MartinLogan Abyss 10 Powered Subwoofer - White

Three 10-Inch Drivers in a 15-Inch Cube

MartinLogan introduced the original Abyss subwoofer almost 20 years ago. The MartinLogan Abyss 10 brings the name back as a compact powered subwoofer with serious muscle. Its cabinet measures about 15 inches on each side, yet it holds an active 10-inch woofer, two 10-inch passive radiators, and a Magnitude amplifier rated at 800 watts continuous and 1,600 watts peak.

This listing is the Satin White finish, a non-gloss white that suits lighter rooms. Wireless is built in, and the transmitter comes in the box. You can place the sub where it sounds best rather than where a cable reaches.

Every Connection Your System Might Need

The rear panel offers stereo RCA line inputs, an RCA LFE input, a balanced XLR LFE input, and speaker-level inputs that take banana plugs. A sub output lets you add a second subwoofer. Power modes include On, Auto, and 12V trigger, and a backlit volume knob shows your level at a glance.

Fine-tuning happens in the free MartinLogan Subwoofer Control app for iOS and Android. Adjust level, crossover, and phase from your seat, or pick Movie, Music, or Night mode. A built-in tone sweep helps you track down rattles in the room. The sub weighs 55.6 pounds and stands on integrated anti-vibration feet.

Why MartinLogan Chose Passive Radiators

MartinLogan calls its driver layout a Hybrid Woofer System. One active aluminum woofer drives two aluminum passive radiators inside a sealed, 1-inch-thick MDF cabinet. MartinLogan says this gives the higher output of a ported design while keeping the compact size and tighter bass of a sealed one.

A 500MHz Vojtko DSP engine with 64-bit processing manages the amplifier and drivers. Rated frequency response is 22 to 120 Hz, ±3 dB, measured anechoic through the LFE input. The app lets you raise or cut the 20 to 30 Hz range by up to 10 dB to suit your room.

Room Correction When You Want It

The Abyss 10 works with Anthem Room Correction, the same ARC Genesis software used in Anthem receivers. Connect the sub to a PC or Mac by USB-C, measure with an ARC microphone, and upload a correction curve. The microphone is sold separately, though an ARC mic from another Anthem-equipped product works too.

What Reviewers Are Saying

Erik Wesley of AVS Forum (February 25, 2025) named the Abyss 10 an AVSForum Top Choice for 2025. He wrote, "I wasn’t expecting such a big presence from a 10-inch sub, but it delivered tight, controlled bass" in his room.

He also noted practical points. The ARC calibration microphone is sold separately, though one you already own from another ARC-enabled device will work. And while the sub reached about 25 Hz in his theater, he wrote that "Larger subs with bigger drivers and enclosures will still have the advantage when it comes to sub-20Hz frequencies."

Who Is This Powered Subwoofer Best For?

• Living rooms with white or light decor — The Satin White finish and compact cube blend in rather than stand out.
• Rooms where a sub cable is hard to run — Built-in wireless and the included transmitter free up placement.
• Home theaters and music systems alike — Movie, Music, and Night presets switch the character from the app.
• Owners of Anthem gear — ARC Genesis room correction uses the same mic and software you may already have.
• Not ideal for smaller rooms on a tighter budget — The MartinLogan Abyss 8 in White brings the same hybrid design in a smaller cabinet with a 500-watt continuous amplifier.

How Does It Connect to Your System?

With an AV receiver, run a subwoofer cable from its Sub or LFE output to the Abyss 10’s LFE input, or use the wireless transmitter instead. With a stereo amp, use the line-level left and right inputs or the speaker-level inputs with banana plugs. A subwoofer cable is not included.

Download the Subwoofer Control app to set level, crossover, and phase. For the best result, run ARC Genesis before your receiver’s own room correction. Plug in, pair, and feel the floor move.

Pairs Well With

Build out your system with these companions:

• Interconnect cables — A subwoofer cable is not included in the box.
• Bookshelf speakers — Let a sub handle the deep bass small speakers can’t.
• Floorstanding speakers — Add low-end reach below their range.
• Integrated amplifiers — Connect by line-level or speaker-level inputs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the MartinLogan Abyss 10 wireless?

Yes. It has a built-in wireless receiver, and the wireless transmitter is included. The transmitter runs from a USB port or the included power adapter.

Is it sealed or ported?

Neither, exactly. It uses a sealed cabinet with one active woofer and two passive radiators, which MartinLogan calls a Hybrid Woofer System.

Do I need the ARC microphone?

Only for Anthem Room Correction. The sub works without it, and the app handles level, crossover, and phase. The ARC microphone and a PC or Mac are needed for room correction.

Can I connect it to a stereo amplifier without a sub output?

Yes. Use the speaker-level inputs with banana plugs, or the left and right line-level inputs from your amp’s pre-outs.

Can I use two Abyss subwoofers?

Yes. The sub output connects a second subwoofer, and multiple subs help smooth bass across a room.

What warranty does it have?

MartinLogan warrants the Abyss 10 against manufacturing defects for 3 years from delivery.

See It in Action

AVS Forum’s video review shows the Abyss 10 in a real home theater.

Audioholics compares the Abyss 10 with MartinLogan’s larger Dynamo 12.

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Learn More

Want to learn more about subwoofer placement, room correction, or using two subwoofers? Visit our Learning Center for guides, tips, and expert advice.