Superb Extension and Room-Shaking Output
MartinLogan's Dynamo 800X powered subwoofer features a 600-watt peak-power amplifier, 10-inch audiophile grade woofer, extensive input options, optional wireless connectivity, control via a Bluetooth app, Anthem Room Correction (ARC), and user-configurable front-firing or down-firing design. Dramatic bass detail and attack, superb extension, and room-shaking output ensure a compelling music and home theater experience.
"MartinLogan's Dynamo 800X is the first subwoofer I've reviewed that combines digital control, signal connection, and room correction – all three wirelessly – in a small, powerful package," raves Larry Greenhill in Larry Greenhill in his February 2019 review for Stereophile.
"I heard no difference between the wireless and wired connections," Larry Greenhill continues. "And, once I'd found good positions for the Dynamos, set their output level correctly, and identified their optimal crossover frequencies, their sound seamlessly blended with that of my Quad electrostatics, deepening the ESL-989's soundstages and deep-bass extension and expanding their dynamic range, and enhancing their three-dimensionality, all at a price far below that of larger subwoofers I've reviewed."
"Virtually Invisible"
"For the price and feature set, the Dynamo 800X accomplishes exactly what it needs to do, and unlike other subwoofers, you can achieve its full potential without needing a high-end receiver that can handle room correction," notes Chris Heinenon, Reference Home Theater, October 2018. "With integrated Anthem Room Correction, you get a flat bass response in your room without much work, and the transition from the sub to the speakers is virtually invisible."
Left and Right Two-Channel Inputs Plus LFE
Dynamo 800X features left and right input via RCA line level as well as speaker level connections. It also adds a discrete LFE RCA line level input.
Simultaneous LFE and Two-Channel Connections
The Dynamo 800X features left and right input via robust connections and a control system that allows simultaneous connection of both two-channel stereo music and multi-channel home theater and allows each source to have individual crossover and level settings, giving listeners a perfect performance in every application. LFE inputs use no low-pass filter, leaving crossover control to the processor. Left and right inputs integrate discrete user-adjustable low-pass filters, allowing different level and crossover points when playing back two channel music.
MartinLogan Sub Control App
MartinLogan's Subwoofer Control app for iOS and Android uses a Bluetooth connection to simplify setup and configuration of the Dynamo 800X. App based controls include volume level, low-pass filter (frequency and order), phase, 20–30Hz level, three preset listening modes, and control of Anthem Room Correction. A unique tone sweep feature assists users in locating areas in listening rooms where troublesome rattles or resonances may occur. A single press of a button allows listeners to initiate a tone sweep from 20–120Hz. If a rattle or resonance occurs in the room any frequency can be held, allowing the listener to investigate and identify the source of the unwanted noise.
Anthem Room Correction (ARC) Mobile App
In the lab, MartinLogan engineers strive for transparency. Outside the lab, there's one wildcard its engineers can never account for—the listening room. The unique size and shape of a listening space (and its contents) can make bass waves do unpredictable things, greatly affecting a subwoofer's overall performance.
The Anthem Room Correction app for iOS and Android measures low-frequency sound output in a room and compares it to optimal response curves that account for spatial anomalies. The advanced algorithms of Anthem Room Correction effectively remove anomalies, leaving only the ideal standard— realistically blended, natural-sounding bass. Dynamo 800X utilizes a Bluetooth connection with a smartphone or USB connection with a PC to run Anthem Room Correction.
Optional SWT-X Wireless Input
Although correct placement plays a key role in optimizing subwoofer performance, sometimes it imposes the inconvenience of running long lengths of cable through walls, along baseboards or under floors and carpets. To solve the problem, Dynamo 800X includes a connection port for an optional wireless system.
MartinLogan's new SWT-X Wireless Subwoofer System (sold separately) incorporates the latest in wireless audio transmission technology, including 2.4GHz dynamic frequency selection, forward error correction, and a range up to 50 feet. Easy to install in the subwoofer, the SWT-X receiver requires no external power source or audio connections.
Unique Front-Firing or Down-Firing Design
When placed in a cabinet or other discreet location, the Dynamo 800X subwoofer can easily convert from standard down-firing to front-firing orientation, with no tools or special skills required. A grille is provided for use in front-firing applications.
Powerful, High-Excursion, Low-Turbulence, Inverted Surround Woofers
The latest generation of MartinLogan Dynamo subwoofers feature advanced-design woofers with inverted surrounds and powerful magnet, motor, and suspension designs. In front-fire mode the unique inverted surround design maximizes excursion clearance behind the grill cover. When positioned in a down-firing configuration, the inverted surround significantly reduces airflow related turbulence for an articulate and detailed low-frequency experience.
These advanced-technology woofers pair a high-power magnet structure (significantly more robust than previous generations) with low-mass diaphragms to provide massive excursions while perfectly preserving the tiniest bass detail. The exceptional damping properties of the cone ensure a smooth, non-resonant response necessary for truly seamless blending with high-performance loudspeakers. Every element of Dynamo subwoofers has been meticulously designed to deliver a staggering low-frequency performance – all without a hint of distortion.
Advanced Ultra-Efficient Switch Mode Power Supplies and Class-D Amplifiers
Dynamo subwoofer class-D amplifiers operate with extremely low levels of distortion and deliver dynamic impact with plenty of overhead. Low- noise, high-power switching power supplies produce clean power efficiently in a small space and effortlessly provide tremendous levels of current. Both feature high-quality MOSFET transistors, transformers, noise-suppression networks, and control circuitry. The switching power supply combined with reliable class-D technology means there's virtually no energy lost in the subwoofer system.
Inverse Mathematical Equalization (IME) Filter
The IME filter used in the Dynamo subwoofers is derived from the inverse of the unfiltered driver response. Precision IME filtering yields extremely accurate low-frequency response—superior to that provided by the simple second-order high-Q filters typically found in subwoofers in this price range.
Sealed Cabinet with Extensive Internal Bracing
Although ports, when correctly designed, are a convenient and cost-effective way of increasing low-frequency output, when used in small cabinets their reliance on resonant energy can impair bass quality. Dynamo 800X is a compact, sealed subwoofer system that minimizes transient-blurring group delay while maintaining smooth, consistent response, regardless of music or movie source material. The cabinet is constructed from the finest composite material for acoustic integrity. Inside, critically placed structural cross-bracing provides a stable foundation for the woofer, while the added rigidity keeps cabinet-induced resonances and non-linearities to inaudible levels.
Built-In ETC™ (Energy Transfer Coupler) Spikes
Dynamo 800X comes with custom ETC spikes which can be used to enhance stability on thick carpets, or create tighter coupling between subwoofer and floor to enhance overall sound quality. The built-in spikes are conveniently and discretely hidden underneath the rubber feet.
