Founded in the seventies and determined to create the best possible electrostatic speakers, MartinLogan always promoted hybrid systems with an integrated cone woofer box to extend the frequency range. Later on, and already looking at an expansion into the home theater market, the company created a successful range of dedicated subwoofers - with multiple models and series to meet the needs of multiple applications and complement other manufacturers speakers.
Nearly two decades ago, MartinLogan introduced the Abyss. This iconic subwoofer was a larger, and more powerful version of the highly acclaimed original Dynamo subwoofer. Fast forward to 2024, MartinLogan revamped completely its subwoofer lineup, featuring the Dynamo Foundation, Dynamo and Abyss Series, offering a complete range of options in terms of prices, sizes, features, and performance. Renowned for its deep, articulate bass, the 2024 Abyss Series blends the best of past innovations with a contemporary twist.
As Allan Tarrant, Senior Vice President of MartinLogan explains, "Our newest subwoofers exemplify our commitment to innovation and excellence in audio engineering. With their design for seamless integration with any brand of speaker, they are a versatile choice that enhance any home audio system."
Looking at the details for each updated series we find common technologies and descriptions, making the differentiation based on the design topology, integration options, and price points. The entry level being the Dynamo Foundation 10 subwoofer at $499.99 USD, followed by the midrange Dynamo 10 at $999.99 USD, with a Dynamo 12 model retailing for $1,499.99 USD, and topped by the Abyss series at $1,199.99 USD for the Abyss 8, or $1,699.99 USD for the larger Abyss 10 model.
Andrew Lindsey, Product Manager at MartinLogan, explains why the company decided to launch this many products all in the same year. "We are excited to bring powerful, precision bass into homes in a way that complements any environment. Each model has been meticulously engineered to deliver a unique sonic and visual experience."
The new Abyss subwoofers are ultra-compact designs, with one 8" and a 10" model, each one combining an active aluminum woofer with two aluminum passive radiators. This hybrid design is known to enhance output and reduce distortion akin to ported designs, yet preserving the compact size and tighter bass associated with sealed enclosures. But this design approach in further enhanced by the built-in amplification and DSP.
Each of the new MartinLogan Abyss subwoofers features its own built-in Magnitude Class-D amplifier, the Abyss 8 delivering 1000W Peak (500W RMS), while the Abyss 10 boasts the Magnitude 1.6kW amplifier, delivering an impressive 1600W Peak (800W RMS). Common to all the new MartinLogan subwoofers is the use of the Vojtko DSP engine, named after MartinLogan's Chief Audio Technologist. In the new Abyss series this engine is a 64-bit ultra-high resolution 500MHz DSP that ensures maximum transparency of all the advanced processing functions and provides the intelligence needed to control all the advanced technologies on board.
Construction for the Abyss subwoofers uses a sealed, 1" thick MDF cabinet with center brace and reinforced woofer baffles to deliver articulate and precise bass performance. The integrated anti-vibration feet reduce transfers into adjoining rooms, with appropriate fittings for all flooring types.
The connectivity options are also what make the Abyss 8 and 10 incredibly flexible, with both RCA and XLR LFE inputs, stereo RCA inputs, speaker level inputs, and a sub out. Better still, simultaneous connections are also supported. For those who need to place the subwoofer in areas of the room that make wiring more difficult, MartinLogan offers an integrated wireless receiver and transmitter, ensuring both lossless sound transmission and minimal latency.
For extra convenience, users will enjoy the MartinLogan Subwoofer Control App for iOS and Android, which allows ease of tuning from the comfort of listening seat. And thanks to the computational power of the built-in DSP engine, these subwoofers all support the Anthem Room Correction (ARC) software. This highly advanced room correction software measures subwoofer performance in the room and then performs custom equalization, tuning, and calibration. The technology, developed by Canada-based Anthem Electronics, is also supported in products from Anthem and Paradigm, and requires an ARC Calibration Microphone and software, available for Windows, macOS, iOS and Android.
According to MartinLogan, the Abyss Series subwoofers will be available in mid-October 2024. Before that, the company will show the whole new range of subwoofers at CEDIA Expo 2024 in Denver, CO.
www.martinlogan.com
