We're currently developing a flagship version of the Manta system, featuring two dual 15" subwoofers. That subwoofer doesn't exist yet, so it is the main focus of the development work.
Below follows some background and current status of the product development as of summer 2026.
Background and design goals
The Manta was designed from the ground up to be an unreasonably powerful, over the top statement product. The subwoofer we currently pair with the Manta is the 10D. It was developed a couple of years prior, and was originally developed for the SBS. While it certainly packs a punch, it never quite matched the Manta with regards to sheer terrifying brutalness, neither with regards to capacity or aesthetics.
We now aim to fill that gap with a new subwoofer: The Sentinel.
I've been thinking about a larger subwoofer for a few years, and at least since the Manta was launched back in 2023. To match the output of a pair of Mantas (not that anyone plays that loud), you need at least four of our current 10D subwoofers. I am very happy with our subwoofers, and there's no plan to build anything that competes with large, ported home theater subwoofers. That being said, there is room in the portfolio for a larger subwoofer than the current offerings.
The Manta is capable of an ear-shattering 122dB@1m. The design goal of the new subwoofer is to match that capacity down to 40hz, using a single subwoofer per side. The subwoofer will of course also provide full range bass, meaning it will go to 20hz or below in-room.
Beyond capacity, a new flagship / reference subwoofer needs to provide excellent linearity and low distortion at nominal levels. I also wanted it to be (relatively speaking) compact. This means we stay true to the overall design parameters of our current subwoofers. The 10D subwoofer has proven that a dual opposed configuration in a sealed cabinet is a great way to get impressive output from a compact form factor. So this will be replicated here.
Driver choice
The custom 15" driver developed for the new subwoofer next to the 10" used in the 10D
A large, linear, low distortion, high excursion driver developed for a compact sealed enclosure isn't exactly common. It can be found to some extent in the automotive world, but not so much within PA or Hifi. After some analysis of the current OEM offerings from high quality manufacturers, we came up empty. Out of necessity, the decision was made to develop a custom driver.
The Sentinel carbon fiber driver has a linear xmax of +/-21mm and is capable of both low distortion playback and tremendous output. The new subwoofer will be a dual opposed configuration similar to the 10D, which means it will have not one, but two of these drivers.
The result is a slightly terrifying maximum output of 123dB@1m (30-80hz average) from a single subwoofer. A Manta Sentinel system will of course have two, providing a total of four 15" drivers covering the frequency range from 100hz and down.
Amplifier
New OEM 1000W amplifier
Amplifier is another challenge, both to have enough capacity and also the right feature set. What route we'll take here hasn't been 100% decided yet. Nothing is currently available on the OEM market that quite fits the bill, but we are hoping the amplifier pictured above will become available soon. More information to come on this topic at a later stage.
Design
The design language of the Sentinel is aiming to show that it means business, while still being quite clean and no-nonsense. It will likely support stacking. It will also of course feature magnetic grilles.
It will initially only be available in black, and we are considering the launch of a complimenting blacked out version of the Manta with a black wood veneer base instead of the current walnut.
Current status and timeline
Both the drivers and the subwoofer is currently in prototype mode, amplifier is still missing (using a temporary 1000W Hypex amplifier). The design goal of 122dB@1m at 40hz has already been reached with the prototype, so the concept potential has been verified.
Design work for the cabinet is ongoing (as seen in the picture at the top), the goal is to finalize the cabinet design Q3 2026. This includes full production details like internal bracing etc. I hope to have a pre-production unit ready Q1 2027.
Questions and Answers
When will the Manta Sentinel system be available for purchase?
It's a bit early to predict yet, but hopefully no later than Q3 2027.
Will the Sentinel subwoofer be available for sale separately from the Manta Sentinel system?
Yes.
What will it cost?
The price is not finalized yet.
That's it for now, I aim to post an update before the end of the year. Feel free to contact us below if you have questions and/or are interested in the Manta Sentinel!
