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MartinLogan Subwoofers- Don't Overlook Them!

With everyone on the SVS, Rythmik, JL Audio and REL bandwagons MartinLogan’s subs tend to be overlooked by many.
After reading the Stereophile review of the ML Dynamo 800X subwoofers with app based controls and ARC room correction I picked up a pair at my local dealer.
They have an excellent feature set for seamless integration including continuous phase, high level speaker inputs, multiple crossover slope settings all done from the listening spot.
The app works really well and they connected via bluetooth without a hitch. I renamed each sub to indicate the left and right positions and it is so easy to adjust and control them to get the best results.
They sound excellent! Very "musical" with no bloating, very tight and fast. They go deep enough with strength and clarity. Sustained deep notes are presented with power and authority with no breakup.   They also deliver excellent punch- kick drums sound great with appropriate impact.   The only drawback is that they are so far a little dry sounding, a little too tight.  I'm sure they will loosen up with time but even with that I am still enjoying them quite a bit!  
For anyone in the market give these some consideration.   And yes, two subwoofers offer many advantages over a single sub and the resulting sound is fantastic.   
avanti1960
avanti1960 OP
1,457 posts
 
noble,

" I’m fairly certain the exact number of subs considered acceptable in a domestic room is higher for most men than most women" 
we definitely agree on that point !  I would like to hear the 4-subwoofer swarm system one day, possibly at AXPONA next year? As of now my 2-subwoofer system has been carefully dialed in and sounds excellent,  integrated, dynamic and with balanced, well defined notes.  One key I have found to avoid smearing my main speakers is to use the higher order crossover option on these subwoofers.  The 4th order crossover (24db per octave) set at 65Hz sounds excellent and does a great job at eliminating the directional energy since 130Hz would be 24db down from the main signal.  Doing this saves the need for any kind of high pass filter for the main speakers. 

@gochurchgo2
I am running my main speakers full range.  I connect the subwoofers in parallel connecting at the amplifier speaker terminals.  The high impedance of the subwoofer creates minimal load on the amplifier and draws a very small amount current- just enough to let the subwoofer amplifier do its job.  

gochurchgo
910 posts
 
Another stupid question but can you link me to a diagram of how you wired this? 

Im not savvy.

Thanks @avanti1960
noble100's avatar
noble100
2,419 posts
 
gochurchgo:"Another stupid question but can you link me to a diagram of how you wired this? 
I'm not savvy.
Thanks @avanti1960"

     Hello gochurchgo,

    Many current good quality subs allow hookup via both rca cables from standard rca outputs on a preamp or AV receiver and via speaker wire from the positive and negative L+R speaker terminal outputs on an AV receiver or power amp.  Here's a link that describes both methods:

www.aperionaudio.com/blogs/aperion-audio-blog/how-to-get-the-most-out-of-your-subwoofer





     
noble100's avatar
noble100
2,419 posts
 
Hello avanti1960,

      I'm glad you're pleased with your two sub setup.  I know 2-sub systems can work very well when listened to from a single designated listening seat as long as the subs are positioned and configured properly.  You've obviously figured this out.  I also realize that not everyone wants or needs a sub system that provides excellent bass response and integration with the main speakers throughout the entire room.
       I hope you're able to audition the 4-sub Audio Kinesis Swarm system in the near future.  I can describe how well it performs and convince no one but I believe even a brief audition would likely convince virtually everyone.
     The owner of AK and designer of the Swarm, Duke Lejeune, is fond of saying "two subs will sound twice as good as one sub, four subs will sound twice as good as two and eight subs will be grounds for divorce".  All true based on my experience and I've decided to stop at four subs because I love my wife.

Enjoy,
 Tim
m-db's avatar
m-db
969 posts
 

millercarbon1,374 posts07-01-2019 4:32pmAs much fun as it probably is being able to play with settings with a remote, the more subs you get the less it matters where they are. The better it sounds. The less you need to tweak. And the more you just relax and enjoy the music.
I'm a multiple subwoofer user. Could I ask you which analog or digital processed subwoofers you've used in your system as a comparison?  
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