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Grimm Audio SB1

Name: Grimm Audio SB1
Brand: Grimm Audio
SKU: sb1
Price: 14950.00 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 4.5 (8 reviews)

View at Grimm Audio

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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Overall Score 90/100

Nicely Roasted

The SB1 delivers remarkably low‑distortion, tight, tuneful bass down to 20 Hz via sensor-based motion feedback and DSP, yielding seamless integration with mains and a visibly larger soundstage, according to Srajan Ebaen. Compact, salon‑ready build and studio‑grade control make it a compelling high‑end sub for LS1c/MU1 setups.

6 Moons

"It's about having bass that's less different from the rest—most likely a lot less—than you're used to."

Pros

Exceptionally low‑distortion, extended bass response to 20 Hz driven by sensor-based motion feedback and DSP.
Seamless integration with mains delivers a larger soundstage and improved dynamic expression when mains are high‑passed.
Compact, well-built enclosure and studio-grade engineering—routinely shown paired with LS1c and MU1 in Grimm demos.

Cons

No onboard volume control or variable low‑pass: requires an already filtered, gain‑matched input, limiting out‑of‑the‑box use with many 2‑ch preamps.
High price point (€5,600 each; ~€11,200 pair) reduces perceived value for buyers seeking versatile, standalone subs.

Sound Quality

91/100

Bass

91/100

Reviews praise exceptional low‑distortion extension and control for a compact sub, with measured response to 20Hz and a driver resonance at 15Hz (Q=0.5). Measured SPL at 20Hz (89dB single, 95dB pair) supports excellent deep bass for its size though not reference‑class output.

Dynamics

91/100

Reviewer cites 'superior dynamic expression and contrast' and effective motional‑feedback/DSP with negligible latency (A/D→DSP→D/A ~38µs) and feedback effective to 500Hz, yielding tight, fast bass with strong transient control for a compact unit.

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Integration

92/100

Outcome language indicates very good blending: reviewer notes 'bass that's less different from the rest' and a 'more audible space' with 'superior dynamic expression and contrast' when mains are high‑passed, implying the SB1 integrates smoothly with speakers. Bypass switch and phase‑corrected crossover enable practical integration with non‑Grimm systems.

Build Quality

88/100

Described as compact and 'salonfähig' with a neat grille and no port; the design avoids hulking furniture‑sized enclosures. Reviews emphasize thoughtful engineering (motional feedback, modified woofer) though explicit long‑term durability comments are limited.

Features Connectivity

90/100

DSP‑controlled curve, sensor‑based motional feedback, bypass switch to defeat the LS1 filter, mains outlet for LS1, and effective range to 250Hz are highlighted. Latency is extremely low and the feedback loop is real‑time and effective up to 500Hz, giving flexible connectivity and tuning options.

Value for Money

66/100

Performance is excellent, but the reviewer calls the price (€5,600 each, €11,200 pair recommended) 'in‑yer‑face costly', reducing perceived value despite technical merits.