In this review, we will be comparing Sub K-14 F and KUBE 10b, two Powered Subwoofer speakers from DALI 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 DALI Sub K-14 F and KEF KUBE 10b first before getting into our more detailed comparison.
The sections below take each area in turn: driver and amplifier, frequency response, physical size and connectivity.
Drivers
The efficiency of a subwoofer is directly proportional to the total radiating are squared hence the woofer quantity and diameter.Both DALI Sub K-14 Fand KEF KUBE 10b have a single woofer setup however the DALI Sub K-14 F's woofer is 14-inch whereas the KEF KUBE 10b features a 10-inch woofer.
Frequency Response
Sub K-14 F has a frequency range of 29-160 Hz whereas KUBE 10b has a frequency range of 24-140 Hz. With a minimum frequency of 24Hz, the KUBE 10b can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the Sub K-14 F's min frequency of 29Hz.
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 DALI Sub K-14 F 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 KEF KUBE 10b have Acoustic Suspension type enclosure. 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
The size of a speaker can sometimes be an important decision factor due to space constraints or in some cases purely for esthetic reasons. In this section, we are going to compare DALI Sub K-14 F's and KEF KUBE 10b's external dimensions. DALI Sub K-14 F has external dimensions of 448 x 396 x 428 mm () whereas KEF KUBE 10b has external dimensions of 372.0 x 356.0 x 397.0mm (14-5/8 x 14 x 15-5/8inch).
DALI Sub K-14 F is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 40mm wider, 76mm taller and 31mm deeper than KEF KUBE 10b.
Size, drawn to scale
Both speakers and both views share one scale, so everything here is directly comparable. Hover a box for its dimensions.
One scale for both, standing on the same surface and pushed back to the same wall, so the deeper one visibly sticks out further.
DALI Sub K-14 F needs about 20% more floor or shelf area. DALI Sub K-14 F is 31mm deeper, so it stands that much further out from the wall. DALI Sub K-14 F is 76mm taller.
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 DALI Sub K-14 F is approximately 1694.9cm2 / 262.7inch2 and base area of the KEF KUBE 10b is approximately 1413.3cm2 / 219.1inch2. The Sub K-14 F requires 20% more surface area than the KUBE 10b which gives it a small disadvantage on placement in tight spaces.