In this review, we will be comparing Dynamo 800X and Dynamo 10, 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 800X and MartinLogan Dynamo 10 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 800Xand MartinLogan Dynamo 10 have the same driver set up: Both subwoofers have 1 x 10" drivers.
Frequency Response
Dynamo 800X has a frequency range of 24-200 Hz whereas Dynamo 10 has a frequency range of 23-200 Hz. With a minimum frequency of 23Hz, the Dynamo 10 can go slightly deeper then the Dynamo 800X's min frequency of 24Hz.
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 800X's and MartinLogan Dynamo 10's external dimensions. 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) whereas MartinLogan Dynamo 10 has external dimensions of 373.1 x 349.3 x 404.8mm ().
MartinLogan Dynamo 10 is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 31.3mm wider, 22.1mm taller and 54.8mm 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 800X is approximately 1113.0cm2 / 172.5inch2 and base area of the MartinLogan Dynamo 10 is approximately 1414.0cm2 / 219.2inch2. The Dynamo 800X requires 21% less surface area than the Dynamo 10 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 800X weighs 13.64kg / 30lbs and the MartinLogan Dynamo 10 weighs 19.41kg / 42.7lbs. This makes the Dynamo 10 42% heavier than the Dynamo 800X.
Here is a comparison of how Dynamo 800X and Dynamo 10's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Powered Subwoofer class.
Weight
All Subwoofer Speakers
 App-Based Control |
iOS,Android
vs
None
|
Control the speaker via an app |
 Height |
351mm
vs
373mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
1113cm2
vs
1414cm2
|
Takes less floor space |
 Price per pair* |
900USD
vs
1200USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
 Low Frequency Response |
23 Hz
vs
24 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
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 10 needs about 27% more floor area. MartinLogan Dynamo 10 stands 55mm further into the room. MartinLogan Dynamo 10 is 22mm taller.
| General |
MartinLogan Dynamo 800X |
MartinLogan Dynamo 10 |
| Brand |
MartinLogan |
MartinLogan |
| Speaker Type |
Powered Subwoofer |
Powered Subwoofer |
| Frequency Response |
24-200 Hz |
23-200 Hz |
Amplifier |
|
|
| Watts RMS (Continuous) |
300-watt RMS |
500-watt RMS |
| Watts Peak (Max) |
n/a |
1000-watt RMS |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
10" |
10" |
| Woofer Composition |
Polypropylene |
|
| Tweeter Size |
- |
- |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Firing Direction |
front and bottom |
n/a |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
351.0mm (13.8") |
373.1mm (14.7") |
| Width |
318.0mm (12.5") |
349.3mm (13.8") |
| Depth |
350.0mm (13.8") |
404.8mm (15.9") |
| Weight |
13.64kg (30lbs) |
19.41kg (42.7lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Acoustic Suspension |
|
| Available Colors |
Satin Black |
n/a |
| Grille |
Yes |
n/a |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
3 Yrs w/ Registration |
3 Years w/ registration |
| Labor Warranty |
3 Yrs w/ Registration |
3 Years 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 (24Hz vs 23Hz). |
| Amplifier power | B | MartinLogan Dynamo 10 has the bigger amplifier - 500W against 300W RMS, about 2.2dB more on tap. In a large room that is headroom before the DSP starts limiting. |
| Driver area | evenly matched | Near-identical radiating area (10" against 10"). |
| Enclosure | evenly matched | Both are sealed designs, so they roll off in much the same way. |
| Cabinet size | depends | MartinLogan 800X is about 26% smaller by volume. In a subwoofer that is a real trade rather than a preference: box volume is how you get output low down without a bigger amplifier. |
| Price | A | MartinLogan 800X costs less - $900 against $1,200, about 25% less. |
A MartinLogan 800X B MartinLogan Dynamo 10
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?
MartinLogan Dynamo 10 is ahead, but on only 1 of the measured areas, and it costs about 33% more. MartinLogan 800X is the sensible buy unless your room is large enough to need the extra.
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.