In this review, we will be comparing R-121SW and Dynamo 1600X, 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-121SW and MartinLogan 1600X 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-121SW and MartinLogan 1600X 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 R-121SWand MartinLogan 1600X have a single woofer setup however the Klipsch R-121SW's woofer is 12-inch whereas the MartinLogan 1600X features a 15-inch woofer.
Frequency Response
R-121SW has a frequency range of 28-120 Hz whereas Dynamo 1600X has a frequency range of 20-200 Hz. With a minimum frequency of 20Hz, the Dynamo 1600X can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the R-121SW's min frequency of 28Hz.
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-121SW 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 1600X 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.
Klipsch R-121SW Port
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-121SW's and MartinLogan 1600X's external dimensions. Klipsch R-121SW has external dimensions of 423.0 x 407.0 x 532.0mm ( 16-5/8inch x 16inch x 20-15/16inch ) whereas MartinLogan 1600X has external dimensions of 510.0 x 456.0 x 470.0mm ( 20-1/16 x 17-15/16 x 18-1/2inch) .
Klipsch R-121SW is 49mm narrower and 87mm shorter than MartinLogan 1600X but it is also 62mm deeper.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of Klipsch R-121SW and MartinLogan 1600X in scale.
Comparison image of Klipsch R-121SW and MartinLogan 1600X 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-121SW is approximately 2165.2cm2 / 335.6inch2 and base area of the MartinLogan 1600X is approximately 2143.2cm2 / 332.2inch2. The R-121SW requires 1% more surface area than the Dynamo 1600X 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-121SW weighs 16.00kg / 35.2lbs and the MartinLogan 1600X weighs 25.91kg / 57lbs. This makes the Dynamo 1600X 62% heavier than the R-121SW.
Here is a comparison of how R-121SW and Dynamo 1600X'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-121SW?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of R-121SW:
Powered subwooferGrille6.5-feet AC power cordUser ManualImportant Safety InstructionsWarranty Information
What's in the Box of MartinLogan 1600X?
Here are the items that come with the Dynamo 1600X:
Powered subwooferGrille6.5-feet AC power cordUser-feets Manual
 Height |
423mm
vs
510mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Price per pair* |
599USD
vs
2000USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
 Woofer Size |
15 inches
vs
12 inches
|
Larger woofer |
| Low Frequency Response |
20 Hz
vs
28 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
200k Hz
vs
120k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 App-Based Control |
iOS,Android
vs
None
|
Control the speaker via an app |
 Base Surface Area |
2143cm2 (456x470mm)
vs
2165cm2 (407x532mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
 Wireless Operation |
Optional
vs
No
|
Connect your subwoofer to your system wireless |
| General |
Klipsch Reference R-121SW |
MartinLogan Dynamo 1600X |
| Brand |
Klipsch |
MartinLogan |
| Speaker Type |
Powered Subwoofer |
Powered Subwoofer |
| Max Amplifier Output |
200 watts |
900 watts |
| Frequency Response |
28-120 Hz |
20-200 Hz |
Amplifier |
|
|
| Watts RMS (Continuous) |
200-watt RMS |
900-watt RMS |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
12" |
15" |
| Woofer Composition |
Spun-Copper TCP |
Polypropylene |
| Tweeter Size |
- |
- |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Firing Direction |
front |
bottom |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
423.0mm (16.7") |
510.0mm (20.1") |
| Width |
407.0mm (16") |
456.0mm (18") |
| Depth |
532.0mm (20.9") |
470.0mm (18.5") |
| Weight |
16.00kg (35.2lbs) |
25.91kg (57lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Acoustic Suspension |
| 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 |