Martin Logan Dynamo 10

The MartinLogan Dynamo 10 is an active subwoofer designed to complement a pair of speakers or a home cinema installation. It houses its own amplifier and its own digital signal processing, which allows it to function as a standalone module to be integrated into an existing stereo or multichannel system.

The bass is delivered by a 25.4 cm driver with an anodised aluminium cone, mounted on a stamped steel chassis and designed for a large excursion. This type of diaphragm, rigid and lightweight, allows for rapid movements without deforming, which limits distortion even at high volume. The associated amplifier, a Magnitude MT-1kW module rated at 1000 W peak and 500 W continuous, powers this driver with the power reserve needed to reproduce deep bass without noticeable compression. The frequency response is given as 23 to 200 Hz at ± 3 dB, measured anechoically via the LFE input.

The subwoofer's control relies on a Vojtko DSP processor clocked at 500 MHz with 64-bit processing, which manages several acoustic integration parameters. The low-pass filter is adjustable from 35 to 120 Hz in 1 Hz steps, with a slope selectable between bypass, 18 dB/oct and 24 dB/oct. Phase is adjustable from 0 to 180° in 1° steps, and polarity can be inverted. Three preset modes (film, music, night) allow the subwoofer's behaviour to be adapted to the current use, while a specific correction on the 20-30 Hz band (± 10 dB) refines the rendering of the lowest frequencies. The model also incorporates Anthem ARC Genesis room correction, which can be enabled or disabled.

Connectivity includes left, right and LFE line inputs, a dedicated XLR input for LFE, as well as left and right speaker-level inputs requiring banana plugs. A wireless receiver is built in as standard; it allows the subwoofer to be placed without a connecting cable, provided the MartinLogan WSK1E transmitter, sold separately, is added. The Perfect Bass Kit, also optional, expands the acoustic correction possibilities.

This size and power suit a medium-sized stereo or home cinema installation, in a living room or dedicated room, for a user who wishes to reinforce the bass without adding multiple subwoofers or resorting to an external power amplifier. The fine phase and filter adjustments also make it a relevant choice for those seeking to precisely integrate the subwoofer with existing speakers.