In this review, we will be comparing Dynamo 400 and Dynamo 800X, 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 400 and MartinLogan 800X 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 400 and MartinLogan 800X compare and hopefully end up with enough arguments to decide which one of these subwoofers is the better choice for you.
**This post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking through my links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Drivers
The efficiency of a subwoofer is directly proportional to the total radiating are squared hence the woofer quantity and diameter.Both MartinLogan 400and MartinLogan 800X have a single woofer setup however the MartinLogan 400's woofer is 8-inch whereas the MartinLogan 800X features a 10-inch woofer.
Frequency Response
Dynamo 400 has a frequency range of 30-200 Hz whereas Dynamo 800X has a frequency range of 24-200 Hz. With a minimum frequency of 24Hz, the Dynamo 800X can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the Dynamo 400's min frequency of 30Hz.
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 400 has a Bass reflex type cabinet. On the other hand the MartinLogan 800X 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.
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 400's and MartinLogan 800X's external dimensions. MartinLogan 400 has external dimensions of 385.0 x 339.0 x 388.0mm ( 15-1/8 x 13-5/16 x 15-1/4inch) whereas MartinLogan 800X has external dimensions of 351.0 x 318.0 x 350.0mm ( 13-13/16 x 12-1/2 x 13-3/4inch) .
MartinLogan 400 is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 21mm wider, 34mm taller and 38mm deeper than MartinLogan 800X.
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 400 is approximately 1315.3cm2 / 203.9inch2 and base area of the MartinLogan 800X is approximately 1113.0cm2 / 172.5inch2. The Dynamo 400 requires 18% more surface area than the Dynamo 800X 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 400 weighs 12.95kg / 28.5lbs and the MartinLogan 800X weighs 13.64kg / 30lbs. This makes the Dynamo 800X 5% heavier than the Dynamo 400.
Here is a comparison of how Dynamo 400 and Dynamo 800X'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 400?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of Dynamo 400:
Powered subwoofer6.5-feet AC power cordUser-feets Manual
What's in the Box of MartinLogan 800X?
Here are the items that come with the Dynamo 800X:
Powered subwooferGrille6.5-feet AC power cordUser-feets Manual
 Price per pair* |
500USD
vs
900USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
 Woofer Size |
10 inches
vs
8 inches
|
Larger woofer |
| Low Frequency Response |
24 Hz
vs
30 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 App-Based Control |
iOS,Android
vs
None
|
Control the speaker via an app |
 Height |
351mm
vs
385mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
1113cm2 (318x350mm)
vs
1315cm2 (339x388mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
 Wireless Operation |
Optional
vs
No
|
Connect your subwoofer to your system wireless |
| General |
MartinLogan Dynamo 400 |
MartinLogan Dynamo 800X |
| Brand |
MartinLogan |
MartinLogan |
| Speaker Type |
Powered Subwoofer |
Powered Subwoofer |
| Max Amplifier Output |
75 watts |
300 watts |
| Frequency Response |
30-200 Hz |
24-200 Hz |
Amplifier |
|
|
| Watts RMS (Continuous) |
75-watt RMS |
300-watt RMS |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
8" |
10" |
| Woofer Composition |
Polypropylene |
Polypropylene |
| Tweeter Size |
- |
- |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Firing Direction |
bottom |
front and bottom |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
385.0mm (15.2") |
351.0mm (13.8") |
| Width |
339.0mm (13.3") |
318.0mm (12.5") |
| Depth |
388.0mm (15.3") |
350.0mm (13.8") |
| Weight |
12.95kg (28.5lbs) |
13.64kg (30lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass reflex |
Acoustic Suspension |
| Available Colors |
Satin Black |
Satin Black |
| Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
3 Yrs w/ Registration |
3 Yrs w/ Registration |
| Labor Warranty |
3 Yrs w/ Registration |
3 Yrs w/ Registration |