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MartinLogan Dynamo 1500x vs Hsu ULS-15 mk2

6K views 10 replies 5 participants last post by  AustinJerry 
#1 ·
It looks like I can get these for the same ~$800, since the Dynamo 1500x is now replaced by the newer 1600. Which one would be recommended for a large open floor plan living room/kitchen with high (15ft) ceilings)? I have audyssey Xt32 for room correction. Other speakers are all MartinLogan as well (35XT, 8i center, helios 100 ceiling surround).
Thanks!
 
#2 ·
I would say go with all ML, as the sub should be designed to go with their own line of speakers.

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#3 ·
Depending upon how large the open floor plan is neither of them may work very well. Small sealed subwoofers are not capable of doing much in really big spaces, even ones with 15" drivers. What are the dimensions of the entire area? Even though you may have a section of it designated as your HT a subwoofer only acknowledges physical boundaries, not virtual ones. It's going to try and fill the entire space.
 
#5 ·
So, its a pretty big open floor plan. With 15ft ceilings over much of it, it works out to about 24000 cu ft. The listening area itself is about 6000 cu ft, but its all connected. Just looking for something better than the ancient 12" V125 M&K Sub I have now.
 
#6 ·
Even if the room was physically 6000 ft^3 (fully enclosed by walls) that would still be considered very large so a sealed subwoofer is not the answer I'm afraid. A single ported 18" is really the smallest you should consider.
 
#8 ·
Ack. I have a budget and a WAF problem though. Are there any in that size range that would also look decent and run $1k is or so? Would two 15" subs like the Hsus or martin logans do the trick? (I could buy 1 now and then 1 later when budget allows).
Thanks! Note that I'm looking for good bass for action movies, etc but music is more important. Jazz, classical, Rock, folk, vocals, etc but not dubstep/rap, etc so don't need the "thump thump" sound.
 
#9 ·
Ack. I have a budget and a WAF problem though. Are there any in that size range that would also look decent and run $1k is or so? Would two 15" subs like the Hsus or martin logans do the trick? (I could buy 1 now and then 1 later when budget allows).

Thanks! Note that I'm looking for good bass for action movies, etc but music is more important. Jazz, classical, Rock, folk, vocals, etc but not dubstep/rap, etc so don't need the "thump thump" sound.


Well, IMO HSU is probably the value leader so I would start there. As far as thump goes, these are very linear and well damped subs. They’re very nice for music as well as shaking the couch. FWIW sealed vs ported is a wives tale.

http://www.hsuresearch.com/products/vtf-15hmk2Dual.html
This should get you started. And definitely browse while you there. Also, you can call them.
FWIW, 1k for a sub in that size room is a tall order. However I have recommended to do just what you said. Buy the best one you can afford now, and get a second as soon as you can.
 
#11 ·
I have four ULS-15's in a 20'x16' listening room, and am extremely pleased with their performance. While my tastes are more for music than action movies, the subs have no problem pressurizing my room. And using a MiniDSP 2x4 to consolidate the subs, and Dirac Live to calibrate, I have been able to get a respectable frequency response, as shown in the attached screenshot.
 

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