MartinLogan Revamped Grotto Line Digs Deep with 1kW 12" & 15" Subwoofers

[shadyJ]

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MartinLogan has impressed us with their subwoofers in our recent reviews of the Dynamo 12 and Abyss 10. The new refresh of the Dynamo and Abyss series was greatly improved over their predecessor subwoofer lines. Now, MartinLogan looks to be giving the same treatment to their Grotto series, which last used that name in 2007 with the Grotto i. However, MartinLogan is taking the Grotto name way past the caliber of subwoofers that the older Grotto subs were. The older Grotto subs were sealed 10” models with 250 to 300 watt amplifiers. The new Grotto subs have a 12” driver and a 15” driver, with both drivers loading dual passive radiators. What is more is that these new models are powered by a 1,000-watt RMS amplifier. Those are some monster specs that make the older Grotto subs seem quaint by comparison. Read our preview to learn more about MartinLogan's new Grotto subwoofer series!

READ: MartinLogan Grotto 12 and Grotto 15 Subwoofer Preview

 

[GIEGAR]

On the other hand, passive radiators do have their own compromises, such as the weight of the radiators being much heavier than the weight of the air within a port, and thus their reaction time will not be as quick.

I that right? My understanding is the mechanical mass of the PR's diaphragm (Mms) is the same as the mass of the slug of air in the tube of an equivalent ported system.

AE Speakers --- Superb Quality, Unforgettable Performance, Definitely.

 

[TLS Guy]

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MartinLogan has impressed us with their subwoofers in our recent reviews of the Dynamo 12 and Abyss 10. The new refresh of the Dynamo and Abyss series was greatly improved over their predecessor subwoofer lines. Now, MartinLogan looks to be giving the same treatment to their Grotto series, which last used that name in 2007 with the Grotto i. However, MartinLogan is taking the Grotto name way past the caliber of subwoofers that the older Grotto subs were. The older Grotto subs were sealed 10” models with 250 to 300 watt amplifiers. The new Grotto subs have a 12” driver and a 15” driver, with both drivers loading dual passive radiators. What is more is that these new models are powered by a 1,000-watt RMS amplifier. Those are some monster specs that make the older Grotto subs seem quaint by comparison. Read our preview to learn more about MartinLogan's new Grotto subwoofer series!

READ: MartinLogan Grotto 12 and Grotto 15 Subwoofer Preview

ABR tuned enxlosues roll of at 36 db. per octave below f3 as opposed to 24 db. per octave for ported enclosures, so there is significantly less bass extension below f3.

 

[kini]

ABR tuned enxlosues roll of at 36 db. per octave below f3 as opposed to 24 db. per octave for ported enclosures, so there is significantly less bass extension below f3.

But zero chance of port noise. And these aren't meant to be ULF monsters. Still don't see how these going to be much better than their other subs.