In this review, we will be comparing Sub V-16 F and KUBE 8b, 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 V-16 F and KEF KUBE 8b 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 V-16 Fand KEF KUBE 8b have a single woofer setup however the DALI Sub V-16 F's woofer is 16-inch whereas the KEF KUBE 8b features a 8-inch woofer.
Frequency Response
Sub V-16 F has a frequency range of 19-200 Hz whereas KUBE 8b has a frequency range of 34-140 Hz. With a minimum frequency of 19Hz, the Sub V-16 F 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
The DALI Sub V-16 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 8b 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 V-16 F's and KEF KUBE 8b's external dimensions. DALI Sub V-16 F has external dimensions of 590 x 560 x 650 mm () 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).
DALI Sub V-16 F is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 264mm wider, 296mm taller and 311mm deeper than KEF KUBE 8b.
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 V-16 F needs about 263% more floor or shelf area. DALI Sub V-16 F is 311mm deeper, so it stands that much further out from the wall. DALI Sub V-16 F is 296mm 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 V-16 F is approximately 3640.0cm2 / 564.2inch2 and base area of the KEF KUBE 8b is approximately 1003.4cm2 / 155.5inch2. The Sub V-16 F requires 263% more surface area than the KUBE 8b which gives it a small disadvantage on placement in tight spaces.