In this review, we will be comparing Dynamo 1100X and A120P, two Powered Subwoofer speakers from MartinLogan and JBL. 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 1100X and JBL Stage A120P 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 1100X and JBL Stage A120P 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 1100Xand JBL Stage A120P have the same driver set up: Both subwoofers have 1 x 12" drivers.
Frequency Response
Dynamo 1100X has a frequency range of 22-200 Hz whereas A120P has a frequency range of 32-150 Hz. With a minimum frequency of 22Hz, the Dynamo 1100X can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the A120P's min frequency of 32Hz.
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 1100X 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 JBL Stage A120P 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 MartinLogan 1100X's and JBL Stage A120P's external dimensions. MartinLogan 1100X has external dimensions of 435.0 x 381.0 x 410.0mm ( 17-1/8 x 15 x 16-1/8inch) whereas JBL Stage A120P has external dimensions of 415.0 x 393.0 x 475.0mm ( 16-5/16 x 15-7/16 x 18-11/16inch) .
MartinLogan 1100X is 12mm narrower and 65mm less deeper than JBL Stage A120P but it is also 20mm taller.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of MartinLogan 1100X and JBL Stage A120P in scale.
Comparison image of MartinLogan 1100X and JBL Stage A120P 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 MartinLogan 1100X is approximately 1562.1cm2 / 242.1inch2 and base area of the JBL Stage A120P is approximately 1866.8cm2 / 289.4inch2. The Dynamo 1100X requires 16% less surface area than the A120P which gives it a small advantage 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 1100X weighs 20.91kg / 46lbs and the JBL Stage A120P weighs 18.68kg / 41.1lbs. This makes the Dynamo 1100X 12% heavier than the A120P.
Here is a comparison of how Dynamo 1100X and A120P's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Powered Subwoofer class.
Weight
All Subwoofer Speakers
What's in the Box of MartinLogan 1100X?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of Dynamo 1100X:
Powered subwooferGrille6.5-feet AC power cordUser-feets Manual
What's in the Box of JBL Stage A120P?
Here are the items that come with the A120P:
Powered subwooferGrille6-feet AC power cord4 Spike feetOwners ManualWarranty CardImportant Safety Instructions
 Low Frequency Response |
22 Hz
vs
32 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
200k Hz
vs
150k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 App-Based Control |
iOS,Android
vs
None
|
Control the speaker via an app |
 Base Surface Area |
1562cm2
vs
1866cm2
|
Takes less floor space |
 Wireless Operation |
Optional
vs
No
|
Connect your subwoofer to your system wireless |
 Height |
415mm
vs
435mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Price per pair* |
300USD
vs
1500USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
| General |
MartinLogan Dynamo 1100X |
JBL Stage A120P |
| Brand |
MartinLogan |
JBL |
| Speaker Type |
Powered Subwoofer |
Powered Subwoofer |
| Max Amplifier Output |
650 watts |
250 watts |
| Frequency Response |
22-200 Hz |
32-150 Hz |
Amplifier |
|
|
| Watts RMS (Continuous) |
650-watt RMS |
250-watt RMS |
| Watts Peak (Max) |
n/a |
500-watt RMS |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
12" |
12" |
| Woofer Composition |
Polypropylene |
Polycellulose |
| Tweeter Size |
- |
- |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Firing Direction |
front and bottom |
front |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
435.0mm (17.1") |
415.0mm (16.3") |
| Width |
381.0mm (15") |
393.0mm (15.5") |
| Depth |
410.0mm (16.1") |
475.0mm (18.7") |
| Weight |
20.91kg (46lbs) |
18.68kg (41.1lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Acoustic Suspension |
Bass reflex |
| Available Colors |
Satin Black |
n/a |
| Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
3 Yrs w/ Registration |
1 Year |
| Labor Warranty |
3 Yrs w/ Registration |
1 Year |