In this review, we will be comparing Depth 212 and SPL-100, two Powered Subwoofer speakers from MartinLogan and Klipsch. 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 MartinLogan Depth 212 and Klipsch SPL-100 first before getting into our more detailed comparison.
In the following sections, we will get into details in order to better understand how the MartinLogan Depth 212 and Klipsch SPL-100 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.MartinLogan Depth 212 and Klipsch SPL-100 have a totally different setup: the MartinLogan Depth 212 features 2 x 12-inch drivers whereas the SPL-100 features 1 x 10-inch drivers.
Frequency Response
Depth 212 has a frequency range of 18-120 Hz whereas SPL-100 has a frequency range of 27-125 Hz. With a minimum frequency of 18Hz, the Depth 212 can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the SPL-100's min frequency of 27Hz.
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 MartinLogan Depth 212 has a Acoustic Suspension type cabinet. 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. On the other hand the Klipsch SPL-100 have Bass Reflex type enclosure. 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.
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 MartinLogan Depth 212's and Klipsch SPL-100's external dimensions. MartinLogan Depth 212 has external dimensions of 533.0 x 503.0 x 518.0mm ( 21 x 19-13/16 x 20-3/8inch) whereas Klipsch SPL-100 has external dimensions of 418.0 x 358.0 x 478.0mm ( 16-7/16 x 14-1/16 x 18-13/16inch) .
MartinLogan Depth 212 is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 145mm wider, 115mm taller and 40mm deeper than Klipsch SPL-100.
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 MartinLogan Depth 212 is approximately 2605.5cm2 / 403.9inch2 and base area of the Klipsch SPL-100 is approximately 1711.2cm2 / 265.2inch2. The Depth 212 requires 52% more surface area than the SPL-100 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 MartinLogan Depth 212 weighs 57.60kg / 126.7lbs and the Klipsch SPL-100 weighs 16.82kg / 37lbs. This makes the Depth 212 242% heavier than the SPL-100.
Here is a comparison of how Depth 212 and SPL-100's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Powered Subwoofer class.
Weight
All Subwoofer Speakers
 Woofer Size |
12 inches
vs
10 inches
|
Larger woofer |
| Number of Woofers |
2
vs
1
|
More woofers |
| Low Frequency Response |
18 Hz
vs
27 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
125k Hz
vs
120k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Height |
418mm
vs
533mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
1711cm2
vs
2605cm2
|
Takes less floor space |
 Price per pair* |
399USD
vs
5500USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
| General |
MartinLogan Depth 212 |
Klipsch SPL-100 |
| Brand |
MartinLogan |
Klipsch |
| Speaker Type |
Powered Subwoofer |
Powered Subwoofer |
| Max Amplifier Output |
1100 watts |
200 watts |
| Frequency Response |
18-120 Hz |
27-125 Hz |
Amplifier |
|
|
| Watts RMS (Continuous) |
1100-watt RMS |
200-watt RMS |
| Watts Peak (Max) |
2200-watt RMS |
450-watt RMS |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
2 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
12" |
10" |
| Woofer Composition |
Aluminium |
Cerametallic |
| Tweeter Size |
- |
- |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Crossover Frequency |
35–120Hz |
n/a |
| Firing Direction |
n/a |
front |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
533.0mm (21") |
418.0mm (16.5") |
| Width |
503.0mm (19.8") |
358.0mm (14.1") |
| Depth |
518.0mm (20.4") |
478.0mm (18.8") |
| Weight |
57.60kg (126.7lbs) |
16.82kg (37lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Acoustic Suspension |
Bass Reflex |
| Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
|
2 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
|
2 Years |