In this review, we will be comparing Dynamo 1100X 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 1100X 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 1100X 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.Both MartinLogan 1100Xand Klipsch SPL-100 have a single woofer setup however the MartinLogan 1100X's woofer is 12-inch whereas the Klipsch SPL-100 features a 10-inch woofer.
Frequency Response
Dynamo 1100X has a frequency range of 22-200 Hz whereas SPL-100 has a frequency range of 27-125 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 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 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 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 1100X's and Klipsch SPL-100'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 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) .
Klipsch SPL-100 is 23mm narrower and 17mm shorter than MartinLogan 1100X but it is also 68mm deeper.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of MartinLogan 1100X and Klipsch SPL-100 in scale.
Comparison image of MartinLogan 1100X and Klipsch SPL-100 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 Klipsch SPL-100 is approximately 1711.2cm2 / 265.2inch2. The Dynamo 1100X requires 9% less surface area than the SPL-100 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 Klipsch SPL-100 weighs 16.82kg / 37lbs. This makes the Dynamo 1100X 24% heavier than the SPL-100.
Here is a comparison of how Dynamo 1100X and SPL-100'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 Klipsch SPL-100?
Here are the items that come with the SPL-100:
Powered subGrille6.5-feet AC power cordUser ManualImportant Safety InstructionsWarranty Information
 Woofer Size |
12 inches
vs
10 inches
|
Larger woofer |
| Low Frequency Response |
22 Hz
vs
27 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
200k Hz
vs
125k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 App-Based Control |
iOS,Android
vs
None
|
Control the speaker via an app |
 Base Surface Area |
1562cm2 (381x410mm)
vs
1711cm2 (358x478mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
 Height |
418mm
vs
435mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Price per pair* |
399USD
vs
1500USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
| General |
MartinLogan Dynamo 1100X |
Klipsch SPL-100 |
| Brand |
MartinLogan |
Klipsch |
| Speaker Type |
Powered Subwoofer |
Powered Subwoofer |
| Max Amplifier Output |
650 watts |
200 watts |
| Frequency Response |
22-200 Hz |
27-125 Hz |
Amplifier |
|
|
| Watts RMS (Continuous) |
650-watt RMS |
200-watt RMS |
| Watts Peak (Max) |
n/a |
450-watt RMS |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
12" |
10" |
| Woofer Composition |
Polypropylene |
Cerametallic |
| Tweeter Size |
- |
- |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Firing Direction |
front and bottom |
front |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
435.0mm (17.1") |
418.0mm (16.5") |
| Width |
381.0mm (15") |
358.0mm (14.1") |
| Depth |
410.0mm (16.1") |
478.0mm (18.8") |
| Weight |
20.91kg (46lbs) |
16.82kg (37lbs) |
| 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 |
2 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
3 Yrs w/ Registration |
2 Years |