In this review, we will be comparing PB-1000 and Dynamo 400, two Powered Subwoofer speakers from SVS 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 SVS PB-1000 and MartinLogan 400 first before getting into our more detailed comparison.
In the following sections, we will get into details in order to better understand how the SVS PB-1000 and MartinLogan 400 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 SVS PB-1000and MartinLogan 400 have a single woofer setup however the SVS PB-1000's woofer is 10-inch whereas the MartinLogan 400 features a 8-inch woofer.
Frequency Response
PB-1000 has a frequency range of 19-270 Hz whereas Dynamo 400 has a frequency range of 30-200 Hz. With a minimum frequency of 19Hz, the PB-1000 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 SVS PB-1000 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 400 have Bass reflex type enclosure.
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 SVS PB-1000's and MartinLogan 400's external dimensions. SVS PB-1000 has external dimensions of 480.0 x 381.0 x 532.0mm ( 18-7/8 x 15 x 20-15/16inch) whereas 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) .
SVS PB-1000 is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 42mm wider, 95mm taller and 144mm deeper than MartinLogan 400.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of SVS PB-1000 and MartinLogan 400 in scale.
Comparison image of SVS PB-1000 and MartinLogan 400 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 SVS PB-1000 is approximately 2026.9cm2 / 314.2inch2 and base area of the MartinLogan 400 is approximately 1315.3cm2 / 203.9inch2. The PB-1000 requires 54% more surface area than the Dynamo 400 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 SVS PB-1000 weighs 20.91kg / 46lbs and the MartinLogan 400 weighs 12.95kg / 28.5lbs. This makes the PB-1000 61% heavier than the Dynamo 400.
Here is a comparison of how PB-1000 and Dynamo 400's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Powered Subwoofer class.
Weight
All Subwoofer Speakers
What's in the Box of SVS PB-1000?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of PB-1000:
Powered subwooferGrille (installed)6-feet AC power cordOwners ManualImportant Safety Instructions
What's in the Box of MartinLogan 400?
Here are the items that come with the Dynamo 400:
Powered subwoofer6.5-feet AC power cordUser-feets Manual
 Woofer Size |
10 inches
vs
8 inches
|
Larger woofer |
| Low Frequency Response |
19 Hz
vs
30 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
270k Hz
vs
200k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Price per pair* |
499USD
vs
500USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
 Height |
385mm
vs
480mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
1315cm2
vs
2026cm2
|
Takes less floor space |
| General |
SVS PB-1000 |
MartinLogan Dynamo 400 |
| Brand |
SVS |
MartinLogan |
| Speaker Type |
Powered Subwoofer |
Powered Subwoofer |
| Max Amplifier Output |
300 watts |
75 watts |
| Frequency Response |
19-270 Hz |
30-200 Hz |
Amplifier |
|
|
| Watts RMS (Continuous) |
300-watt RMS |
75-watt RMS |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
10" |
8" |
| Woofer Composition |
Fiber-composite |
Polypropylene |
| Tweeter Size |
- |
- |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Crossover Frequency |
50-160 Hz and 80 Hz |
n/a |
| Firing Direction |
front |
bottom |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
480.0mm (18.9") |
385.0mm (15.2") |
| Width |
381.0mm (15") |
339.0mm (13.3") |
| Depth |
532.0mm (20.9") |
388.0mm (15.3") |
| Weight |
20.91kg (46lbs) |
12.95kg (28.5lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass reflex |
| Available Colors |
n/a |
Satin Black |
| Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
5 Years |
3 Yrs w/ Registration |
| Labor Warranty |
5 Years |
3 Yrs w/ Registration |