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
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





     
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

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?