Does the Motion AFX work with the AVR-X1700H?

Yes, with one setting change. The Motion AFX is 4 Ω: set the receiver to 4 Ω in its speaker setup.

Will the AVR-X1700H damage the Motion AFX?

Not once it is set up for it: the AVR-X1700H is rated for a 4 Ω speaker with its speaker impedance set to 4 Ω.

Is the AVR-X1700H powerful enough for the Motion AFX?

Comfortable. From a seat 2 m away, loud 95 dB movie peaks take about 51 W per speaker, and the AVR-X1700H is rated 80 W per channel. Cinema reference level, 105 dB peaks, takes about 504 W.

Does the MartinLogan Motion AFX work with the Denon AVR-X1700H?

Verdict

Yes, set it to 4 Ω

The Motion AFX is 4 Ω: set the receiver to 4 Ω in its speaker setup.

Speaker load

Set 4 Ω

4 Ω speaker, change it in speaker setup

Power

80 W

Comfortable. About 51 W gives 95 dB peaks at 2 m

Height decoding

Yes

Dolby Atmos and DTS:X

How to connect them

Connect the Motion AFX speakers to the AVR-X1700H's height terminals with speaker wire.
In the AVR-X1700H's speaker setup, set speaker impedance to 4 Ω.
Run Audyssey MultEQ XT with its microphone at your seat.

Plan the Motion AFX and AVR-X1700H in your own room.

Draw your room in 3D, place both, and see every connection checked and how loud they play at your seat. Designing is free.

Build it in your room

The specs that decide it

MartinLogan Motion AFX

Impedance: 4 Ω
Sensitivity: 87 dB (2.83 V, 1 m)
Recommended amplifier power: 20–200 W
MSRP: $600 a pair (MSRP, September 2026)

All Motion AFX specs and pairings

Denon AVR-X1700H

Amplifier channels: 7
Height formats: Dolby Atmos, DTS:X
Lowest speaker impedance: 4 Ω
MSRP: $649 each (MSRP, September 2026)

All AVR-X1700H specs and pairings

Questions about the Motion AFX and AVR-X1700H

Does the Motion AFX work with the AVR-X1700H?: Yes, with one setting change. The Motion AFX is 4 Ω: set the receiver to 4 Ω in its speaker setup.
Will the AVR-X1700H damage the Motion AFX?: Not once it is set up for it: the AVR-X1700H is rated for a 4 Ω speaker with its speaker impedance set to 4 Ω.
What impedance setting should I use for the Motion AFX on the AVR-X1700H?: 4 Ω. Set the receiver to 4 Ω in its speaker setup.
Is the AVR-X1700H powerful enough for the Motion AFX?: Comfortable. From a seat 2 m away, loud 95 dB movie peaks take about 51 W per speaker, and the AVR-X1700H is rated 80 W per channel. Cinema reference level, 105 dB peaks, takes about 504 W.

Swap one of them

MartinLogan Motion AFX + Denon AVR-S670HNot recommended
MartinLogan Motion AFX + Monoprice M7100XWorks
Klipsch RP-500SA II + Denon AVR-X1700HWorks
Klipsch RP-500M II + Denon AVR-X1700HWorks

References

Specs verified against the manufacturer's published data. Last checked September 15, 2026.

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