ELAC ARB51 Navis vs. MartinLogan Dynamo 700w

ELAC ARB51 Navis Powered Bookshelf Speakers MartinLogan Dynamo 700w 10” Wireless Subwoofer
MSRP
$2000 $700
Dimensions (H × W × D)
13.58” × 7.44” × 9.45”
345mm × 189mm × 240mm
12.54” × 11.69” × 12.53”
319mm × 297mm × 318mm
Power Type
Powered Powered
Frequency Response
44-28,000 Hz 24-200 Hz
Amazon.com
Amazon.com

Key Takeaways

TLDR Summary: In the realm of pristine audio, ELAC's ARB51 Navis Powered Bookshelf Speakers and MartinLogan's Dynamo 700w 10 Wireless Subwoofer represent different sonic philosophies. The ARB51 offers a complete, self-contained listening experience with its in-built amplification and custom-designed drivers, tailored for precision and clarity in the mid and high frequencies. Meanwhile, the Dynamo 700w underscores the low-end with authoritative, room-filling bass, and its wireless capabilities allow for flexible placement. For audiophiles seeking a nuanced soundstage or an immersive cinematic experience, pairing the two could deliver a harmonious balance of articulate highs and resonant lows.

Speaker Comparison

When we talk about sound reproduction in the comfort of our home, we often focus on the 'main event' speakers, the ones that bring most of the music to our ears. However, in any comprehensive home audio system, subwoofers such as the MartinLogan Dynamo 700w play a crucial role in extending the reach into the lower frequencies, ensuring that the rumble of the bass and the impact of a kick drum are felt as much as they are heard. On the other hand, the ELAC ARB51 Navis Powered Bookshelf Speakers represent a different approach to home audio, embodying the full range of sound in a compact form factor that delivers a balanced performance across the spectrum.

Sound Clarity and Detail

The ELAC ARB51s are a tour de force in delivering crisp, detailed highs and mids. They boast a powered design, with built-in amplification tailored specifically for their drivers, which means these speakers often provide a level of clarity and detail that is music to any audiophile's ears. This precision is especially evident in the way the ARB51s handle vocals and string instruments, bringing out the textures often lost in less capable systems. While the MartinLogan Dynamo 700w is focused on the lower end, its precise engineering also adds a level of clarity to bass tones, which complements the ELAC's prowess in the higher frequencies.

ELAC ARB51 Navis Powered Bookshelf Speakers
ELAC ARB51 Navis arrow (at Amazon.com)

Power and Versatility

The ELAC ARB51s are self-contained units that don't necessarily require the addition of a subwoofer to provide a satisfying listening experience. Their active design means each speaker has a dedicated amplifier, allowing them to deliver dynamic and high-impact sound without the need for an external amp. Conversely, the MartinLogan Dynamo 700w is a specialist in its own right. Designed to integrate with any system, it brings the thunder, enhancing the power of home theaters and stereo setups alike. Its built-in wireless capabilities add versatility, allowing it to operate free of cable clutter and be positioned optimally in any room for the best bass response.

Integration and Control

Integrating a subwoofer like the Dynamo 700w with bookshelf speakers can be a transformative experience. With the Dynamo, the deep bass it provides fills out the lower end that bookshelf speakers traditionally struggle with. However, integration is key; the Dynamo 700w has a comprehensive set of controls that allow it to blend seamlessly with the rest of the system, ensuring that it complements rather than overwhelms. The ELAC ARB51, while impressive in its right, can be paired with a subwoofer like the Dynamo to extend its range, providing an even more immersive listening experience, especially for genres rich in bass.

MartinLogan Dynamo 700w 10” Wireless Subwoofer
MartinLogan Dynamo 700w arrow (at Amazon.com)

Design and Build Quality

Both the ELAC ARB51 and the MartinLogan Dynamo 700w boast excellent build quality and aesthetic design that would be at home in any modern living space. The ARB51s have a sleek and unobtrusive look that belies their powerful performance, enabling them to blend into a room almost effortlessly. The MartinLogan Dynamo, with its clean lines and minimalist design, is likewise unassuming – a gentle giant waiting to unleash profound bass when called upon. Each unit in its own right is not just a speaker, but a piece of room decor, a testament to the fusion of form and function in high-fidelity audio design.


Check Current Prices:

ELAC ARB51 Navis Powered Bookshelf Speakers
ELAC ARB51 Navis Powered Bookshelf Speakers
MartinLogan Dynamo 700w 10” Wireless Subwoofer
MartinLogan Dynamo 700w 10” Wireless Subwoofer
Amazon.com
Amazon.com

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Disclaimer: the speaker data listed on this website are correct to the best of our knowledge, but we do not guarantee the accuracy of the data. Please double-check any measurements with the manufacturer before making a final purchasing decision.