Subwoofer Reviews

MartinLogan Dynamo 800X powered subwoofer Specifications

Sidebar 1: Specifications

Description: Powered subwoofer with sealed cabinet. Drive-unit: 10" polypropylene-cone unit with 2" voice-coil. Inputs: Left- & right-channel line level and LFE (RCA); (5–24V DC) 12V trigger (3.5mm); left- & right-channel speaker-level (banana); ARC firmware update (Micro-USB); optional SWT-X wireless receiver. Internal amplifier: 120W RMS, 240W peak. Input impedance: 8.3k ohms unbalanced (RCA), 2k ohms speaker level (banana). Frequency response: 24–200Hz, ±3dB; anechoic in LFE mode. Power draw: 30W typical, 150W max, 4W idle, 0.5W standby.
Dimensions: 13.7" (348mm) H by 12.4" (315mm) W by 13.1" (333mm) D. Weight: 30 lb (13.6kg).
Finish: Satin Black.
Serial numbers of units reviewed: Dynamo 800X subwoofers: AHT3DC0819, AHT3DC0279. SWT-X wireless kits: AHT7DE0037, AHT7DE0034 (failed), AHT3DE0279 (replacement).
Price: $799.95; SWT-X wireless kit, $199.95. Approximate number of dealers: 500. Warranty: 3 years.
Manufacturer: MartinLogan, 2101 Delaware Street, KS 66046. Tel: (785) 749-0133. Fax: (785) 749-5320. Web: www.martinlogan.com.

COMPANY INFO
MartinLogan
2101 Delaware Street
KS 66046
(785) 749-0133
www.martinlogan.com
ARTICLE CONTENTS

COMMENTS
gcvanwinkle's picture
Submitted by gcvanwinkle on January 30, 2019 - 12:21pm

I found this information from Harman interesting:

https://www.harman.com/sites/default/files/multsubs_0.pdf

I'm planning on implementing a two subwoofer setup with subs on opposites sides of the room as shown in the document

GC Van Winkle

Bogolu Haranath's picture
Submitted by Bogolu Haranath on January 30, 2019 - 1:05pm

Stereophile 2008 article 'The science of subwoofing' by DO is also helpful ....... Everything you always wanted to know, but were afraid to ask :-) ..........

Bogolu Haranath's picture
Submitted by Bogolu Haranath on January 30, 2019 - 1:46pm

If the loudspeaker manufactures incorporate powered subwoofers like the GoldenEar Triton Reference (Stereophile Class-A full range), it would be a good idea :-) ........

larrylgreenhill's picture
Submitted by larrylgreenhill on April 22, 2019 - 11:03am

Thanks to GC Van Winkle for alerting me to the excellent slide lecture from the Harman engineer.

avanti1960's picture
Submitted by avanti1960 on June 22, 2019 - 6:19pm

the feet attach to "another" surface? How about they attach to the rear surface- you know the ones with the power connections, wired audio connections and manual adjustments?
So then with a front firing setup, the controls and connections will be facing down, under the subwoofer. Are the feet tall enough to fit the power cable, banana plugs, etc? All the cables need to feed downward and exit under the feet to the rear of the unit?
What an absolutely horrible design. I sure hope it sounds good down firing.
If I were reviewing this subwoofer this aspect of the design would have certainly been mentioned and admonished.

avanti1960's picture
Submitted by avanti1960 on June 29, 2019 - 9:10am

I just purchased a pair of these subwoofers based on this review and so far they have integrated really well and sound excellent. A little "dry" sounding but hopefully they will bloom just a little as they wear in. MartinLogan recommends at least 50 hours before any critical listening is done.
With respect to the front firing setup requiring the connection and control panel to face the floor- it turns out that there really aren't any issues with doing this.
The controls are app based and the power cable has a 90-degree connector which gives plenty of room for the cable to exit under the unit and out the back. Same with the banana plugs for high level connections.
It would have been nice to have this outlined in the review at least to calm any concerns but all is well with this particular design application.
Thank you for the review which was a key factor in purchasing them and I am very happy with the results.
Tony, Suburban Chicago area.

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