In this review, we will be comparing Defiance X12 and Dynamo 1600X, two Powered Subwoofer speakers from Paradigm and 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 Paradigm Defiance X12 and MartinLogan 1600X first before getting into our more detailed comparison.
In the following sections, we will get into details in order to better understand how the Paradigm Defiance X12 and MartinLogan 1600X 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 Paradigm Defiance X12and MartinLogan 1600X have a single woofer setup however the Paradigm Defiance X12's woofer is 12-inch whereas the MartinLogan 1600X features a 15-inch woofer.
Frequency Response
Defiance X12 has a frequency range of 20-230 Hz whereas Dynamo 1600X has a frequency range of 20-200 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
Cabinet Type
The Paradigm Defiance X12 has a Bass Reflex type cabinet. 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. On the other hand the MartinLogan 1600X 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 Paradigm Defiance X12's and MartinLogan 1600X's external dimensions. Paradigm Defiance X12 has external dimensions of 494.0 x 459.0 x 529.0mm ( 19-7/16inch x 18-1/16inch x 20-13/16inch ) whereas MartinLogan 1600X has external dimensions of 510.0 x 456.0 x 470.0mm ( 20-1/16 x 17-15/16 x 18-1/2inch) .
MartinLogan 1600X is 3mm narrower and 59mm less deeper than Paradigm Defiance X12 but it is also 16mm taller.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of Paradigm Defiance X12 and MartinLogan 1600X in scale.
Comparison image of Paradigm Defiance X12 and MartinLogan 1600X 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 Paradigm Defiance X12 is approximately 2428.1cm2 / 376.4inch2 and base area of the MartinLogan 1600X is approximately 2143.2cm2 / 332.2inch2. The Defiance X12 requires 13% more surface area than the Dynamo 1600X 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 Paradigm Defiance X12 weighs 28.18kg / 62lbs and the MartinLogan 1600X weighs 25.91kg / 57lbs. This makes the Defiance X12 9% heavier than the Dynamo 1600X.
Here is a comparison of how Defiance X12 and Dynamo 1600X's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Powered Subwoofer class.
Weight
All Subwoofer Speakers
What's in the Box of Paradigm Defiance X12?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of Defiance X12:
Powered subwooferGrille6-feetAC power cordARC microphone12
What's in the Box of MartinLogan 1600X?
Here are the items that come with the Dynamo 1600X:
Powered subwooferGrille6.5-feet AC power cordUser-feets Manual
 High Frequency Response |
230k Hz
vs
200k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Height |
494mm
vs
510mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Price per pair* |
1499USD
vs
2000USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
 Woofer Size |
15 inches
vs
12 inches
|
Larger woofer |
 Base Surface Area |
2143cm2
vs
2428cm2
|
Takes less floor space |
| General |
Paradigm Defiance X12 |
MartinLogan Dynamo 1600X |
| Brand |
Paradigm |
MartinLogan |
| Speaker Type |
Powered Subwoofer |
Powered Subwoofer |
| Max Amplifier Output |
650 watts |
900 watts |
| Frequency Response |
20-230 Hz |
20-200 Hz |
Amplifier |
|
|
| Watts RMS (Continuous) |
650-watt RMS |
900-watt RMS |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
12" |
15" |
| Woofer Composition |
Carbon-loaded polypropylene |
Polypropylene |
| Tweeter Size |
- |
- |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Firing Direction |
front |
bottom |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
494.0mm (19.4") |
510.0mm (20.1") |
| Width |
459.0mm (18.1") |
456.0mm (18") |
| Depth |
529.0mm (20.8") |
470.0mm (18.5") |
| Weight |
28.18kg (62lbs) |
25.91kg (57lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Acoustic Suspension |
| Available Colors |
n/a |
Satin Black |
| Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
3 Years |
3 Yrs w/ Registration |
| Labor Warranty |
3 Years |
3 Yrs w/ Registration |