Short answer: the HSU Research VTF-2 MK5, if you are buying new. The MartinLogan Dynamo 1600X ranks higher than it (#3 vs #40 of 212 subwoofers, 4.2/5 vs 3.9/5) but is discontinued, so only consider it used; the HSU Research VTF-2 MK5 is still sold new at $759.
The MartinLogan Dynamo 1600X is the better-sounding option. A sealed 15 inch subwoofer with forceful, tight bass, front or down firing setup, and app based room correction, now discontinued. The catch: Output falls to 86.2dB at 15Hz, so the very lowest effects are weaker than the strong midbass numbers suggest.
What the HSU Research VTF-2 MK5 does well: A loud ported 12 inch subwoofer with adjustable tuning, tuneful bass and great value for music and movies. The tradeoff: There is no remote, app, DSP or room correction, so everything is dialed in by hand.
Buy the HSU Research VTF-2 MK5 if you want one new; the MartinLogan Dynamo 1600X is discontinued, so only look for it used.
Want more options? Browse the full Subwoofers rankings.
A sealed 15 inch subwoofer with forceful, tight bass, front or down firing setup, and app based room correction, now discontinued.
A loud ported 12 inch subwoofer with adjustable tuning, tuneful bass and great value for music and movies.
Prices on this page were last checked October 31, 2026 at 7:11 PM UTC. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date/time and are subject to change; the price and availability shown on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
Specifications Side By Side
| MartinLogan Dynamo 1600X | HSU Research VTF-2 MK5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,606.77 Discontinued | $759 |
| Ranked | #3 of 212 in Medium Home Subwoofers (30-75 lbs) | #40 of 212 in Medium Home Subwoofers (30-75 lbs) |
| Enclosure | sealed | ported, front |
| Output SPL at 15 Hz | 86.2 dB | 90.3 dB |
| Output SPL at 20 Hz | 99.4 dB | 104.4 dB |
| Output SPL at 25 Hz | 103.9 dB | 109.8 dB |
| Output SPL at 31.5 Hz | 111.7 dB | 113.1 dB |
| Output SPL at 40 Hz | 118.4 dB | 115.1 dB |
| Output SPL at 50 Hz | 121.0 dB | 116.7 dB |
| Output SPL at 63 Hz | 121.8 dB | 117.1 dB |
| Output SPL at 80 Hz | 121.0 dB | 116.7 dB |
| Output SPL at 100 Hz | 120.2 dB | 116.1 dB |
| Output SPL at 125 Hz | 119.0 dB | 115.8 dB |
| CEA-2010-A Average (40-80Hz) | 120.5 dB | 116.4 dB |
| Dimensions | 20.1”H x 17.9”W x 19.1”D (510.5 x 454.7 x 485.1 mm) | 21.5”H x 15”W x 24”D (546.1 x 381.0 x 609.6 mm) |
| Weight | 56 lbs (25.4 kg) | 61.9 lbs (28.1 kg) |
| Warranty | 3 | 7/2(+3) |
| Cabinet Color | black | black |
| Country | United States | United States |
| Measurement Source | Audioholics | Audioholics |
| Frequency Response | 20-200Hz, ±3dB | 18-90Hz |
| Amplifier Power | 900W RMS / 1800W peak | 350W RMS |
| Inputs | RCA (stereo and LFE), XLR (LFE), speaker-level (banana) | - |
| Drivers | 15” (381mm) driver | 12” (305mm) driver |
| XLR Input | Yes | - |
| RCA Input | Yes | - |
| TRS Input | No | - |
| Optical Input | No | - |
| Coaxial Input | No | - |
| USB Input | No | - |
| HDMI Input | No | - |
| AES Input | No | - |
| Aux Input | No | - |
Related Speaker Comparisons
More worthwhile head-to-heads for MartinLogan Dynamo 1600X: