Martin Logan Grotto 12 Subwoofer

Martin Logan Grotto 12 Subwoofer

The Martin Logan Grotto 12 Subwoofer is available for demonstration in our Hull store by request.

Experience the Martin Logan Grotto 12 Subwoofer and hear the depth, clarity, and control it brings to music and home cinema.

Overview

The Martin Logan Grotto 12 Subwoofer stands as a top-tier option for listeners who want powerful, articulate bass without sacrificing finesse or musicality. Building on the success of the previous Grotto series, this new model delivers an exceptional blend of force, accuracy, and intelligent digital control in a compact and stylish enclosure. Whether used in a premium stereo system or a full-scale home cinema setup, the Grotto 12’s sound signature is defined by depth, clarity, and precision, making it ideal for anyone seeking true low-frequency performance.

Precision Engineering & Acoustic Design

Engineered with Martin Logan’s meticulous attention to detail, the Grotto 12 integrates advanced acoustics, an ultra-high-output amplifier, and modern DSP calibration technology to ensure seamless performance in any room. Its careful design allows it to remain nuanced and musical at low volumes while unleashing powerful, controlled bass when the soundtrack demands impact.

Hybrid Woofer System

At the heart of the Martin Logan Grotto 12 Subwoofer is its Hybrid Woofer System, designed to deliver the performance of a large, ported model within a compact sealed enclosure. Featuring a 12-inch high-excursion aluminium driver supported by two passive radiators, the system maximises linearity and reduces distortion through Klippel-optimised engineering. The rigid aluminium cones ensure accuracy under heavy load, producing bass that is deep, fast, controlled, and richly detailed—preserving both the musical texture and cinematic realism of any content.

Magnitude MT-2kW Amplifier

Powering the Grotto 12 is the formidable Magnitude MT-2kW Class-D amplifier, delivering 1000 watts RMS and up to 2000 watts peak output. This immense capability provides extraordinary headroom, enabling the subwoofer to handle dynamic peaks with ease while maintaining precision and low distortion. The one-inch-thick MDF enclosure with extensive internal bracing minimises resonance and ensures the amplifier and drivers operate in an ideal acoustic environment for maximum performance.

Advanced DSP & ARC Genesis

To complement its power and driver control, the Martin Logan Grotto 12 Subwoofer includes an advanced 500MHz, 64-bit Vojtko DSP engine. This continuously optimises performance to maintain clarity and accuracy. Through the Martin Logan Subwoofer Control App on iOS and Android, users can adjust crossover, phase, volume, and listening modes from the comfort of their seat. The inclusion of Anthem Room Correction (ARC Genesis) further refines performance by analysing the acoustics of your room and applying corrections to deliver deeper, smoother, and more accurate bass.

Design & Integration

The Grotto 12 is crafted with the elegance characteristic of the Martin Logan brand. Its gloss finish, clean lines, and compact footprint make it a discreet yet luxurious addition to any space. Anti-vibration feet reduce energy transfer while optional carpet spikes increase stability on soft flooring. With RCA and XLR inputs, speaker-level connections, and optional wireless capability, integration is easy across both modern AV receivers and high-end two-channel setups. Despite its size, it easily fills medium to large rooms with immersive low-frequency power.

Final Verdict

The Martin Logan Grotto 12 Subwoofer is an outstanding choice for listeners who value accuracy, depth, and musicality in equal measure. Its Hybrid Woofer System, high-powered MT-2kW amplifier, advanced DSP platform, and refined construction make it a class-leading performer among compact subwoofers. Whether upgrading a home cinema system or enhancing stereo playback, the Grotto 12 delivers exceptional bass performance that rivals much larger models, setting a new benchmark for compact subwoofer excellence.

Martin Logan Grotto 12 Subwoofer Specification:

• Frequency Response: 22–120 Hz ±3 dB (anechoic via LFE input)
• Low Frequency Transducer: Triple 12" hybrid woofer system consisting of one high-excursion aluminum cone in a cast aluminum basket and two aluminum cone passive radiators
• Amplifier: MartinLogan Magnitude MT2kW amplifier rated at 2000W peak (1000W continuous)
• Digital Signal Processing: Ultra high-resolution 500MHz Vojtko DSP engine with 64-bit processing
• Anthem Room Correction (ARC Genesis): On, Off
• Cabinet: Sealed 1" thick MDF cabinet with center brace and reinforced MDF woofer baffles
• Controls (via Bluetooth): Level, Low-Pass Filter (35–120Hz), Filter Order, Phase (0–180°), Polarity, Preset Listening Modes, 20–30Hz Level, ARC On/Off, Tone Sweep
• Inputs: Line level (Left, Right, LFE), XLR (LFE), Speaker level (Left/Right, banana plugs)
• Outputs: RCA Sub Out (combines and repeats all incoming signals to an additional subwoofer)
• Wireless Input: Integrated wireless receiver with included wireless transmitter
• Feet: Integrated anti-vibration feet (carpet spikes included)
• Power Draw: Max 1000W; Standby (Wireless Enabled): <2W; Standby (Wireless Disabled): 0.5W
• Dimensions (H x W x D): 17.8" x 17.9" x 17.9" (452 mm x 454 mm x 454 mm)
• Weight: 82.5 lb (37.4 kg)
• Finish: Gloss Black
• Controls (on backplate): Level knob, Tone Sweep functions, Power Mode options, Wireless Pairing Button
• Model: Grotto 12
• Application: Subwoofer