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MartinLogan Abyss 10
Supercharged Performance. Miniaturized Size.
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.
Seamlessly Integrating High-Performance Audio with Elegant Design
Emphasizing high performance and decor-friendly aesthetics, MartinLogan subwoofers expertly blend audiophile musicality and theatricality with dynamic output and accuracy in a compact design. As with all MartinLogan subwoofers, the Abyss Series is designed to work with any speaker system while being uniquely engineered to keep pace with the exotic thin-film technologies utilized in MartinLogan loudspeakers.
Hybrid Woofer System – The Ultimate Compact Powerhouse
Despite its compact size, the aptly named Abyss 10 plays deep with surprising authority. Featuring a unique 10” Hybrid Woofer System, Abyss 10 combines an active 10” aluminum woofer with two 10” aluminum passive radiators. This innovative design offers the enhanced output of a ported subwoofer while maintaining the compact size and tight bass associated with sealed subwoofers. Enjoy the best of both worlds without compromises like larger cabinets or port noise. Abyss 10’s custom-designed aluminum woofers are engineered for peak performance using advanced Klippel analysis. The light weight, high strength, and excellent heat dissipation properties of aluminum make it ideal for delivering clean, powerful bass in such a compact design.
Magnitude® MT-1.6kW Amplifier
To achieve such startling levels of performance, Abyss 10’s Hybrid Woofer System is designed to handle high levels of power. Enter MartinLogan’s Magnitude MT-1.6kW amplifier, which can deliver up to 1600W peak (800W RMS) of clean power, ensuring jaw dropping impact and seamless musicality at all volume levels. MartinLogan’s Magnitude amplifiers are designed to deliver their power reserves with ultra-low distortion to ensure maximum fidelity along with high output capability. MT-1.6kW maintains precise control over Abyss 10’s woofer, guaranteeing powerful yet musical bass at all volume levels.
Built-In Wireless Capability
Although correct placement plays a key role in optimizing subwoofer performance, getting a cable where you need it can be challenging. For ultimate convenience, our Abyss subwoofers come with a built-in Wireless Receiver and Wireless Transmitter, making it easier than ever to eliminate cable clutter. With lossless transmission and low latency, even the most discerning enthusiast will be thrilled with the results.
Sound Structure
The cabinet plays a critical role in the sound quality of a speaker. Abyss subwoofer cabinets are made of 1” thick MDF (Medium Density Fiberboard) with additional reinforcement on the woofer baffles and a central brace. This solid construction provides a more stable platform for the high performance woofer to play from, resulting in cleaner, more articulate bass.
Robust Connectivity
In addition to the built-in wireless connection option, Abyss 10 offers incredible wired installation flexibility. With both RCA and XLR LFE inputs, Stereo RCA inputs, Speaker Level inputs, and Sub Out connections, Abyss 10 can be easily integrated into even the most complex systems. Simultaneous connections are also supported.
Reduced Vibration, Enhanced Bass
Solid bass performance is a critical component of any audio system and contributes to the visceral impact of your entertainment. Abyss 10’s integrated anti-vibration feet improve bass performance while reducing floor and wall vibrations. By dramatically reducing energy transfer between the subwoofer and the floor, unwanted room rattles and buzzes are eliminated, resulting in tighter, cleaner bass and improved system clarity and dynamics. As a less intrusive alternative to acoustic room treatments, Abyss 10’s integrated anti-vibration feet can also help minimize noise complaints by reducing vibration transfer into adjoining rooms. Out of the box, Abyss 10’s anti-vibration feet are safe for all flooring types, and optional carpet spikes are included to further improve performance on carpeted floors.
Fine-Tune Your Subwoofer Settings with MartinLogan's Intuitive App
By far the most convenient way to adjust a subwoofer, MartinLogan’s Subwoofer Control app for iOS and Android devices allows you to easily adjust settings such as Volume, DSP Mode, Phase, and many others right from the comfort of your seat for ultimate control and ease of tuning.
Deep in Performance and Style
Abyss 10’s size-defying performance is exclusively available in a Gloss Black finish. This deep, mirror-like finish is accented by gunmetal trim around the woofers, creating an elegant and timeless look. MartinLogan’s unique grille retention system, which uses no visible mounting hardware, further enhances Abyss 10’s unique style while ensuring a seamless style when the grille is removed.
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Small yet potent, the Abyss 10 delivers surprisingly powerful deep bass from its compact cube thanks to its dual passive radiators and robust amp, while preserving musicality with crisp, tight dynamics and fast decay. Reviewer James Larson praised its build and ARC tuning, making it a compelling high-end option for tight spaces seeking authoritative low-end.
Pros
- Rock-solid build and premium fit-and-finish, described as very robust and long-lasting.
- Impressive low-frequency extension and output for its size (clean in-room extension to ~20Hz and strong output peaks around 50Hz).
- Feature-rich connectivity and tuning (balanced XLR, wireless transmitter included, extensive app control and Anthem Room Correction compatibility).
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Cons
- Many essential DSP and crossover controls are only available via the mobile app, leaving limited onboard physical controls.
- Premium price for a compact 10" sub; cost rises quickly if purchasing multiple units for a multi-sub setup.
Sound Quality
91/100
Bass
90/100
Review measurements show strong output for a compact design: peaks to 108.7dB at 50Hz, exceeds 100dB from 40–70Hz, and reaches ~95dB continuously at 25Hz; the deepest output is driven by passive radiators. Some distortion is reported when driven very hard at 25Hz, so extension/control are excellent for size but not reference-level below ~30Hz.
Dynamics
93/100
The reviewer highlights exceptional transient behavior and fast decays, stating the subs "nailed the decays as quickly as the attacks," and praises the sub's group delay. These comments indicate strong macro- and micro-dynamic performance and good slam for its size.
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Integration
92/100
Reviewer outcome language indicates excellent blend: the Abyss 10 "helped to create an epic sound — a perfect complement to the Ellis 1802G," and it gave orchestra "a big sound, but not a tubby one." ARC engagement and app tuning options further aid achieving a seamless match with mains.
Build Quality
94/100
Build is repeatedly praised: "built like a tank," with 1" thick MDF panels and central bracing; the unit feels very solid and substantial. The enclosure and driver construction point to long-term durability and premium finish.
Features Connectivity
93/100
Extensive, modern feature set: comprehensive app control (level, LPF freq/order, continuous phase, presets), integrated wireless receiver with included transmitter, ARC Genesis compatibility, tone sweep, multiple inputs (RCA, XLR, speaker level). These tools provide high usability and placement/fine-tuning flexibility.
Value for Money
76/100
Performance and build are high-end but the price is premium (review noted ~$1.7K; current listing $1,899.99). Review calls it "not an inexpensive sub," and while capable, it isn't described as a "no-brainer" or "best in class" bargain—good value if you prioritize build, features, and compact deep-bass performance.
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