 Ohms | 8 Ohms |
| Frequency Response | 46Hz – 28kHz | 35Hz – 25kHz |
| Crossover Frequency | 400Hz, 2.9kHz | 400Hz, 2.2kHz |
| Price | Around $5000 a pair | Around $4000 a pair |
At a glance, both speakers are of supreme quality.
Yet, that is surely not enough for you to decide which brand of speakers to buy.
We made an in-depth analysis to see which one stands taller between R11 vs Motion 60XTi.
Let’s dive in!
KEF vs Martin Logan: Head-to-Head Comparison
Technology:
Starting with the technology of both speakers. KEF has Uni-Q driver technology for its sound system. Uni-Q is a patent-pending technology of KEF. The technology places the tweeter exactly at the center of its midrange cone.
This evenly disperses the sound in the room and removes ‘the sweet spot’ for a speaker. On the other hand, Martin Logan invented the Folded Motion Tweeter.
The ML folded motion tweeter works like an accordion, squeezes the air, and reduces 90% excursion. Resulting in minimized distortion and clear sound.
Summary: Both provide unique technology and excellent sound quality.
Type:
KEF R11 is a 3 bass reflex design, providing a clear, serious bass from the audio. It has 4 woofers so it won’t need any sub-woofer. The Hybrid,12th generation Uni-Q drivers make the speakers extremely capable of producing crisp, clear sound.
Martin Loga Motion 60XTi on the other hand has a dual-core aluminum woofer. Coupled with the folded motion tweeter, the speaker provides an excellent mid-range, deep musical experience.
Summary: KEF R11 is stronger in terms of in-speaker woofer power.
Driver:
The 2018 R Series’ apex model is the R11. It used four 165mm (6.5 inches) LF drivers and 125mm (5 inches) in the 12th generation Uni-Q driver. The 12th generation Uni-Q is equipped with a tweeter gap damper.
The gap prevents sound from leaking into the annular space between the tweeter and the cone. A considerably smoother high-frequency response followed, enhancing clarity and detail.
ML Motion 60XTi has a 6.5” aluminum core driver. It has a distinctive concave dust cap design. This lessens breakup modes while strengthening the strength and rigidity of the cone.
High-power magnet architecture and aluminum cone diaphragms are used in specially designed, low-distortion drivers. It maximizes power handling capacity while producing huge excursion and sound output without any distortion.
With minimal additional weight, aluminum cones maximize the rigidity and strength of the drivers. This guarantees the smooth, non-resonant response required for seamless blending with high-resolution Folded Motion tweeters.
Summary: The KEF R11 drivers are more advanced than Martin Logan Motion 60XTi.
Nominal Impedance:
The Nominal Impedance of KEF R11 is 8 Ohms. For Martin Logan Motion 60XTi, the impedance is also 8 Ohms.
Here, both speakers are of equal level.
Frequency Response:
The frequency response of KEF R11 is 46Hz – 28kHz. On the other hand, Martin Logan’s frequency response is 35Hz – 25kHz.
This means KEF R11 provides lower and higher sounds clearly than Martin Logan Motion 60XTi.
Summary: KEF R11 has a higher frequency response.
Crossover Frequency:
The crossover frequency of KEF R11 is 400Hz, 2.9kHz. On the flip side, 400Hz, 2.2kHz is the crossover frequency of Motion 60XTi.
Both speakers produce breathtaking sound quality despite the slight difference in the crossover frequency range. If you have an LS50 meta, here are some amps for LS50 Meta to pair with.
The difference is detectable when you play complex music like the composition of Bach or Beethoven.
Summary: KEF R11 filters out more distortion than Motion 60XTi.
Price:
The price of KEF R11 stands at a whopping $5000 for a pair. On the flip side, Martin Logan Motion 60XTi cost about $4000 a pair. We are looking at a drastic $1000 difference for a pair of speakers here.
So, how does KEF justifies its price?
Look-wise, KEF R11 is a gorgeous pair of speakers. You are bound to get compliments for your KEF speaker set-up from your peers. For audiophiles in general, the KEF R11 design is really appealing.
Here’s someone who is satisfied with KEF R11 performance.
However, some other KEF speakers that stand out listed below.
For small yet powerful speakers, go for KEF Q350 Bookshelf Speakers. You can check the price on Amazon.
Another small and mighty speakers are KEF LS50 Meta. You can check for availability on Amazon.
You can get a dynamic range of audio using the KEF Q950 Floorstanding Speaker. You can check the price on Amazon.
In a contemporary designed room, these seamlessly blend in. R11 also has some of the most innovative technology in its build. And with the sound quality, the price is quite justified for audiophiles who love ultra-high-end speakers.
Martin Logan Motion 60XTi for its price point has a luxurious design and finishing. As soon as you lay eyes on 60XTi, you’ll know that it’s a high-end speaker.
The magnetic grilles are beautifully hidden under the black trim. The powerful aluminum mid-range bass drivers and minimized floor bounce also make 60XTi worth the price.
Summary: Martin Logan Motion 60XTi is more budget-friendly.
Final Verdict
So, which brand wins KEF vs Martin Logan?
Unlike the fight between Bose home speaker 500 and 300, there’s no black-and-white answer. Because both the brands are high-end and of excellent quality.
Price-wise, if you have a slightly tight budget, you can go with Martin Logan Motion 60XTi. And you won’t really miss out on the $1000 price difference. The qualities and specs are on par with the KEF R11 speakers.
If you want to go all out with the best specifications, KEF R11 is for you. Spec-wise, KEF delivers you the highest of them all along with the aesthetics.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Do Electrostatic Speakers Sound Better?
Contrary to standard cone drivers in a box, electrostatic speakers create lower distortion levels. It creates one to two orders of magnitude. The clarity of electrostatic speakers is exceptional. The downside is their luxurious price, yet electrostatic speakers are a top choice among music fans.
What are KEF speakers known for?
Among the high-end speakers, KEF provides the best of its class. KEF provides an array of high-end audio devices, including HiFi speakers, subwoofers, and architecture speakers. Raymond Cooke founded it in Maidstone, Kent, in 1961. They have been dominating the audio system industry for 6 decades.
How Do Electrostatic Speakers Work?
For electrostatic speakers, a large, thin metal plate is sandwiched between two parallel screens. The metal sheet is polarized by an amplified audio signal that is impressed onto the screens. And the electrostatic force that results in this motion of the sheet produces a sound wave.
Conclusion
That was all for KEF vs Martin Logan Speakers.
We recommend a 15-300W amp with the KEF Speakers, it will really make a difference!
Hope the article was helpful for you to decide which brand of speakers to buy.
Best of Luck!
