In this review, we will be comparing PB16-Ultra and Dynamo 1100X, 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 PB16-Ultra and MartinLogan 1100X 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 PB16-Ultra and MartinLogan 1100X compare and hopefully end up with enough arguments to decide which one of these subwoofers is the better choice for you.
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Drivers
The efficiency of a subwoofer is directly proportional to the total radiating are squared hence the woofer quantity and diameter.Both SVS PB16-Ultraand MartinLogan 1100X have a single woofer setup however the SVS PB16-Ultra's woofer is 16-inch whereas the MartinLogan 1100X features a 12-inch woofer.
Frequency Response
PB16-Ultra has a frequency range of 13-280 Hz whereas Dynamo 1100X has a frequency range of 22-200 Hz. With a minimum frequency of 13Hz, the PB16-Ultra can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the Dynamo 1100X's min frequency of 22Hz.
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 PB16-Ultra 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 1100X 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 SVS PB16-Ultra's and MartinLogan 1100X's external dimensions. SVS PB16-Ultra has external dimensions of 635.0 x 553.0 x 788.0mm ( 25 x 21-3/4 x 31inch) whereas MartinLogan 1100X has external dimensions of 435.0 x 381.0 x 410.0mm ( 17-1/8 x 15 x 16-1/8inch) .
SVS PB16-Ultra is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 172mm wider, 200mm taller and 378mm deeper than MartinLogan 1100X.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of SVS PB16-Ultra and MartinLogan 1100X in scale.
Comparison image of SVS PB16-Ultra and MartinLogan 1100X 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 PB16-Ultra is approximately 4357.6cm2 / 675.4inch2 and base area of the MartinLogan 1100X is approximately 1562.1cm2 / 242.1inch2. The PB16-Ultra requires 179% 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 SVS PB16-Ultra weighs 79.32kg / 174.5lbs and the MartinLogan 1100X weighs 20.91kg / 46lbs. This makes the PB16-Ultra 279% heavier than the Dynamo 1100X.
Here is a comparison of how PB16-Ultra and Dynamo 1100X'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 PB16-Ultra?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of PB16-Ultra:
Powered subwooferGrille5-feet AC power cordRemote control (3V battery installed)Owners Manual
What's in the Box of MartinLogan 1100X?
Here are the items that come with the Dynamo 1100X:
Powered subwooferGrille6.5-feet AC power cordUser-feets Manual
 Woofer Size |
16 inches
vs
12 inches
|
Larger woofer |
| Low Frequency Response |
13 Hz
vs
22 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
280k Hz
vs
200k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Height |
435mm
vs
635mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
1562cm2
vs
4357cm2
|
Takes less floor space |
 Price per pair* |
1500USD
vs
2900USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
 Wireless Operation |
Optional
vs
No
|
Connect your subwoofer to your system wireless |
| General |
SVS PB16-Ultra |
MartinLogan Dynamo 1100X |
| Brand |
SVS |
MartinLogan |
| Speaker Type |
Powered Subwoofer |
Powered Subwoofer |
| Max Amplifier Output |
1500 watts |
650 watts |
| Frequency Response |
13-280 Hz |
22-200 Hz |
Amplifier |
|
|
| Watts RMS (Continuous) |
1500-watt RMS |
650-watt RMS |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
16" |
12" |
| Woofer Composition |
Composite fiberglass/resin |
Polypropylene |
| Tweeter Size |
- |
- |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Firing Direction |
front |
front and bottom |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
635.0mm (25") |
435.0mm (17.1") |
| Width |
553.0mm (21.8") |
381.0mm (15") |
| Depth |
788.0mm (31") |
410.0mm (16.1") |
| Weight |
79.32kg (174.5lbs) |
20.91kg (46lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Acoustic Suspension |
| 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 |