Note that this is a discontinued product. You may want to visit the brand's page here to browse their newer products.
What reviewers think
Bloggers and YouTubers have tried this product—so we've summarized their strongest opinions below. Links to full reviews follow.
All
Dynamo IW-S
reviews
Manufacturer details
- Design: Dual 8" high-excursion drivers, in-wall, GRIP™ chassis/mounting bracket with custom steel enclosure, amplifier required (sold sep.)
- Frequency Response: +/-3dB from 77->190 Hz
- Low Frequency Extension: 35 Hz (DIN)
- Max input power: 300W
- Minimum Mounting Depth: 3-7/8" (9.8cm)
- Low Frequency Driver: Two 210-mm (8 in) CFP™ carbon-fiber-reinforced polypropylene cones, 38-mm (1-1/2 in) voice coils, over-molded TPR™ surrounds, 38-mm (1-1/2 in) 8-layer copper wire voice coils, high-temperature polyamide formers, ceramic/ferrite magnet structures
- Internal Volume: 7.5L
- Suitable Amplifier Range: 50-600 W
- Weight: 26.7lbs (12.5kg)
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 19-1/8" x 10-3/4" x 4.5" (48.5cm x 27.2cm x 11.5cm)
- Cut-Out Dimensions: 18"x 9-5/8" (45.7cm x 24.5cm)
- Finish: White, paintable
Brand highlights
Taking a step back to look at reviewers' thoughts of the brand's entire lineup—not just this product—what stands out most is the following:
- MartinLogan's defining CLS (Curvilinear Line Source) electrostatic panel technology provides exceptionally wide horizontal high-frequency dispersion, exceeding that of traditional flat panels and offering a more immersive soundstage.
- The brand uniquely integrates powered dynamic woofers with its electrostatic panels, employing custom DSP engines and advanced crossover designs to achieve seamless blending and extended, well-defined bass response.
- MartinLogan's commitment to full-range sound reproduction, even in smaller models, results in a "large" sound that defies the speaker's physical size, projecting height and scale often unmatched by comparably sized speakers.
- They provide Anthem Room Correction (ARC) as an option, allowing users to tailor the bass response to their specific listening environment and achieve optimal integration between the speakers and the room's acoustics.
Select products
Motion Series
- Positioning: The entry-level lineup, offering a balance of performance and affordability.
- Description: Uses the Gen2 Folded Motion Tweeter, which provides clear and detailed sound. Compared to the Motion XT Series, it uses Woven Fiberglass midrange drivers, making it more budget-friendly while still delivering quality sound for small to medium-sized rooms.
Motion XT Series
- Positioning: A step up from the Motion Series, offering enhanced performance and features.
- Description: Stands out with its high-performance Nomex-Reinforced Kevlar midrange drivers and Gen2 Folded Motion XT Tweeter, delivering more detail and power than the standard Motion Series.
ElectroMotion Series
- Positioning: Positioned as a mid-range option, combining advanced technologies for a superior audio experience.
- Description: Features advanced thin film transducer technologies, including electrostatic and Folded Motion designs, offering greater accuracy and style compared to the Motion XT Series.
Masterpiece Series
- Positioning: The flagship lineup, representing the pinnacle of MartinLogan's electrostatic loudspeaker design.
- Description: Renowned for its groundbreaking electrostatic loudspeakers, which provide the most immersive and detailed sound experience in the lineup. It surpasses the ElectroMotion Series with its larger soundstage and advanced engineering.
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Used
Martin Logan
What if you spend more?
Like its smaller sibling, Abyss™ 8, the Abyss 10 provides deceptively strong, yet detailed sound thanks to its 10” Hybrid Woofer System. Abyss 10 utilizes a pair of 10” passive radiators to bolster its active 10” woofer, resulting in even higher levels of output capability and deeper low frequency extension. This woofer system is driven by powerful amplification, and a precision DSP engine, all contained inside an elegant 1” thick cabinet. To complement the impressive output and speed of Abyss 10, MartinLogan engineers included a variety of connections ranging from XLR to the built-in wireless option. Abyss 10 also features MartinLogan’s powerful and intuitive control app for convenient setup and adjustment, as well as being compatible with the award-winning Anthem Room Correction (ARC®) system.
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Product Strengths
- The Abyss Series aims to deliver 'supercharged performance' from a miniaturized design, promising both audiophile musicality and theater-sized dynamic output, all from an ultra-compact cabinet.
- The Abyss Series features a Hybrid Woofer System, which combines an active aluminum woofer with two aluminum passive radiators, enhancing output and reducing distortion.
- The Abyss 8 subs hit the bass on a recording with aplomb, providing deep, articulate bass that belied its physical size.
- The Abyss models feature a reinforced MDF cabinet with 1-inch-thick panels, center braces, and reinforced woofer baffles.
- Integrated anti-vibration feet, app control, integrated wireless connectivity, and a robust suite of physical connections.
Product Considerations
- The Abyss 10 only comes in Gloss Black, for now.
- The Abyss 8 subwoofer demo had bass that was a bit too energetic in the very low registers (20-25Hz range).
Takeaway: The Abyss subwoofers offer great sound from a small package, perfect for audiophiles and home theaters alike. With its unique design, this product delivers both powerful bass and clear sound.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Abyss™ 8 is one of the smallest, most compact subwoofers that MartinLogan has ever built, but don’t let its small footprint fool you, it is capable of bass completely unexpected from its ultra-compact size. The key to its deceptively strong, yet detailed sound is its Hybrid Woofer System which utilizes a pair of 8” passive radiators to bolster its active 8” woofer. This woofer system is driven by powerful amplification, and a precision DSP engine, all contained inside a beautiful, yet robust, 1” thick cabinet. To complement the impressive power and musicality of Abyss 8, MartinLogan engineers included an array of connectivity options ranging from XLR to the built-in wireless option. Abyss 8 also features MartinLogan’s powerful and intuitive control app for convenient setup and adjustment, as well as being compatible with the award-winning Anthem Room Correction (ARC®) system.
Product Strengths
- The Abyss Series aims to deliver 'supercharged performance' from a miniaturized design
- The Abyss series promises both audiophile musicality and theater-sized dynamic output, all from an ultra-compact cabinet
- The Abyss series use a Hybrid Woofer System, combining an active aluminum woofer with two aluminum passive radiators, which enhances output and reduces distortion
- The Abyss subs feature integrated anti-vibration feet, app control, integrated wireless connectivity, and a robust suite of physical connections
Product Considerations
- The Abyss 10 only comes in Gloss Black (at the time of the review)
- It is unclear how the Abyss 10s would perform
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The Abyss series offers more performance and technology than the Martin Logan Dynamo
- The Abyss was designed to be a larger and more powerful successor to the original Martin Logan Dynamo
Takeaway: The Abyss subwoofers aim to provide big sound in a small package, perfect for enjoying both music and movies. For those who want deep, clear bass without taking up a lot of space, the Abyss could be a great pick.
Video review
Our take on the brand
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Serie T/9x: Bigger and Better
The T/x Serie Flagship
The job of any range topper for REL is to deliver more of everything, particularly output and dynamics. The 9x is no different in this regard, as it delivers the goods in both music and theatre applications. 9x, however, delivers a level of intimacy, clarity and speed that means there are no longer trade-offs between the sonic balance of smaller models weighed against the power and scale of a model 9.
The all new 9x has even greater output than before, but the headline news is the way it sacrifices nothing in clarity and transparency to achieve this. At this price it opens the pathway for owners of high-performance European floor and stand mounted monitors and smaller panel speakers to enjoy truly full range sound.
Reimagined, Then Reengineered
A completely redesigned flagship
Many don't realize the intense linkage between performance and design here at REL. Performance is everything to us and so it drives physical design revisions. Our engineers, recognizing the need for greater acoustic volume to achieve the goals of greater fluidity and power, turn to the designer who works dimensions to fool the eye into seeing a smaller, more compact footprint even though cabinet volume increases. Using gently rounded corner radii that allows the eye to flow over and see less visual mass. The result is both modern and familiar with no unnecessary adornment.
Outsized Performance
Innovative Alloy/Fibre Bass Engines
To achieve higher output with better control requires a complete overhaul of the suspension components. Much like the suspension on a sports car, these items are responsible for the tuning and feel of our designs. By increasing the cabinet volume, efficiency is improved yielding higher output for no more amplifier power. Less back pressure inside the cabinet means we can tune for a stiffer, better controlled driver suspension. We retained the best aspects of our previous design, such as the aluminum center cap responsible for stiffening the lightweight 10" (250mm) cone while adding almost no mass. The updated combination produces considerably better attack and dynamics with greater transparency.
Tried and True Amplifiers
The Brains Behind the Brawn
We have retained our signature Class A/B amplifiers used in every generation of Serie T since 2006. Reliability is the key to happy ownership and with some 200,000 and counting of this range leading long happy lives, Serie T/x owners can feel certain of REL's standard setting reliability. The powerful 300 watt mosfet amplifier used in the T/9x remains an icon with huge reserves of current, massive power supplies but small upgrades are found everywhere. New driver mosfets that open up performance and transparency and new methods for securing the toroidal transformers mean better performance and superior strength.
REL's legendary High Level Input connection and fast filters are a significant part of the REL story. Connecting via the speaker outputs of your amplifier without drawing any power from it may seem like magic, but the real magic lies in the way the sound takes on a natural character. Unique tuning and special limiters mean the T/x range sounds fresher, faster and more dynamic than before.
Standby Mode switch is only included on 220V units.
Wireless that Doesn't Compress the Sound
Unlimited Possibilities
At REL, we've developed a sterling reputation for building the finest sounding, fastest wireless systems available in the industry. We never rely upon digital compression as it results in dull, lifeless sound. Instead, we have perfected an (optional) Arrow™ wireless system so fast and dynamic we're comfortable encouraging the use of wireless on one channel of a pair of RELs while the other channel may be connected conventionally with cable.
Our summary
Product Strengths
- Excellent sound quality, suitable for music listening with great articulation and detail
- Easier integration into a room visually, due to its compact/medium size
- Attention to detail in the design, including the fit and finish, and quality components
- Speed and transient response are praised, allowing it to start and stop quickly
- Multiple connection options, including high-level, low-level, and LFE inputs, increasing its versatility
Product Considerations
- May not provide the same level of 'body rock' and tactile feel as larger subwoofers
- May not be ideal for very large rooms where more output is needed
- The finish, while high quality, is only available in a limited number of colors
- The TX range is not designed to be stacked, limiting options for increasing bass output
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The T/9x has slightly better fidelity, while the SVS Micro 3000 has more SPL and extension
- The T/9x provides a more consistent experience overall, while the KEF KC62 is more versatile
- Performance rivals REL S3.
Takeaway: The REL T/9x is a well-designed subwoofer that can enhance the sound quality of a music system, especially in small to medium-sized rooms. It brings detail, clarity, and extension to the bass, making it a worthwhile addition for those who appreciate high-fidelity audio.
Video review
Our take on the brand
KC62 is an incredibly compact subwoofer that delivers the might and magic of deep, accurate bass for a thrillingly immersive music, movie and gaming experience. Created using innovative KEF engineering including the ground-breaking Uni-Core® technology, the football-sized KC62 features two 6.5inch force cancelling drive units powered by 1,000W RMS of specially designed Class D amplification.
Our summary
Product Strengths
- The KC62 is a compact subwoofer, described as tiny and about the size of a soccer ball or basketball, making it easy to accommodate in various rooms and spaces
- Delivers incredible bass for the money and size
- The KC62 provides powerful, deep, and accurate bass reproduction, especially in the lower frequencies
- Features unique Uni-Core technology to fit two woofers into a small cabinet, reducing unwanted resonances
Product Considerations
- The KC62's standby mode may not always engage, requiring manual volume adjustment to wake it
- Small subwoofers can't do what bigger subwoofers can do, although capable
- App control does not provide direct access to remotely control the sub's own manual settings, therefore, some adjustments still need to be made on the back
- In a big room, it'll definitely lose some steam
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The KC62 extends quite a bit lower than the SVS Micro 3000 and is going to have really good extension, especially at lower volumes
- The KF92 has a max SPL that's double the one offered by the KC62, making it a great option for larger listening rooms or home theaters
- The KC62 has a faster response than the REL T/9x, which enhances the vibrancy of percussions in music or exciting moments in movies
Takeaway: The KC62 is a small but mighty subwoofer that delivers impressive bass for its size, making it an ideal choice for those with limited space who still want a great listening experience. Its stylish design and innovative technology make it a standout product that can enhance both music and movie enjoyment.
Video review
Our take on the brand
What competes at this price?
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Compact size makes it easy to integrate into various rooms and setups
- Delivers deep and clear bass
- Powerful amplifier for its size
- The SVS app allows for easy and precise tuning of the subwoofer
- Dual opposing drivers cancel out mechanical energy, minimizing cabinet vibration
- No speaker-level connections, limiting setup options for some stereo systems
Product Considerations
- Can be expensive compared to other subwoofers with similar output, especially if size is not a primary concern
- Limited output compared to larger subwoofers, potentially not ideal for large rooms or bass enthusiasts
- Power cord length can be restrictive when finding optimal placement
- Woofer placement can be tricky, because the opposing drivers might be too close to side walls depending on placement
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- SVS 3000 Micro has better adjustability than Sunfire
Takeaway: The SVS 3000 Micro is a small but capable subwoofer that delivers impressive bass performance for its size, enhanced by a user-friendly app for fine-tuning, and is a great option for those needing a compact solution without sacrificing sound quality. It is small and easy to integrate into a listening room.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Tight, responsive, and controlled bass performance across the frequency range
- Compact size, which is helpful for those with size constraints
- Superb adjustability and control using the SVS app
- Powerful 325W RMS amplifier
- The included app offers fine-tuning options, including equalization for room correction
Product Considerations
- At the highest drive level, it can incur a fair amount of distortion
- The PB-1000 Pro had more headroom at higher frequencies than the SB-1000 Pro, which may have been deliberately reduced to provide a cleaner sound for music
- The feet for the subwoofer are short and may not be ideal for thick carpets
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The SB-1000Pro is a whole package upgrade compared to the Velodyne DLS-4000, with more bass down low and more impactful sound
- The PB-1000 Pro goes deeper in frequency response and is much bigger
- The SB-1000Pro provided more solid and richer sound with more robust bass compared to the Paradigm Premier 700F floorstanding speakers
- SB-1000 Pro has richness and punch that the Sonos Sub cannot match
- The SB-1000 Pro has such good control and has no weakness at reasonable listening levels compared to the Boston Acoustics VR500
Takeaway: The SVS SB-1000 Pro is a compact subwoofer that offers impressive bass performance and extensive control options. With its user-friendly app and powerful amplifier, it is an excellent choice for enhancing both music and home theater experiences.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- The PB-1000 Pro can push low frequencies to reference levels without distortion
- The PB-1000 Pro has an updated control panel and app that allows the user to adjust many parameters to get their preferred sound
- The ported design allows for a much thicker and fuller bottom end
- The PB-1000 Pro is able to deliver chest-rumbling subsonic frequencies
Product Considerations
- The PB-1000 Pro may lack the punch of smaller subwoofers due to the larger driver requiring more power to move at the same speed
- The size of the PB-1000 Pro may be an issue for some
- The vinyl finish may not be appealing to everyone
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Klipsch 8-inch Subwoofer: The PB-1000 Pro's bass has more body and is more rounded and refined, while the Klipsch has more punch and speed
Takeaway: The PB-1000 Pro is a subwoofer that offers great value and is designed to provide deep and clean bass. It has the ability to recreate powerful effects in action movies and blends well into many systems.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Good, clean bass sound
- Nice aesthetic design and materials
- Vast improvement over previous Klipsch subwoofers
- Digs deep, reaching down to 16.5 hertz
- Rounded corners help maintain rigidity
Product Considerations
- Port chuffing can be noticeable at high volumes around 20 hertz
- May lack power for some users, and some felt it could benefit from more RMS power
- The power indicator is on the front, which some may not prefer
- Deep, which can create placement issues
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs SVS PB-1000 Pro: The RP-1200SW provides a larger cabinet, a bit more power, and fuller sound in the lower frequencies
- Vs RSL 12s: The RSL 12s has an even larger sense of scale, but the RP-1200SW offers a more classical vented design with more rumble
- Vs SVS PB 2000 Pro: The SVS PB 2000 Pro has more output
- Vs SPL-120: The RP-1200SW has much less port chuffing
Takeaway: The Klipsch RP-1200SW is a good sounding subwoofer that is a big step up from older Klipsch subs. It is a worthwhile consideration if one is already in the Klipsch ecosystem or is looking for a solid home theater subwoofer.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Killer sound quality
- Killer extension, delivering thickness, fullness, and extension in the bottom end, similar to a larger 12-inch subwoofer in some rooms
- Pairs well with speakers of any brand
- Super easy to set up
Product Considerations
- Different finish options would be ideal
- Too many REL logos and signs are present on the subwoofer
- The wireless adapter is sold separately
Takeaway: The REL HT/1003 MKII is a compact, easy-to-set-up subwoofer that offers a winning combination of sound quality and extension, making it a great addition to any system. It is a fantastic option for those seeking excellent bass performance in smaller to medium-sized rooms.
Video review
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