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Grimm Audio SB1
The SB1 with ‘DMF’ is a technological marvel. By applying ‘Digital Motional Feedback’, a control technology from the renowned Dutch high-tech industry, it became possible to achieve exceptionally low levels of distortion and full dynamic control. With an SB1 added for the bass frequencies, the LS1 system offers low distortion over the full audio band and redefines the term ‘transparency’. This is bass control like you’ve never experienced before.
At frequencies below 100 Hz loudspeaker drivers need to move a vast amount of air and therefore have high excursion levels, while also the fundamental resonance – which is present in any loudspeaker – induces unwanted delayed effects. The result is that all conventional loudspeakers exhibit a rising distortion in the bass region with additional “thickening” of the bass by the resonance.
In electronics, feedback is used to minimise distortion. To apply feedback in electro-mechanical systems like an active loudspeaker, an acceleration sensor needs to be mounted on the cone to monitor its motions. This so called “Motional Feedback” technology has been presented a few times before in history but the precision and control as found in the Grimm Audio SB1 is unique. By adding smart digital processing and current drive, the low distortion of the already high-performance aluminium woofer is further reduced by as much as 30 dB, solving all problems that are related to low frequency resonances and distortion.
The SB1 sub is a perfect partner for the LS1v2 and an excellent match for the LS1be. It is even a smart extension for the LS1a. A switch facilitates use of the SB1 with third party systems, so the virtues of Digital Motional Feedback can be enjoyed by many.
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Professional Reviews 90/100
Deliciously Crispy
Bass
93/100
Integration
91/100
Dynamics
92/100
Build Quality
84/100
Features Usability
91/100
Value for Money
80/100
The SB1 delivers exceptionally controlled bass that preserves the midrange’s texture instead of sounding like a separate foundation. 6 Moons found its digital motional feedback, compact sealed cabinet and negligible-latency DSP unlock greater scale, low-level fullness and dynamic contrast when partnered with high-passed mains. For systems equipped to integrate it properly, this is deeply sophisticated low-frequency reinforcement.
What Reviewers Are Saying
Pros
Exceptionally controlled, low-distortion bass integrates with the midrange without changing tonal texture.
High-passing the main speakers brings greater dynamic expression, musical scale and satisfying fullness at lower levels.
Compact, living-room-friendly sealed enclosure reaches 20Hz while the DSP introduces no meaningful placement-compensation delay.
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Cons
Premium pricing is a significant consideration, especially with the intended pair costing €11,200.
Third-party systems require external bass management and level control because the SB1 lacks an adjustable crossover and onboard volume control.
Assessments of Build Quality, Usability, and Overall Propositions.
Bass
93/100
The review finds the SB1's low end unusually controlled and natural, describing it as bass with “perfect textural equality with the midrange” rather than a separate-sounding foundation. It also highlights exceptionally low distortion from the compact enclosure and a response reaching 20Hz.
Integration
91/100
The strongest outcome is the sense that bass ceases to sound different from the rest of the system: the reviewer says there should be “no difference as sounds descend into the bassment.” High-passing the main speakers also brought greater fullness at lower volumes and improvements extending into the midrange, supporting a convincingly cohesive blend.
Dynamics
92/100
With the mains high-passed, the reviewer heard “superior dynamic expression and contrast all the way into the midrange.” The result was not merely more bass weight, but greater musical scale, stronger venue cues and more satisfying listening at reduced volume.
Build Quality
84/100
The SB1 is praised for avoiding the bulky, furniture-like form often associated with ambitious subwoofers, while its grille-covered compact cabinet is described as living-room friendly. The review notes the sealed, no-port/no-passive-radiator design, but offers little direct commentary on finish quality or long-term durability.
Features Usability
91/100
Useful setup provisions include a bypass switch that allows the SB1 to work with non-Grimm speakers, along with operation up to 250Hz. Its sensor-based motional-feedback system monitors the actual driver behavior, while the very low stated DSP latency avoids requiring a placement offset relative to the main speakers.
Value for Money
80/100
The reviewer calls the SB1 “in-yer-face costly” at €5,600 each, with the recommended pair reaching €11,200. There is no direct comparison with competing subwoofers at that price, but the asking price is plainly presented as a significant concern.
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Authorized dealers for Grimm Audio SB1
- The Audio Association — in-store — Anaheim, California, United States (website)
- American Sound — in-store — Richmond Hill, Ontario, Canada (website)
- Atelier 13 Audio — in-store — Forest Hills, Tennessee, United States (website)
- Audio Archon — online and in-store — Libertyville, Illinois, United States (website)
- Audio Connection — online and in-store — Verona, New Jersey, United States (website)
- Audio Elation — in-store — Lolo, Montana, United States (website)
- Audio Excellence (CH) — Switzerland (website)
- Audio Gallery — online and in-store — Las Rozas de Madrid, Comunidad de Madrid, Spain (website)
- Audio Philosophy — in-store — Baton Rouge, Louisiana, United States (website)
- Audio Vision San Francisco — online and in-store — San Francisco, California, United States (website)
and 70 more verified dealers