Martin Logan Dynamo 1000, will I be happy?

What is your actual budget?

That's a good question, what is your budget?

You should consider some of the ID brands. Something like a PB12-NSD at about $750.00 might work for you. I know you would like stay at around $500.00, but if it was me I would go for the best sub I could afford, which your cutoff is $800.00.

50% off of what? If the Brick & Mortar is retailed a $1,000 50% off is $500.00.

If you are saying 50% off of $500.00 which = $250.00 that's probably a better deal from the BM, that means you could get two.

Brent Butterworth from Sound&Vision tested the Dynamo 1000.

"The Dyanamo 1000 subwoofer's output is fairly typical for its size, with average low bass (40-63Hz) output of 103.9db and average ultra-low-bass (20-31.5Hz) output of 82.3db."

http://www.soundandvisionmag.com/art...akers?page=0,4

With specs like those the Dynamo 1000 might make a decent music sub (at least according to some), but really lacking for movies...

Honestly, they are not going to measure up to ID brands near that price. For just a little more you can get a SVS PB12 NSD, HSU VTF3-MK4, Outlaw LFM1 EX, or Rythmik FV12.

The Rythmik would be very close to the Dynamo once you add tax. If it was me, I would stretch for the Hsu or SVS. Both will be under $800 shipped and the Outlaw I mentioned goes on sale for around $550 shipped from time to time.

That said, the Dynamo is not bad, and if you are set on buying it, you could do much worse for the money.

Since you said 95% movies, even at that price ($500.00), you probably could find a better performing sub for movies at $500 by going ID. Also, if you want to be happy, I think you should opt for higher end of your budget and get a PB12-NSD and close the books until you're ready to upgrade again.

Raise your hand if you think the CEA output from 20-31.5Hz of 82.3db makes the grade for movies...

Where's Maple Grove, is that CA or NY?

Hey, small world! The problem with brick and mortar and brand names like Martin Logan, Definitive Technology, B&W, etc is they jack up the price and then offer sales to make it look like a great deal. You still have the retailer as the middleman, so there is their markup and the manufacturer has to make a profit. The Internet Direct companies typically have no middleman, and small margins since there is so much competition. The other issue I have seen with brick and mortar is that the specs are often overrated, where most ID companies use standardized tests and have been tested and reviewed by third parties. There is a reason why so many bass fanatics and audiophiles recommend Hsu, SVS, Rythimk, Epik, etc so much around here. Because you cannot beat the price for performance.

Again the Martin Logan is not a bad deal, but for a little more you will get a better subwoofer. Look at all the tuning options on the HSU model. Depending on your preference for movies or music you can custom tune the sub for your preferences.

Best Buy is based in Minnesota and their corporate headquarters is about 15 miles or so away from Maple Grove.

I sense you have some kind of reservation about purchasing from an ID company, would that be correct?

I wouldn't say that, however according what you want, which is good to great performer for movies for a price between $500.00 and $800.00, there are better performing subs from the ID companies.

Exactly. For peace of mind, if you are concerned about buying online, SVS and Hsu have been doing this a very long time and have excellent customer service and warranties. There are very few complaints from owners and rarely does someone have an issue that is not resolved very quickly. SVS has the best warranty in the business. Far better than Martin Logan.

I have owned SVS and Hsu products and you cannot go wrong with either. I currently own an Hsu VTF-15H and I am a research freak. The sub is built like a tank and there just are not issues with their products. Rarely do you see someone have an issue.

If you are really on the fence, PM me and I might be able to let you look and listen if it can help you device. Just know the 15H is about $1k shipped

Warranty is interesting:

SVS has 5 years. Includes driver and amplifier.

HSU has 7 years on the driver and 2 years on the amplifier.

You can add 3 more years on the amplifier for $100 on the VTF-15H. HSU also offers this extended warranty on its other models. The price for the additional 3 years on the electronics varies in cost depending on the specific model. To see the cost of the extended warranty you have to add a sub to your cart and you will see the price of the extended warranty. Of course you can always call to get the price of the extended warranty over the phone.

Agreed. For mainly HT use, you'll love any of these choices.

And if you want to stay in the $500-$600 range, also look at the HSU VTF-2 MK4 and Outlaw Audio Plus.

I would not say it is BS, again, you can just get better performance for the price with ID typically.

As far as setting up, it does not matter if you buy your subwoofer at Best Buy or SVS, it will be very similar to setup. The great thing about a company like Hsu or SVS, is they will give you instructions with the sub, or you can cal their customer service team and they will talk you through it on the phone (or you can ask folks here). Nothing too complicated if you keep it simple and follow instructions.