KEF Q900 or Matin Logan Motion 40s

[Brennan Tighe]

I'm debating between these two tower speakers. I was wondering if one could say which sounded better, or would the different style tweeters make it impossible to tell.

I listen to music/movies at a 50/50 ratio. I've owned both ribbon tweeters and soft domes before, but not sure which I prefer honestly.

I have a 1200 cu. ft. room, dual subs - an Outlaw LFM-1 Plus and an SVS PB1000s. My receiver is a Denon X4000

 

[markw]

"Better" is highly subjective. Yes, they both sound different but we cannot say which you would prefer.

Me, I'd go for the M/L's but I also prefer brunettes, medium rare steaks with just a touch of salt and pepper, red wines, IPA's, and a good vanilla ice cream. Does that help?

 

[Steve81]

I'd toss in the KEF R300 into your equation as well. They boast better cabinetry (both stoutness and aesthetically) and a more advanced crossover with a true 3 way design.

 

[Brennan Tighe]

I'd toss in the KEF R300 into your equation as well. They boast better cabinetry (both stoutness and aesthetically) and a more advanced crossover with a true 3 way design.

I'm trying to stay away from bookshelves. If I was going bookshelves, I was planning to purchase 3 Atlantic Technology AT-2 (H-PAS)
http://www.atlantictechnology.com/index.php/products/h-pas-speakers/2-h-pas-technology/
and using the 3rd as a center.

Though the same price as the Motion 40s (with a motion 15 center), visuals are huge in my book. The look at large bookshelves on stands with a smaller top plate is an eye-sore for me. I cannot seem to find a speaker stand under $300/pair with a top plate of at least 9" by 13" (Atlantic's are 8.75" by 12.something")

EDIT: Sorry, 22" or 18" speaker stands.

 

[zieglj01]

I cannot seem to find a speaker stand under $300/pair with a top plate of at least 9" by 13" (Atlantic's are 8.75" by 12.something")

Ultimate Support speaker stand - top plate 12 x 10.25
http://www.ultimatesupport.com/category/Studio_Laptop_and_Tablet_Stands__MS_Series

Sold on Amazon
http://www.amazon.com/Ultimate-Support-MS9036B-Speaker-Stand/dp/B005UUAOLA/ref=sr_1_10?ie=UTF8&qid=1426874881&sr=8-10&keywords=ultimate+support+speaker+stands

http://www.amazon.com/Ultimate-Support-MS9045B-Speaker-Stand/dp/B005QM6UE2/ref=sr_1_9?ie=UTF8&qid=1426874881&sr=8-9&keywords=ultimate+support+speaker+stands

 

[Brennan Tighe]

Ultimate Support speaker stand - top plate 12 x 10.25
http://www.ultimatesupport.com/category/Studio_Laptop_and_Tablet_Stands__MS_Series

Sold on Amazon
http://www.amazon.com/Ultimate-Support-MS9036B-Speaker-Stand/dp/B005UUAOLA/ref=sr_1_10?ie=UTF8&qid=1426874881&sr=8-10&keywords=ultimate+support+speaker+stands

http://www.amazon.com/Ultimate-Support-MS9045B-Speaker-Stand/dp/B005QM6UE2/ref=sr_1_9?ie=UTF8&qid=1426874881&sr=8-9&keywords=ultimate+support+speaker+stands

They are too tall :/

 

[zieglj01]

They are too tall :/

Three places that can build stands for you - if you are interested

http://soundanchors.com/

http://www.timbernation.com/speakerstand.cfm

http://www.gwizpro.com/stands/

 

[BMXTRIX]

I had both setup in a single space once. The Martin Logans were used as part of a surround sound setup, while the KEFs were part of a dance floor setup.

I would say that's pretty accurate for how I would use them again. The KEFs can get loud, but aren't quite as clean as the MLs. Neither is intensely loud, so if you want a night club, then get something completely different. If you want a bit more of a full range speaker that's a bit brighter, and more responsive, then the MLs really fit the bill, and IMO, are cleaner for more normal listening surround sound. But, when the audio goes louder, they tend to be a bit brighter than I like. That's when the KEFs really shine. When the volume is up louder, they tend not to be as bright, and are more enjoyable for louder listening.

That's my take at least. I've used the Q900s a few times and I like them. I think they also do a bit better in a larger space, but they don't sound as full at lower volumes. That's where the MLs shine.

 

[Brennan Tighe]

I had both setup in a single space once. The Martin Logans were used as part of a surround sound setup, while the KEFs were part of a dance floor setup.

I would say that's pretty accurate for how I would use them again. The KEFs can get loud, but aren't quite as clean as the MLs. Neither is intensely loud, so if you want a night club, then get something completely different. If you want a bit more of a full range speaker that's a bit brighter, and more responsive, then the MLs really fit the bill, and IMO, are cleaner for more normal listening surround sound. But, when the audio goes louder, they tend to be a bit brighter than I like. That's when the KEFs really shine. When the volume is up louder, they tend not to be as bright, and are more enjoyable for louder listening.

That's my take at least. I've used the Q900s a few times and I like them. I think they also do a bit better in a larger space, but they don't sound as full at lower volumes. That's where the MLs shine.

Thanks for the reply. I will be using these towers with minimal power due to the space they will be used in - about 1200 cu. ft. I know audio is personal, but it seems a few others agreed that they would choose the MLs over the KEFs.

I did read reviews that the KEFs really started to "come forth" with a little power to them, which I'm assuming is due to the larger, and more numerous drivers.

I have the ML Motion 40s and Motion 15 (using as a center) arriving today - the dark red finish. I also purchased ATS Acoustic treatment panels - Wine microsuede/shell microsuede to accent red on the MLs and the black on my surrounds. I've never used treatments before, so I'm really hoping to literally hear the difference instantly.