In this review, we will be comparing DB2D and KUBE 8b, two Powered Subwoofer speakers from Bowers Wilkins and KEF. 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 B&W DB2D and KEF KUBE 8b first before getting into our more detailed comparison.
In the following sections, we will get into details in order to better understand how the B&W DB2D and KEF KUBE 8b 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.B&W DB2D and KEF KUBE 8b have a totally different setup: the B&W DB2D features 2 x 10-inch drivers whereas the KUBE 8b features 1 x 8-inch drivers.
Frequency Response
DB2D has a frequency range of 10-350 Hz whereas KUBE 8b has a frequency range of 34-140 Hz. With a minimum frequency of 10Hz, the DB2D can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the KUBE 8b's min frequency of 34Hz.
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
Both B&W DB2D and KEF KUBE 8b have Acoustic Suspension type cabinets. 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 B&W DB2D's and KEF KUBE 8b's external dimensions. B&W DB2D has external dimensions of 386.0 x 431.0 x 410.0mm ( 15-3/16inch x 16-15/16inch x 16-1/8inch ) whereas KEF KUBE 8b has external dimensions of 294.0 x 296.0 x 339.0mm ( 11-9/16 x 11-5/8 x 13-5/16inch) .
B&W DB2D is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 135mm wider, 92mm taller and 71mm deeper than KEF KUBE 8b.
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 B&W DB2D is approximately 1767.1cm2 / 273.9inch2 and base area of the KEF KUBE 8b is approximately 1003.4cm2 / 155.5inch2. The DB2D requires 76% more surface area than the KUBE 8b 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 B&W DB2D weighs 36.09kg / 79.4lbs and the KEF KUBE 8b weighs 11.36kg / 25lbs. This makes the DB2D 218% heavier than the KUBE 8b.
Here is a comparison of how DB2D and KUBE 8b's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Powered Subwoofer class.
Weight
All Subwoofer Speakers
What's in the Box of B&W DB2D?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of DB2D:
Powered subwoofer2 Grilles6.5-feet AC power cord4 Decoupling feet4 Rubber feet4 Spike feet4 Lock-nutsCleaning clothQuickstart GuideBowers & Wilkins brochureWarranty InformationCleaning cloth instructions
What's in the Box of KEF KUBE 8b?
Here are the items that come with the KUBE 8b:
Powered subwoofer6.5-feet AC power cordSpeaker-level input blockUser ManualImportant Safety InformationWarranty Information
 Woofer Size |
10 inches
vs
8 inches
|
Larger woofer |
| Number of Woofers |
2
vs
1
|
More woofers |
| Low Frequency Response |
10 Hz
vs
34 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
350k Hz
vs
140k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Driver Setup |
1-way
vs
-way
|
Have a dedicated mid-range driver |
 Height |
294mm
vs
386mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
1003cm2 (296x339mm)
vs
1767cm2 (431x410mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
 Price per pair* |
600USD
vs
4499USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
| General |
Bowers & Wilkins DB2D |
KEF KUBE 8b |
| Brand |
Bowers Wilkins |
KEF |
| Speaker Type |
Powered Subwoofer |
Powered Subwoofer |
| Max Amplifier Output |
1000 watts |
300 watts |
| Frequency Response |
10-350 Hz |
34-140 Hz |
Amplifier |
|
|
| Watts RMS (Continuous) |
1000-watt RMS |
300-watt RMS |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
2 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
10" |
8" |
| Woofer Composition |
Aerofoil |
Not given |
| Tweeter Size |
- |
- |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Crossover Frequency |
n/a |
40-140 Hz |
| Firing Direction |
front |
front |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
386.0mm (15.2") |
294.0mm (11.6") |
| Width |
431.0mm (17") |
296.0mm (11.7") |
| Depth |
410.0mm (16.1") |
339.0mm (13.3") |
| Weight |
36.09kg (79.4lbs) |
11.36kg (25lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Acoustic Suspension |
Acoustic Suspension |
| Available Colors |
Gloss Black,Satin White |
n/a |
| Grille |
Yes |
n/a |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
2 Years |
2 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
2 Years |
2 Years |