Martin Logan Grotto: Inexpensive Servo Sub Option... Opinions?

neekomax · « **on:** 3 Feb 2015, 10:14 pm »

Hi erry'body! Didn't there used to be a circle dedicated exclusively to bass/sub related topics? What happened with that?

Anyway, got a line on a 'like-new' Martin Logan Grotto 10" servo controlled sub for what seems like a good price. Just wondering if anyone out there has heard them, or has any reasonably informed opinions about this sub.

I'm interested in it because it has what seems like good controls (25 Hz cut/boost is a nifty thing), it's in perfect shape, and most of all, it's a sealed servo sub for a lot less than what I've been seeing around on the used market. Seems like it might pair well with the sealed 8" subs in my Soundfield Audio monitors.

Here are photos of the actual sub for sale:

electricbear · « **Reply #1 on:** 3 Feb 2015, 10:23 pm »

I always felt that they were a little underpowered but if the $ is right go for it. If you can get it for $500 or less make it yours.

Letitroll98 · « **Reply #2 on:** 6 Feb 2015, 03:19 am »

Quote from: neekomax on 3 Feb 2015, 10:14 pm

Hi erry'body! Didn't there used to be a circle dedicated exclusively to bass/sub related topics? What happened with that?

That circle got merged into this one for various reasons. I've left most of the pertinent stickies from that circle in place and all of the other threads are all still here.

low.pfile · « **Reply #3 on:** 6 Feb 2015, 03:49 am »

neekomax,
funny to see Martin Logan and inexpensive in the same line!

I have a ML Abyss sub (Rev 1) and it has been very good to me. have used in a few configurations with bookshelves. and now mostly just the 5.1 set up. It's a nice sealed sub. The Grotto was the next model up when I bought mine new. So just chiming in on the satification with the brand level. it is pretty musical for the simple design. There are lots of subs out now that can go much lower.

I.Greyhound Fan · « **Reply #4 on:** 6 Feb 2015, 06:06 am »

The Grotto is a good sub, but I think the Grotto-i version is supposed to be better as it has more power. I have an original ML Dynamo sub which is better than the current Dynamo's. I pair it with my Magnepan 1.6's and it integrates seamlessly. It is a very fast and musical sub. Better than the sub $1K REL's and Velodynes. I suspect the Grotto is that much better and servo controlled to boot. I was able to hear one briefly and was impressed. I was looking for a used Grotto-i or Abyss when I fell upon the Dynamo at too good a price to turn down and have no regrets.

I doubt that the Grotto-i is under powered at 300 watts and 900 peak. My Dynamo is 300 watts peak and it is perfect for music in my 17x17 room.

electricbear · « **Reply #5 on:** 6 Feb 2015, 04:39 pm »

The Grotto uses a 250w- 350 peak amplifier. When the Grotto i came out it upped the power to 300w - 900 peak.

neekomax · « **Reply #6 on:** 7 Feb 2015, 10:11 pm »

Thanks, all, for the thoughts.

What are the disadvantages to the sub being a bit under-powered, do you think? Are these potentially outweighed by the advantages of good construction and the servo circuit in play?

Seeing this as a step towards a muti-sub array.

I.Greyhound Fan · « **Reply #7 on:** 8 Feb 2015, 02:07 am »

Quote from: neekomax on 7 Feb 2015, 10:11 pm

Thanks, all, for the thoughts.

What are the disadvantages to the sub being a bit under-powered, do you think? Are these potentially outweighed by the advantages of good construction and the servo circuit in play?

Seeing this as a step towards a muti-sub array.

What size room will the sub be in? Will it be for music, HT or both? For HT it may be a bit under powered in a larger room. My Dynamo sub does great in my 17x17 room with 9 foot ceilings. But I use it for music only and I am not a bass freak and have it set so it blends seamlessly with my magnepans crossed over at 40hz. You can't tell that there is a sub and it fills out the lower frequencies beautifully.