Short answer: both are discontinued, so this only matters if you are buying used. Used, the MartinLogan Dynamo 1600X is the better pick: it ranks #3 of 212 subwoofers by sound quality (rated 4.2/5), against #57 (rated 3.8/5) for the HSU Research VTF-3 MK4. If you want one new, the HSU Research VTF-3 MK5 HP replaces the HSU Research VTF-3 MK4 and is rated 4.2/5 at $1,049.
The MartinLogan Dynamo 1600X is the better-sounding choice. A sealed 15 inch subwoofer with forceful, tight bass, front or down firing setup, and app based room correction, now discontinued. Watch for: 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-3 MK4 does well: A ported 12 inch subwoofer with big output and deep extension for the money, backed by a long warranty, now discontinued. The catch: At 74.1 lbs (33.6 kg) and 546.1H x 431.8W x 635.0D mm it is a large, deep cabinet that needs real floor space.
Buy the MartinLogan Dynamo 1600X only if you find one used in good condition; both are discontinued, and it is the better rated of the two. For a new speaker, buy the HSU Research VTF-3 MK5 HP, which replaces the HSU Research VTF-3 MK4.
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 ported 12 inch subwoofer with big output and deep extension for the money, backed by a long warranty, now discontinued.
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-3 MK4 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,606.77 Discontinued | $1,299 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #3 of 212 in Medium Home Subwoofers (30-75 lbs) | #57 of 212 in Medium Home Subwoofers (30-75 lbs) |
| Enclosure | sealed | ported, rear |
| Output SPL at 15 Hz | 86.2 dB | - |
| Output SPL at 20 Hz | 99.4 dB | 105.4 dB |
| Output SPL at 25 Hz | 103.9 dB | 110.3 dB |
| Output SPL at 31.5 Hz | 111.7 dB | 111.7 dB |
| Output SPL at 40 Hz | 118.4 dB | 114.0 dB |
| Output SPL at 50 Hz | 121.0 dB | 115.7 dB |
| Output SPL at 63 Hz | 121.8 dB | 115.8 dB |
| Output SPL at 80 Hz | 121.0 dB | 115.7 dB |
| Output SPL at 100 Hz | 120.2 dB | - |
| Output SPL at 125 Hz | 119.0 dB | - |
| CEA-2010-A Average (40-80Hz) | 120.5 dB | 115.3 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 17”W x 25”D (546.1 x 431.8 x 635.0 mm) |
| Weight | 56 lbs (25.4 kg) | 74.1 lbs (33.6 kg) |
| Warranty | 3 | 7/2 |
| Cabinet Color | black | - |
| Country | United States | United States |
| Measurement Source | Audioholics | Manufacturer |
| Frequency Response | 20-200Hz, ±3dB | 18-90Hz |
| Amplifier Power | 900W RMS / 1800W peak | 350W continuous (1400W short term) |
| 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 top alternatives to MartinLogan Dynamo 1600X: