In this review, we will be comparing Dynamo 12 and Dynamo 1100X, two Powered Subwoofer speakers by 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 MartinLogan Dynamo 12 and MartinLogan 1100X first before getting into our more detailed comparison.
The sections below take each area in turn: driver and amplifier, frequency response, physical size and connectivity.
Drivers
The efficiency of a subwoofer is directly proportional to the total radiating are squared hence the woofer quantity and diameter.MartinLogan Dynamo 12and MartinLogan 1100X have the same driver set up: Both subwoofers have 1 x 12" drivers.
Frequency Response
Dynamo 12 and Dynamo 1100X has exactly the same frequency range of 22-200 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
Physical Specs
The size of a speaker can sometimes be 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 Dynamo 12's and MartinLogan 1100X's external dimensions. MartinLogan Dynamo 12 has external dimensions of 425.5 x 400.1 x 455.6mm () whereas MartinLogan 1100X has external dimensions of 435.0 x 381.0 x 410.0mm (17-1/8 x 15 x 16-1/8inch).
MartinLogan 1100X is 19.1mm narrower and 45.6mm less deeper than MartinLogan Dynamo 12 but it is also 9.5mm taller.
Size, drawn to scale
Both speakers and both views share one scale, so everything here is directly comparable. Hover a box for its dimensions.
One scale for both, standing on the same surface and pushed back to the same wall, so the deeper one visibly sticks out further.
MartinLogan Dynamo 12 needs about 17% more floor or shelf area. MartinLogan Dynamo 12 is 46mm deeper, so it stands that much further out from the wall.
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 Dynamo 12 is approximately 1822.9cm2 / 282.5inch2 and base area of the MartinLogan 1100X is approximately 1562.1cm2 / 242.1inch2. The Dynamo 12 requires 17% more surface area than the Dynamo 1100X 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 Dynamo 12 weighs 27.90kg / 61.4lbs and the MartinLogan 1100X weighs 20.91kg / 46lbs. This makes the Dynamo 12 33% heavier than the Dynamo 1100X.
Here is a comparison of how Dynamo 12 and Dynamo 1100X's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Powered Subwoofer class.
Weight
All Subwoofer Speakers
 Height |
425mm
vs
435mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 App-Based Control |
iOS,Android
vs
None
|
Control the speaker via an app |
 Base Surface Area |
1562cm2
vs
1822cm2
|
Takes less floor space |
 Price per pair* |
1500USD
vs
1600USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
Size, drawn to scale
Both subwoofers and both views share one scale, so everything here is directly comparable. Hover a box for its dimensions.
One scale for both, standing on the same floor and pushed back to the same wall, so the bigger one visibly takes more of the room.
MartinLogan Dynamo 12 needs about 17% more floor area. MartinLogan Dynamo 12 stands 46mm further into the room.
| General |
MartinLogan Dynamo 12 |
MartinLogan Dynamo 1100X |
| Brand |
MartinLogan |
MartinLogan |
| Speaker Type |
Powered Subwoofer |
Powered Subwoofer |
| Frequency Response |
22-200 Hz |
22-200 Hz |
Amplifier |
|
|
| Watts RMS (Continuous) |
800-watt RMS |
650-watt RMS |
| Watts Peak (Max) |
1600-watt RMS |
n/a |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
12" |
12" |
| Woofer Composition |
|
Polypropylene |
| Tweeter Size |
- |
- |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Firing Direction |
n/a |
front and bottom |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
425.5mm (16.8") |
435.0mm (17.1") |
| Width |
400.1mm (15.8") |
381.0mm (15") |
| Depth |
455.6mm (17.9") |
410.0mm (16.1") |
| Weight |
27.90kg (61.4lbs) |
20.91kg (46lbs) |
| Enclosure |
|
Acoustic Suspension |
| Available Colors |
n/a |
Satin Black |
| Grille |
n/a |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
3 Years w/ registration |
3 Yrs w/ Registration |
| Labor Warranty |
3 Years w/ registration |
3 Yrs w/ Registration |
Both are MartinLogan, so the design approach is shared and the differences are mostly in output, size and price.
| Area | Better | Why |
|---|
| Bass depth | evenly matched | Effectively the same reach (22Hz vs 22Hz). |
| Amplifier power | evenly matched | Much the same amplifier (800W vs 650W RMS) - under 1dB apart. |
| Driver area | evenly matched | Near-identical radiating area (12" against 12"). |
| Enclosure | evenly matched | Both are sealed designs, so they roll off in much the same way. |
| Price | B | MartinLogan 1100X costs less - $1,500 against $1,600, about 6% less. |
A MartinLogan Dynamo 12 B MartinLogan 1100X
depends neither is better in the abstract - it turns on your room, your system or how you will use them. Only specs published for both subwoofers are judged; anything missing on either side is left out rather than guessed.
Which should you choose?
Neither runs away with it - they trade advantages. Let your room size and where the box can actually stand settle it.
One thing outweighs everything above: where the subwoofer stands. Room modes can add or remove 10dB or more at a given seat, which is far larger than any difference on this page. Before spending more, try the sub in two or three positions - the crawl test, where you put it in the listening seat and crawl the room to find where the bass sounds best, costs nothing and usually beats an upgrade.