Reddit reviews MartinLogan Dynamo 300 Home Theater and Stereo Subwoofer [Discontinued by Manufacturer]

You will have to get a receiver and with that budget, you will have to buy a refurbished receiver to get anything for your money. Amazon is selling a good yamaha 5.1 receiver below:

http://www.amazon.com/Yamaha-HTR-3066-R-5-1-Channel-Refurbished-Receiver/dp/B00IWURW6U/ref=sr_1_10?ie=UTF8&qid=1404937723&sr=8-10&keywords=yamaha+receiver

Then you can get a pair of bookshelf speakers to start:

http://www.amazon.com/Micca-MB42X-Bookshelf-Speakers-Tweeter/dp/B00E7H8GG2/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1404937847&sr=8-1&keywords=micca+speakers

This would be a pretty decent 2.0 setup. Over time you can purchase a subwoofer:

http://www.amazon.com/MartinLogan-Dynamo-300-Theater-Subwoofer/dp/B004LRPXAU/ref=sr_1_16?ie=UTF8&qid=1404938019&sr=8-16&keywords=subwoofer

This whole setup can be expanded to a 3.1, 4.1, or 5.1 setup by purchasing another set (or 2 sets) of bookshelf speakers.

I'm a noobie. The only speaker system I've had before is a [Logitech z623 Computer speakers] (https://www.logitech.com/en-us/product/speaker-system-z623?crid=47) which was satisfactory until the subwoofer started rattling at high volumes and one of the speakers stopped working. I want to get a full set-up so I've been learning everything I can. I want a good set up for house parties, generally playing rap and electronic music. My budget is $250-500.
Willing to buy used, just always paranoid I'll buy something in bad shape.

These are the parts that I am currently contemplating buying:

Speakers -- I can't decide between tower or bookshelf. I have read that bookshelf speakers can be a better bang for your buck, so I would love some suggestions. Speakers are suppose to be the most important part of the set up so I've tried to pick out decent options, but very willing to go cheap if there are any good deals.

Bookshelf option:

• Fluance SX6W High Definition Two-Way Bookshelf Loudspeakers $150
  
  
• Yamaha NS-6490 3-Way Bookshelf Speakers $130
  
  Craigslist for Bookshelf
  
  Tower options:
  
  
• Polk Audio Monitor70 Series II Floorstanding Loudspeaker (Black) Single $276 for pair
  
  or the cheaper version
  
  
• Polk Audio Monitor 60 Series II Floorstanding $190 for pair
  
  or dirt cheap option
  
  
• Dayton Audio T652 Dual 6-1/2" 2-Way Tower Speaker Pair $119 pair
  
  Craiglist for Towers
  
  
• Someone is currently offering B&W (Bower & Wilkins) DM-630 Large Tower Speakers for $275 -- Worth?
  
  Subwoofer:
  
  
  
• Polk Audio PSW10 10-Inch Powered Subwoofer Found this for $73, usually $110.
  This product seemed to be at a great price for its quality, so for now I think this is what I'm gonna get but very open to suggestions.
  
  
• Martin Logan Dynamo 300 $200. This is probably too pricey for me, but is suppose to be the best in its class.
  
  
• Dayton Audio SUB-1200 12" 120 Watt Powered Subwoofer $150. I've thought about going with a 12" considering I listen to a lot of rap and electronic.
  
  Craigslist for Subwoofers
  
  
  Still doing research on DAC's, Amps and Receivers, probably just gonna go with a receiver for simplicity's sake.
  
  EDIT: Wait can I just get these JBL LSR305 Professional Studio Monitor with the built in amps and then just have to buy a DAC? or would I still need a receiver if I wanted to add a subwoofer?

Well yes you can get a t-amp($50) and a small powered sub($130). The next step would truly be better speakers. I am sure those are atrocious.

Considering upgrading from 2.0 to 2.1 for a desktop setup, how do you do this with this? looks like the sub doesn't have Hi-level Out connectors? Would a receiver be required in this case?

Like others said I'd go with a sub. If you've got a tight budget look into the Dynamo 300.

I also have the Fluance SX6s paired with the Dynamo 300 and I've been really impressed. Although you'll want something bigger if it's a pretty big/open space you're working with, my setup is in my room (like 12x12ft).

I would purchase any of these before I'd consider the Sony:

http://www.parts-express.com/dayton-audio-sub-1200-12-120-watt-powered-subwoofer--300-629

http://smile.amazon.com/MartinLogan-Dynamo-300-Theater-Subwoofer/dp/B004LRPXAU/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1419354805&sr=8-1&keywords=martin+logan+subwoofer

http://smile.amazon.com/NXG-Technology-NX-PROSUB125-125-Watt-Subwoofer/dp/B001XWPEJQ/ref=sr_1_72?s=aht&ie=UTF8&qid=1419355145&sr=1-72&keywords=powered+subwoofer


If you can stretch your budget a little this one is ideal:

http://smile.amazon.com/BIC-America-F12-475-Watt-Subwoofer/dp/B0015A8Y5M/ref=sr_1_1?s=aht&ie=UTF8&qid=1419355238&sr=1-1&keywords=bic+subwoofer

MartinLogan Dynamo 300 Home Theater and Stereo Subwoofer
Link: http://amzn.com/B004LRPXAU Back in March these dropped to $109.00, that is a steal for Martin Logan.

Well, nice is a relative term when spending $300 on speakers and a subwoofer. Its alot to ask for on that budget IMO, but it can certainly be done if it just plugs into a computer. /r/zeos has lots of good info, using his guide, I'd pick the Polk On-Walls for $100, Martin Logan 8" Subwoofer for $130 and an SMSL SA50 for an amp. You'll need banana connectors, speaker wire and a 3.5mm to stereo RCA for connectivity. That should be a good balance of sound. Don't get this setup without the subwoofer though, those speakers are designed presuming you have a sub, and will fit nicely on your desk, and the sub is small enough to fit comfortably underneath.

Enjoy your keyboard and the miccas.

In 6 months or whenever you get upgradeitis, save up and spring for a nice sub like this: http://www.amazon.com/MartinLogan-Dynamo-300-Theater-Subwoofer/dp/B004LRPXAU

When shopping for budget subs, you can usually get slap, or musicality. Depends what you prefer.

Since you mentioned that you're looking to upgrade to 5.1 at some point in the future, I'm assuming that you won't be using this setup for near-field listening and that this fits more into the music-centric, home theater category.

For the subwoofer, I would suggest going with the Martin Logan Dynamo 300 unless you have a large-ish room. It holds its own pretty well in regards to extension and clarity despite its small size and low output. You won't be rattling shit off the walls, but it will definitely improve the lacking mid/low-end of the MB42x speakers.

For the amp, I would suggest skipping the 2-channel upgrade and moving straight into a 5.1 channel receiver since you're planning on doing surround in the future. You'll end up saving some cash overall as well as gaining some additional features. Unfortunately, you'll be pretty close budget-wise. Going for a refurbished Denon AVR-S500BT will keep you a buck or two under. If going refurb is out for you, you might want to have a look at the SMSL Q5 Pro.

I'm doing the exact same thing. This is my plan. (As a disclaimer, I am fairly new and a student of /r/Zeos.)

This Receiver

Front Speakers

Center Speaker

Subwoofer

If that sub is too large for the mobility you want, you could go with this, which is quite a bit smaller.

All that (with the F12) will be around $525.

If you're doing surround, which may limit mobility, I'd throw in a pair of these.

Don't forget some good quality speaker wire and banana plugs make life easier if you want to move it easily.

Pretty good except for the sub...I've heard very mixed reviews on that Polk sub. I've heard it and it's ok. For the money or a bit more I would go with one of these:

• BIC F12 - probably the best budget sub. $185
  
  
• Dayton 1000 - middle of road in size and price. $135
  
  
• ML Dynamo 300 - Zeos' favorite budget sub...smallest of all these options. This would be perfect for small apartment. $130
  
  
• Dayton 800 - smaller than the Polk but same price...I think it's less muddy. $110

I have the same pair and I added a Dynamo 300 for the low end. Sounds amazing.

http://www.amazon.com/MartinLogan-Dynamo-300-Theater-Subwoofer/dp/B004LRPXAU/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1463339823&sr=8-1&keywords=dynamo+300

Receiver ($110): http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/denavr1513/denon-avr-1513-5.1ch-home-theater-receiver-3d-ready/1.html

Receiver - 2nd option: http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/denavre300/denon-avr-e300-5.1-3d-networking-receiver-airplay/1.html

-Could be good for future upgrades. Has some networking functionality and a lot more wattage.

Stereo Speakers ($80): http://www.amazon.com/Micca-MB42X-Bookshelf-Speakers-Tweeter/dp/B00E7H8GG2

Sub ($130): http://www.amazon.com/MartinLogan-Dynamo-300-Theater-Subwoofer/dp/B004LRPXAU/

Wire ($18): http://www.amazon.com/Monoprice-50-Feet-High-Purity-Oxygen-Free-Speaker/dp/B001UNLTVK/

With tax and shipping though, that is a bit over your budget, should be around $350-400. It should sound really good, plus leave you the option to add a center channel and surround if he ever wants it.

If you want to cut the initial cost, you could forego the sub until a later date and it would still sound very good and that would get you back into budget. You could also forego the sub to purchase the more expensive receiver if that appeals to you. The nice thing about a receiver is it gives you lots of options for future upgrades.

I just picked up the MartinLogan Dynamo 300 and I'm loving it. It has all the hookups you'd need.

Would Micca MB42X speakers and MartinLogan Dynamo 300 sub be good to pair up with this receiver?

https://www.amazon.com/MartinLogan-Dynamo-300-Discontinued-Manufacturer/dp/B004LRPXAU

https://www.amazon.com/Debut-Powered-Subwoofer-Andrew-DS81-BK/dp/B0774KV6YT

Thanks, very helpful. $180 for that pair is doable, I think. Camelcamelcamel says the bookshelf ones you linked earlier were in stock last in June... Not sure if I want to bank on it being in stock anytime soon.

The receiver you linked before is out of stock... what do you think of this as a substitute? http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/denavre200/denon-avr-e200-5.1-channel-3d-home-theater-receiver/1.html

Also, opinion on this subwoofer instead of the Dayton? Does it depend on intended usage? http://smile.amazon.com/MartinLogan-Dynamo-300-Theater-Subwoofer/dp/B004LRPXAU?sa-no-redirect=1

So in all, I guess I'm looking at

Receiver $200

Center speaker $60

Sub $110

Floor speakers $180

TOTAL $350 + tax/shipping + receiver price

I'm a little confused if you're saying $500 for speakers alone, or the set up. Heres a list I put together for a friend who had the same budget. Hope this helps.

($200) http://amzn.com/B00B981F38
($10) http://amzn.com/B006LW0W5Y
($12) http://amzn.com/B005EZTUMU
($130) http://amzn.com/B00067OS0A
($130) http://amzn.com/B004LRPXAU

Edit: If you go this route, don't forget these.

http://www.amazon.com/Mediabridge-ULTRA-Series-Subwoofer-Cable/dp/B003FVYXY0/ref=pd_bxgy_e_text_y

http://www.amazon.com/Mediabridge-ULTRA-Series-Y-Adapter-Inches/dp/B004EBX5GW/ref=pd_sim_e_4?ie=UTF8&refRID=0HP63MCWR61GRJ58Y5BY

I own this sub. Its boomy and muddy. for a few dollars more this is much better.

I should add that i'll be using this setup in a 18x12x10 living room and an 8" sub just didn't work out. I bought and returned a Martin Logan dynamo 300 because at low volumes the sub made no difference to the other side of the room

Would a set of Fluance SX6's and a MartinLogan Dynamo 300 Sub sound substantially better and louder than my Logitech Z623 setup? The mids on the logitechs are super bland and the bass is muddy but boomy.
Also, what unit would I need to properly hook up the Fluances and sub to a 1/8" computer out?

good pair of speakers, currently $40:
http://www.amazon.com/Dayton-Audio-B652-Bookshelf-Speaker/dp/B002RMPHMU/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1412779300&sr=8-1&keywords=dayton+b652

good sub, currently $130:
http://www.amazon.com/MartinLogan-Dynamo-300-Theater-Subwoofer/dp/B004LRPXAU/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1412779380&sr=8-1&keywords=martin+logan+dynamo+300

This 5.1 system http://www.amazon.com/dp/B001202C44/ or http://www.amazon.com/dp/B001XURGSK/ or this 5.0 system http://www.amazon.com/dp/B014JTYKA8/ at $200 plus a sub for $100-150 like http://www.amazon.com/dp/B008NCD2PC/ or http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00DUHW6UW/ or http://www.amazon.com/dp/B004LRPXAU/

The you definitely dont need a huge sub. You probably dont even need to spend that much.

Here are some options...

Small 8"

https://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/deftechprosub400blka/definitive-technology-prosub-400-8-150-watt-compact-subwoofer-black/1.html#!specifications

https://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/deftechprosub800blk/definitive-technology-prosub-800-8-300-watt-high-output-compact-subwoofer-black/1.html

https://www.amazon.com/Debut-Powered-Subwoofer-Andrew-DS81-BK/dp/B0774KV6YT/ref=sr_1_25?keywords=powered+subwoofer&qid=1549828564&s=gateway&sr=8-25

https://www.amazon.com/MartinLogan-Dynamo-300-Discontinued-Manufacturer/dp/B004LRPXAU/ref=sr_1_3?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1549897037&sr=1-3&keywords=martin+logan+dynamo+300

Larger

https://www.amazon.com/BIC-America-F12-475-Watt-Subwoofer/dp/B0015A8Y5M/ref=sr_1_7?keywords=powered+subwoofer&qid=1549828368&s=gateway&sr=8-7

https://www.amazon.com/Micca-12-Inch-Powered-Subwoofer-MS12/dp/B07B4MZ61W/ref=sr_1_10?keywords=powered+subwoofer&qid=1549828368&s=gateway&sr=8-10

https://www.amazon.com/BIC-America-430-Watt-Down-Firing-Subwoofer/dp/B0000Y2WYS/ref=sr_1_19?keywords=powered+subwoofer&qid=1549828564&s=gateway&sr=8-19

https://www.amazon.com/Dayton-Audio-SUB-1200-12-Inch-Subwoofer/dp/B00669L3HS/ref=pd_day0_hl_23_10?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B00669L3HS&pd_rd_r=8a4a2c3c-2d6e-11e9-b5a3-830356680a3c&pd_rd_w=K457N&pd_rd_wg=Ss1ll&pf_rd_p=ad07871c-e646-4161-82c7-5ed0d4c85b07&pf_rd_r=0JC5K7AQVBESJRR4X8QK&psc=1&refRID=0JC5K7AQVBESJRR4X8QK

How about the HSU STF-1?

The Martin Logan Dynamo 300 is the cheapest pretty good option based on what I could find and should work well in your room.

I would try the JBL's without a sub given the small space that you are working work they may be enough.

Thoughts on the Dynamo 300 sub? Click Here

I want to buy my first 2.1 home listening setup.


1. What is your budget?


Looking to spend $400 at max.


2. What are you looking for?


I am looking for a 2.1 setup. I was considering getting a pair of Polk bookshelf speakers. I have a friend who works for the Polk corporate office and can get me very good deals, right around cost. But I am totally willing to look at other options in my price range.


This is the sub I was thinking about getting, MartinLogan Dynamo 300 - LINK


This is the amp I was thinking of getting - SMSL SA-50 LINK


Or maybe this amp, AudioSource AMP-100 - LINK


Not sure which amp to get. I am just starting my journey into the world or quality home listening.


3. How will you typically be using the gear?


I will be using this for home listening. Playing almost all music from my computer. I already have an external soundcard and DAC.


4. What gear do you own?


I own an external soundcard and a DAC. Plus a pair of DT 770 headphones.


5. What do you intend on using for a source?


My computer > external soundcard > DAC


6. What material will you be using your gear for?


I will be using my gear to listen to music only. My taste is all over the board. I listen to every genre and do, at times, like a bit of a stronger low end. Other times I like a more neutral low end that doesn't cover anything.


7. Are you willing to buy used?


I am willing to but new but would prefer to buy new.

Speakers: Pioneer Andrew Jones

Receiver: Onkyo Refurbished

Subwoofer: MartinLogan

Speaker cable: monoprice

Total Budget: around $1080.

https://www.amazon.com/MartinLogan-Dynamo-300-Discontinued-Manufacturer/dp/B004LRPXAU

That's the exact listing I bought mine from. They've been discontinued for a while but you can still buy them there. I've never seen it for any other price than $200

Thank you for the recommendations, greatly appreciated. Question - is there a reason why you wouldn't go with a ML sub such as this one? Is the $580 price tag for the VTF going to be that much better vs. the ML for $150?

http://smile.amazon.com/MartinLogan-Dynamo-300-Theater-Subwoofer/dp/B004LRPXAU/ref=pd_bxgy_23_img_2?ie=UTF8&refRID=14V7BNF7GZKQNCY3VKMN

I stretched my budget to the max but selected out these components. Anything you'd change?

Denon avr-s710w - $260

MartinLogan Dynamo 300 - $150

ELAC B5 Debut Series 5.25" Bookshelf Speakers - $230

ELAC C5 Debut Series 5.25" Center Speaker - $180

Total: ~$820.00

Any way I could get something similar to this cheaper?

For the apartment set up i'd do something like this and save a few bucks.

Receiver:Denon E-400 280

Speakers: I'm more of a fan of Klipsch than I am of Polk. These guys are on sale this week and they sound as great as they look. Klipsch KB-15 150each

Center: Klipsch KC-25 150

Subwoofer: Apartment subs are the hardest thing to buy depending on your neighbors. Personally something small and compact that isn't going to cost and arm and a leg until you get a proper one for a house that just rounds things out is recommended. Something like this from Martin Logan for 130.

860 for everything here compared to the 1180 you posted for similar quality items. If you are looking to grab some towers in the future and like the sound of the 5.1 you may be looking at something like this Klipsch Reference RF-62II

If you wanted to upgrade the receiver a bit this is a few hundred more but is a better overall pieceDenon AVR-X3000

Hello, I've purchased the Presonus Eris E4.5 for my computer speakers and wanted to add on a subwoofer for a 2.1 setup. I'm debating between the
-Dayton Audio SUB-1200 vs the
-Martin Logan Dynamo 300 and finally the
-Yamaha YST-SW012.


The primary usage is for music in a small room approximately 7'x14' (dorm). I plan to place the sub near my desk. Is there anything else that I need to know about how to hook up my speakers and a subwoofer to my computer? Are there any other suggestions? I'd like to keep the price under $150.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but would I have to connect a 3.5mm to RCA from the computer to the sub, then speaker wire to RCA from sub to active speaker, and then speaker wire from active speaker to passive speaker?

Hey yo, I've been doing my fair share of research these past couple of days and this sub as well as /r/Zeos have been a huge help. That budget can definitely get you started with something nice.


These suggestions are all from reading this sub, avsforums, amazon reviews, you name it.. I really have no on-hand experience as I'm saving up for a build myself. (Here is my post in case you're interested)

• Pioneer SP-FS52 - These puppies seem to be a huge favorite everywhere. I did see someone post they were cheaper a couple of weeks back so it's up to you if you want to wait. They are also Pioneer as you mentioned you wanted to stick with that.
  
  
  
• Denon S500 - This brand is very reputable here, as well as the site. Don't be discouraged by the "Refurbished". I'm planning on getting a receiver from this brand and site and jumping on maybe 1 or 2 years of Extended Warranty just for giggles. It has integrated bluetooth as you mentioned that was important. Like someone above mentioned, you can always go a different route and purchase a receiver without bluetooth technology and get a Google Chromecast (~$25-$30) or Bluetooth dongle. (Be aware you will loose quality when you go wireless)
  
  
  
• As for a sub, someone needs to chime in, but these two are held in nice regard: Martin Logan Dynamo 300 and Dayton 1000
  
  
  That should keep you around your budget and have some spare for cables and any other expenses that might come up along the way. Maybe some cable management or whatever.
  
  
  Good luck
  

does this http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0015A8Y5M?pc_redir=1405048009&robot_redir=1 will work instead of http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B004LRPXAU/ref=redir_mdp_mobile?camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B004LRPXAU&linkCode=as2&redirect=true&ref_=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl&tag=wwwpuresimula-20 if i take the exact same other component

I've heard this is a really nice sub to match with the airmotiv5's if your on a budget.

http://www.amazon.com/MartinLogan-Dynamo-300-Theater-Subwoofer/dp/B004LRPXAU/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1417183594&sr=8-1&keywords=martin+logan+sub