In this review, we will be comparing R-101SW 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 R-101SW 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 R-101SW and MartinLogan 400 compare and hopefully end up with enough arguments to decide which one of these subwoofers is the better choice for you.
**This post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking through my links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Drivers
The efficiency of a subwoofer is directly proportional to the total radiating are squared hence the woofer quantity and diameter.Both Klipsch R-101SWand MartinLogan 400 have a single woofer setup however the Klipsch R-101SW's woofer is 10-inch whereas the MartinLogan 400 features a 8-inch woofer.
Frequency Response
R-101SW has a frequency range of 29.5-160 Hz whereas Dynamo 400 has a frequency range of 30-200 Hz.
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 R-101SW 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 R-101SW's and MartinLogan 400's external dimensions. Klipsch R-101SW has external dimensions of 370.0 x 358.0 x 529.0mm ( 14-9/16inch x 14-1/16inch x 20-13/16inch ) 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) .
MartinLogan 400 is 19mm narrower and 141mm less deeper than Klipsch R-101SW but it is also 15mm taller.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of Klipsch R-101SW and MartinLogan 400 in scale.
Comparison image of Klipsch R-101SW 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 R-101SW is approximately 1893.8cm2 / 293.5inch2 and base area of the MartinLogan 400 is approximately 1315.3cm2 / 203.9inch2. The R-101SW requires 44% 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 R-101SW weighs 13.91kg / 30.6lbs and the MartinLogan 400 weighs 12.95kg / 28.5lbs. This makes the R-101SW 7% heavier than the Dynamo 400.
Here is a comparison of how R-101SW and Dynamo 400's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Powered Subwoofer class.
Weight
All Subwoofer Speakers
What's in the Box of Klipsch R-101SW?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of R-101SW:
Powered subwooferGrille6.5-feet AC power cordUser ManualImportant Safety InstructionsWarranty Information
What's in the Box of MartinLogan 400?
Here are the items that come with the Dynamo 400:
Powered subwoofer6.5-feet AC power cordUser-feets Manual
 Woofer Size |
10 inches
vs
8 inches
|
Larger woofer |
 Height |
370mm
vs
385mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Price per pair* |
499USD
vs
500USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
 High Frequency Response |
200k Hz
vs
160k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Base Surface Area |
1315cm2 (339x388mm)
vs
1893cm2 (358x529mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
| General |
Klipsch Reference R-101SW |
MartinLogan Dynamo 400 |
| Brand |
Klipsch |
MartinLogan |
| Speaker Type |
Powered Subwoofer |
Powered Subwoofer |
| Max Amplifier Output |
150 watts |
75 watts |
| Frequency Response |
29.5-160 Hz |
30-200 Hz |
Amplifier |
|
|
| Watts RMS (Continuous) |
150-watt RMS |
75-watt RMS |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
10" |
8" |
| Woofer Composition |
Spun-Copper TCP |
Polypropylene |
| Tweeter Size |
- |
- |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Firing Direction |
front |
bottom |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
370.0mm (14.6") |
385.0mm (15.2") |
| Width |
358.0mm (14.1") |
339.0mm (13.3") |
| Depth |
529.0mm (20.8") |
388.0mm (15.3") |
| Weight |
13.91kg (30.6lbs) |
12.95kg (28.5lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass reflex |
| Available Colors |
n/a |
Satin Black |
| Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
2 Years |
3 Yrs w/ Registration |
| Labor Warranty |
2 Years |
3 Yrs w/ Registration |