In this review, we will be comparing Grotto 12 and SuperSub XXL, two Powered Subwoofer speakers from MartinLogan and GoldenEar. Being Powered subwoofers, they both have built-in amplifiers so you don't need an external power amp or an integrated amp to power them. Let's have a brief look at the main features of MartinLogan Grotto 12 and GoldenEar SuperSub XXL first before getting into our more detailed comparison.
In the following sections, we will get into details in order to better understand how the MartinLogan Grotto 12 and GoldenEar SuperSub XXL compare and hopefully end up with enough arguments to decide which one of these subwoofers is the better choice for you.
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Drivers
The efficiency of a subwoofer is directly proportional to the total radiating are squared hence the woofer quantity and diameter.MartinLogan Grotto 12 and GoldenEar SuperSub XXL have a totally different setup: the MartinLogan Grotto 12 features 1 x 12-inch drivers whereas the SuperSub XXL features 2 x 12-inch drivers.
Frequency Response
Grotto 12 has a frequency range of 22-120 Hz whereas SuperSub XXL has a frequency range of 10-250 Hz. With a minimum frequency of 10Hz, the SuperSub XXL can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the Grotto 12's min frequency of 22Hz.
Below graphs depict how these two speakers compare with the max, min and average values of the Min and Max Frequencies of other speakers in the Subwoofer class in our database.
Low Frequency
Subwoofer Speakers
High Frequency
Subwoofer Speakers
Cabinet Type
The MartinLogan Grotto 12 has a Acoustic Suspension type cabinet. Acoustic Suspension aka Sealed type subwoofers have enclosures that are sealed hence no ports or holes exists on the cabinet. Sealed designs helps to provide more accurate and tight bass responses compared to ported designs. On the other hand the GoldenEar SuperSub XXL have Passive Radiator type enclosure. Passive Radiator type subwoofers sports a non-powered cone that moves in response to the main woofer to move air out in order to generate stronger bass in a smaller body compared to ported or sealed designs.
Physical Specs
Size of a speaker can sometimes become an important decision factor due to space constraints or in some cases purely for esthetic reasons. In this section, we are going to compare MartinLogan Grotto 12's and GoldenEar SuperSub XXL's external dimensions. MartinLogan Grotto 12 has external dimensions of 452.0 x 454.0 x 454.0mm ( 17-13/16 x 17-7/8 x 17-7/8inch) whereas GoldenEar SuperSub XXL has external dimensions of 447.0 x 485.0 x 434.0mm ( 17-9/16inch x 19-1/16inch x 17-1/16inch ) .
GoldenEar SuperSub XXL is 5mm shorter and 20mm less deeper than MartinLogan Grotto 12 but it is also 31mm wider.
Base Surface Area Comparison
Base surface area of a loudspeaker may become a determining factor when the space in your room or desk is limited.
The base surface area of the MartinLogan Grotto 12 is approximately 2061.2cm2 / 319.5inch2 and base area of the GoldenEar SuperSub XXL is approximately 2104.9cm2 / 326.3inch2. The Grotto 12 requires 2% less surface area than the SuperSub XXL which gives it a small advantage on placement in tight spaces.
Weight Comparison The weight of a subwoofer may become an important factor if you need to move and reposition the unit often to find the optimal positioning, also known as 'Subwoofer Crawling'. The MartinLogan Grotto 12 weighs 37.40kg / 82.3lbs and the GoldenEar SuperSub XXL weighs 37.27kg / 82lbs. This makes the Grotto 12 0% heavier than the SuperSub XXL.
Here is a comparison of how Grotto 12 and SuperSub XXL's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Powered Subwoofer class.
Weight
All Subwoofer Speakers
 Base Surface Area |
2061cm2
vs
2104cm2
|
Takes less floor space |
 Price per pair* |
2300USD
vs
2499USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
 Number of Woofers |
2
vs
1
|
More woofers |
| Low Frequency Response |
10 Hz
vs
22 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
250k Hz
vs
120k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Height |
447mm
vs
452mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
| General |
MartinLogan Grotto 12 |
GoldenEar SuperSub XXL |
| Brand |
MartinLogan |
GoldenEar |
| Speaker Type |
Powered Subwoofer |
Powered Subwoofer |
| Max Amplifier Output |
1000 watts |
1600 watts |
| Frequency Response |
22-120 Hz |
10-250 Hz |
Amplifier |
|
|
| Watts RMS (Continuous) |
1000-watt RMS |
1600-watt RMS |
| Watts Peak (Max) |
2000-watt RMS |
n/a |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
2 |
| Woofer Size |
12" |
12" |
| Woofer Composition |
Aluminium |
Fiber |
| Tweeter Size |
- |
- |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Crossover Frequency |
35–120Hz |
n/a |
| Firing Direction |
n/a |
side |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
452.0mm (17.8") |
447.0mm (17.6") |
| Width |
454.0mm (17.9") |
485.0mm (19.1") |
| Depth |
454.0mm (17.9") |
434.0mm (17.1") |
| Weight |
37.40kg (82.3lbs) |
37.27kg (82lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Acoustic Suspension |
Passive Radiator |
| Grille |
Yes |
n/a |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
|
3 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
|
3 Years |