In this review, we will be comparing RP-1400SW and Dynamo 800X, 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-1400SW and MartinLogan 800X 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-1400SW and MartinLogan 800X 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-1400SWand MartinLogan 800X have a single woofer setup however the Klipsch RP-1400SW's woofer is 14-inch whereas the MartinLogan 800X features a 10-inch woofer.
Frequency Response
RP-1400SW has a frequency range of 16-141 Hz whereas Dynamo 800X has a frequency range of 24-200 Hz. With a minimum frequency of 16Hz, the RP-1400SW can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the Dynamo 800X's min frequency of 24Hz.
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-1400SW 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 800X have Acoustic Suspension type enclosure. 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.
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-1400SW's and MartinLogan 800X's external dimensions. Klipsch RP-1400SW has external dimensions of 542.0 x 508.0 x 653.0mm ( 21-5/16inch x 20inch x 25-11/16inch ) whereas MartinLogan 800X has external dimensions of 351.0 x 318.0 x 350.0mm ( 13-13/16 x 12-1/2 x 13-3/4inch) .
Klipsch RP-1400SW is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 190mm wider, 191mm taller and 303mm deeper than MartinLogan 800X.
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-1400SW is approximately 3317.2cm2 / 514.2inch2 and base area of the MartinLogan 800X is approximately 1113.0cm2 / 172.5inch2. The RP-1400SW requires 198% more surface area than the Dynamo 800X 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-1400SW weighs 38.05kg / 83.7lbs and the MartinLogan 800X weighs 13.64kg / 30lbs. This makes the RP-1400SW 179% heavier than the Dynamo 800X.
Here is a comparison of how RP-1400SW and Dynamo 800X's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Powered Subwoofer class.
Weight
All Subwoofer Speakers
 Woofer Size |
14 inches
vs
10 inches
|
Larger woofer |
| Low Frequency Response |
16 Hz
vs
24 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
200k Hz
vs
141k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 App-Based Control |
iOS,Android
vs
None
|
Control the speaker via an app |
 Height |
351mm
vs
542mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
1113cm2
vs
3317cm2
|
Takes less floor space |
 Price per pair* |
900USD
vs
1399USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
| General |
Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-1400SW |
MartinLogan Dynamo 800X |
| Brand |
Klipsch |
MartinLogan |
| Speaker Type |
Powered Subwoofer |
Powered Subwoofer |
| Max Amplifier Output |
500 watts |
300 watts |
| Frequency Response |
16-141 Hz |
24-200 Hz |
Amplifier |
|
|
| Watts RMS (Continuous) |
500-watt RMS |
300-watt RMS |
| Watts Peak (Max) |
1000-watt RMS |
n/a |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
14" |
10" |
| Woofer Composition |
Cerametallic |
Polypropylene |
| Tweeter Size |
- |
- |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Firing Direction |
front |
front and bottom |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
542.0mm (21.3") |
351.0mm (13.8") |
| Width |
508.0mm (20") |
318.0mm (12.5") |
| Depth |
653.0mm (25.7") |
350.0mm (13.8") |
| Weight |
38.05kg (83.7lbs) |
13.64kg (30lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Acoustic Suspension |
| 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 |