In this review, we will be comparing PB16-Ultra and Dynamo 600X, 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 600X 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 600X 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 600X have a single woofer setup however the SVS PB16-Ultra's woofer is 16-inch whereas the MartinLogan 600X features a 10-inch woofer.
Frequency Response
PB16-Ultra has a frequency range of 13-280 Hz whereas Dynamo 600X has a frequency range of 27-200 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 600X's min frequency of 27Hz.
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 600X 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 PB16-Ultra's and MartinLogan 600X'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 600X has external dimensions of 415.0 x 369.0 x 420.0mm ( 16-5/16 x 14-1/2 x 16-1/2inch) .
SVS PB16-Ultra is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 184mm wider, 220mm taller and 368mm deeper than MartinLogan 600X.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of SVS PB16-Ultra and MartinLogan 600X in scale.
Comparison image of SVS PB16-Ultra and MartinLogan 600X 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 600X is approximately 1549.8cm2 / 240.2inch2. The PB16-Ultra requires 181% more surface area than the Dynamo 600X 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 600X weighs 15.91kg / 35lbs. This makes the PB16-Ultra 399% heavier than the Dynamo 600X.
Here is a comparison of how PB16-Ultra and Dynamo 600X'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 600X?
Here are the items that come with the Dynamo 600X:
Powered subwoofer6.5-feet AC power cordUser-feets Manual
 Woofer Size |
16 inches
vs
10 inches
|
Larger woofer |
| Low Frequency Response |
13 Hz
vs
27 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
280k Hz
vs
200k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Height |
415mm
vs
635mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
1549cm2
vs
4357cm2
|
Takes less floor space |
 Price per pair* |
700USD
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 600X |
| Brand |
SVS |
MartinLogan |
| Speaker Type |
Powered Subwoofer |
Powered Subwoofer |
| Max Amplifier Output |
1500 watts |
120 watts |
| Frequency Response |
13-280 Hz |
27-200 Hz |
Amplifier |
|
|
| Watts RMS (Continuous) |
1500-watt RMS |
120-watt RMS |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
16" |
10" |
| Woofer Composition |
Composite fiberglass/resin |
Polypropylene |
| Tweeter Size |
- |
- |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Firing Direction |
front |
bottom |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
635.0mm (25") |
415.0mm (16.3") |
| Width |
553.0mm (21.8") |
369.0mm (14.5") |
| Depth |
788.0mm (31") |
420.0mm (16.5") |
| Weight |
79.32kg (174.5lbs) |
15.91kg (35lbs) |
| 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 |