In this review, we will be comparing RP-1200SW and Dynamo 400, two Powered Subwoofer speakers from Klipsch and MartinLogan. 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 Klipsch RP-1200SW and MartinLogan 400 first before getting into our more detailed comparison.
In the following sections, we will get into details in order to better understand how the Klipsch RP-1200SW and MartinLogan 400 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.Both Klipsch RP-1200SWand MartinLogan 400 have a single woofer setup however the Klipsch RP-1200SW's woofer is 12-inch whereas the MartinLogan 400 features a 8-inch woofer.
Frequency Response
RP-1200SW has a frequency range of 16.5-138 Hz whereas Dynamo 400 has a frequency range of 30-200 Hz. With a minimum frequency of 17Hz, the RP-1200SW can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the Dynamo 400's min frequency of 30Hz.
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 Klipsch RP-1200SW has a Bass Reflex type cabinet. Bass Reflex type subwoofers (aka Ported, Vented or Reflex Port) have enclosures that uses a port, hole or vent cut into the cabinet. Ported designs are generally more efficient than the Sealed designs. On the other hand the MartinLogan 400 have Bass reflex type enclosure.
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 Klipsch RP-1200SW's and MartinLogan 400's external dimensions. Klipsch RP-1200SW has external dimensions of 482.0 x 432.0 x 659.0mm ( 18-15/16inch x 17inch x 25-15/16inch ) whereas MartinLogan 400 has external dimensions of 385.0 x 339.0 x 388.0mm ( 15-1/8 x 13-5/16 x 15-1/4inch) .
Klipsch RP-1200SW is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 93mm wider, 97mm taller and 271mm deeper than MartinLogan 400.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of Klipsch RP-1200SW and MartinLogan 400 in scale.
Comparison image of Klipsch RP-1200SW and MartinLogan 400 Size and External Dimensions
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 Klipsch RP-1200SW is approximately 2846.9cm2 / 441.3inch2 and base area of the MartinLogan 400 is approximately 1315.3cm2 / 203.9inch2. The RP-1200SW requires 116% more surface area than the Dynamo 400 which gives it a small disadvantage 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 Klipsch RP-1200SW weighs 31.18kg / 68.6lbs and the MartinLogan 400 weighs 12.95kg / 28.5lbs. This makes the RP-1200SW 141% heavier than the Dynamo 400.
Here is a comparison of how RP-1200SW and Dynamo 400's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Powered Subwoofer class.
Weight
All Subwoofer Speakers
 Woofer Size |
12 inches
vs
8 inches
|
Larger woofer |
| Low Frequency Response |
17 Hz
vs
30 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 Wireless Operation |
Optional
vs
No
|
Connect your subwoofer to your system wireless |
 High Frequency Response |
200k Hz
vs
138k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Height |
385mm
vs
482mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
1315cm2
vs
2846cm2
|
Takes less floor space |
 Price per pair* |
500USD
vs
999USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
| General |
Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-1200SW |
MartinLogan Dynamo 400 |
| Brand |
Klipsch |
MartinLogan |
| Speaker Type |
Powered Subwoofer |
Powered Subwoofer |
| Max Amplifier Output |
400 watts |
75 watts |
| Frequency Response |
16.5-138 Hz |
30-200 Hz |
Amplifier |
|
|
| Watts RMS (Continuous) |
400-watt RMS |
75-watt RMS |
| Watts Peak (Max) |
800-watt RMS |
n/a |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
12" |
8" |
| Woofer Composition |
Cerametallic |
Polypropylene |
| Tweeter Size |
- |
- |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Firing Direction |
front |
bottom |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
482.0mm (19") |
385.0mm (15.2") |
| Width |
432.0mm (17") |
339.0mm (13.3") |
| Depth |
659.0mm (25.9") |
388.0mm (15.3") |
| Weight |
31.18kg (68.6lbs) |
12.95kg (28.5lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass reflex |
| Finish |
MDF with Vinyl |
n/a |
| Available Colors |
Ebony |
Satin Black |
| Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
5 years |
3 Yrs w/ Registration |
| Labor Warranty |
5 years |
3 Yrs w/ Registration |