MartinLogan released three new lines of subwoofers last year, with the Dynamo line reviewed here taking the middle position in their product offerings. The MartinLogan Dynamo (buy at Crutchfield) comes in two sizes, 10-inch and 12-inch, with each size available in either satin white or gloss black. Pricing is set at $999 for the smaller model and $1,499 for the larger model. MartinLogan sent us the Dynamo 10 subwoofer in satin white for our review.
The MartinLogan Dynamo subwoofer features a modern and stylish appearance in a physically compact and sleek component. The subwoofer’s enclosure is horizontally bisected by a groove, making the enclosure attractive and a bit more interesting without calling undue attention to itself. The front-firing driver is covered by a color-coordinated grille. The modern design effort is not lost upon me, as recent generations of MartinLogan speakers have featured updated technology combined with a modern aesthetic package.
What Makes the MartinLogan Dynamo 10 Subwoofer Special?
- The MartinLogan Dynamo 10 utilizes a custom-designed, high-performance aluminum driver. MartinLogan has long used aluminum woofer cones, and the Dynamo series of subwoofers is no exception. The Dynamo 10 uses a driver that was designed in connection with a Klippel measurement system to provide high output with low distortion. The driver is powered by a proprietary Magnitude 1-kW amplifier that provides 500 watts RMS and 1,000 watts peak. Frequency response is stated at 23-120Hz +/- 3dB (anechoic).
- The MartinLogan Dynamo 10 has plenty of connectivity options built in, including wireless. In addition to high-level (aka speaker-level) inputs, the Dynamo 10 has a balanced LFE input, as well as LFE and stereo single-ended inputs. There is also a single-ended output, in case you want to daisy-chain to a second subwoofer. The wireless capability is built in, and my review sample came with a small, easy-to-use transmitter. More than one input can be used simultaneously, which can be helpful with some of the more unusual configurations.
- MartinLogan has infused the Dynamo with a technology trifecta. MartinLogan aficionados will no doubt be familiar with the Vojtko name. Joe Vojtko is the Chief Audio Technologist (a catchy title) at MartinLogan. The MartinLogan Dynamo subwoofers incorporate a Vojtko-designed, 500MHz, 64-bit DSP engine, which allows for the implementation of the other features. The MartinLogan app is Android, iOS compatible and, quite frankly, is something that most modern subwoofers in this range are now expected to have. The app lets you control DSP modes, volume, phase, filters, low-frequency level (20-30Hz range) and room correction. Room correction comes via the highly capable Anthem Room Correction (“ARC”). ARC requires the purchase of an ARC microphone and using a computer. Highly recommended.
- The MartinLogan Dynamo’s cabinet is performance-oriented, while presenting a clean, modern appearance. The MartinLogan Dynamo 10 is built into a compact and attractive cabinet that measures 14.25 inches by 13.75 inches by 13.75 inches and weighs in at 42.8 pounds. I did not try removing the driver or rear plate to take a look at the internal bracing, but my very non-scientific knuckle testing of the cabinet indicates that it is fairly solid and inert as it is made out of one inch MDF. The cabinet rests on anti-vibration feet, which MartinLogan advised was designed to minimize energy transfer to adjacent surfaces.
Why Should You Care About the MartinLogan Dynamo 10 Subwoofer?
This performance-oriented but budget-minded segment of the subwoofer market is pretty crowded these days. To stand out, you need to do more than merely have a competent and fairly-priced product. MartinLogan’s Dynamo series does indeed have that little bit of extra performance, build quality and aesthetics, which absolutely adds value.
Setting aside performance for a moment, the Dynamo 10 also has a white color option, modern styling, built-in wireless connectivity, built-in tone sweep, app control, and built-in room correction. This very full feature set makes it easy to integrate the MartinLogan Dynamo into most rooms and systems for everybody, from advanced audiophiles to folks starting out in the hobby.
Some Things You Might Not Like About the MartinLogan Dynamo 10 Subwoofer
- Additional purchase is necessary to implement all the room correction features. In order to use ARC room correction, you will need to buy an ARC microphone, if you do not already have one, from perhaps another Anthem product. I personally do not have a problem with this, as it keeps the Dynamo cost down for those who will not use the ARC feature or already have a compatible microphone.
- MartinLogan’s lower-priced products, like pretty much every other audiophile loudspeaker company in the world, are made in China. The United States under its current leadership has imposed oppressive tariffs (a sales tax on consumers, to be accurate) on goods imported from China. China has predictably returned the favor. Who knows what this will do to the price of this subwoofer, but it could skyrocket if cooler, more intelligent minds can’t stop a global trade war.
Listening to the MartinLogan Dynamo 10 Subwoofer …
I have been using my living room system a bit more over the past year, so I decided to install the Dynamo 10 in that room for its brief stay at my house. This is an open floorplan living room, with wood floors over a slab on grade construction. While this does provide the best opportunity to evaluate the vibration-absorbing feet, as the floor is not going to move as much as a second-story wood floor, it does provide a good representation of a typical installation. The rest of the system is comprised of a Marantz SACD 30n driving a Marantz Model 30 integrated amplifier driving JBL L52 speakers. All cabling was supplied by Wireworld.
I should note that I tried both hardwired and wireless transmitter connections. There was no audible difference in sound quality between the subwoofer connection methods.
Playing “Morph the Cat” from Donald Fagen’s album of the same name via Tidal, I found the MartinLogan Dynamo 10 to add some weight to the sound of Freddie Washington’s bass guitar, adding a solid where the smaller bookshelf speakers understandably rolled off. The speed and detail of the Dynamo 10 was able to cleanly reproduce the details of Washington’s work. Knowing that MartinLogan designed the Dynamo series to keep pace with their very fast and transparent sounding electrostatic (ESL and even AMT-designed) speakers, I was not surprised. The drums were likewise crisp and clean with the MartinLogan Dynamo engaged. I switched back and forth between just the JBLs alone and with the Dynamo engaged. With the subwoofer, there was the expected additional impact with the drumbeats, as well as added weight and a touch of warmth in the lower-mid-bass/upper bass region. The app controls and ARC system made for smooth integration, providing a nearly seamless transition between the bookshelf speakers and subwoofer.
I then went to a totally different music genre. “Framed by Funk,” an electronica/synthesizer piece by Spoonbill from their album Airborne features a lot of deep synthesized beats. The modest-sized MartinLogan Dynamo 10 subwoofer added noticeable extension and impact, but ran out of steam with the lowest notes at high volume, with the Dynamo politely rolling off at upper volumes. If you are going to use your subwoofer in a bigger room at higher volumes to play deep, synthesized bass notes, check out the Dynamo 12 or perhaps a pair of 10s (or 12s).
I listened to a lot of music going back and forth with Dynamo being switched in and out of the system and cannot think of an instance where I preferred the system without the Dynamo. There were times that the differences were small, songs with little bass and/or low listening volumes, but more often than not, the Dynamo provided a better listening experience. For example, on the iconic opening of Dire Straits’ “Money for Nothing,” the MartinLogan Dynamo 10 provided visceral impact on the drums and provided beneficial weight to the bass guitar, making for a more dynamic and enjoyable listening experience without distorting or exaggerating the music.
Will a MartinLogan Dynamo 10 Subwoofer Hold Its Value?
I am a bit torn with this, as modern design aesthetics can easily become outdated. However, in the case of the Dynamo, the design is clean and subtle enough that it should remain aesthetically pleasing and not look like an outdated box for quite a while. On the technology and performance front, the app and ARC are software based and backed by one of the larger companies in the audio industry, which leads me to believe that they will be supported and updated for years to come. This is also based upon my owning several products from MartinLogan and its related companies over the past 20 years or so. I think there will be some depreciation over time, but that the Dynamo will hold its value just as well as anything else in its class.
What Is the Competition for the MartinLogan Dynamo 10 Subwoofer?
The SVS SB-2000 (buy at Crutchfield) is another sealed subwoofer with a slightly larger driver at 12 inches. At $999, it is the same price, and is close in size, weight and amplifier power. It does have SVS’ advanced app-based control system, which is even more feature-rich than the MartinLogan app, but lacks the auto-EQ function or ARC. That said, it is a forward-firing design that comes in only in black ash or high-gloss black, so if you want a white subwoofer, you are out of luck with this model. There are several other sealed and ported options from SVS in this price range.
Definitive Technology’s DN10 (buy at Crutchfield) is slightly less expensive at $799. In addition to an active 10-inch driver, it also has a pair of 10-inch passive radiators. It lacks some of the advanced technology options of the MartinLogan Dynamo 10, but it also comes in black or white finishes and has multiple connection options, including speaker level inputs.
There are countless options from brands like Paradigm, Bowers & Wilkins, REL, SVS, Polk Audio, RSL Loudspeakers and so many others. Most subwoofers in this space measure up pretty well. Adding a second sub is a big upgrade in terms of overall room coverage, which these more affordable subs allow for, versus larger, more one-and-done subwoofers.
Final Thoughts on the MartinLogan Dynamo 10 Subwoofer …
The MartinLogan Dynamo 10 may have an understated appearance, but it is packed with features and provides solid and articulate performance. The MartinLogan Dynamo 10’s compact size necessarily means there are limitations to extension and output. This is not the subwoofer you would choose to pressurize a large room with 25Hz synth bass. While that might be a priority for some subwoofer purchases, most are looking to extend low-frequency extension, play cleanly and evenly, and blend in with your main speakers. This is something that the Dynamo 10 can do with ease.
If you want a little bit more oomph or movement of your pant legs for your movie soundtracks, the app easily allows you to select Movie mode. If you have a difficult room acoustically, the ARC system inside of the MartinLogan Dynamo 10 subwoofer (buy at Crutchfield) will make life much easier in obtaining maximum performance from whatever placement options are available. The MartinLogan Dynamo 10 cannot only accomplish these critical tasks, it does so at a competitive price point and with a nice aesthetic. The MartinLogan Dynamo 10 looks good, sounds good and provides a rich feature set, making it an attractive option at an attractive price.
