In this review, we will be comparing Varro DS1200-GB and KF92, two Powered Subwoofer speakers from ELAC 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 ELAC Varro DS1200-GB and KEF KF92 first before getting into our more detailed comparison.
In the following sections, we will get into details in order to better understand how the ELAC Varro DS1200-GB and KEF KF92 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.Both ELAC Varro DS1200-GBand KEF KF92 have a double woofer setup however the ELAC Varro DS1200-GB's woofer is 12-inch whereas the KEF KF92 features a 9-inch woofer.
Frequency Response
Varro DS1200-GB has a frequency range of 17-150 Hz whereas KF92 has a frequency range of 11-200 Hz. With a minimum frequency of 11Hz, the KF92 can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the Varro DS1200-GB's min frequency of 17Hz.
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 ELAC Varro DS1200-GB and KEF KF92 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 ELAC Varro DS1200-GB's and KEF KF92's external dimensions. ELAC Varro DS1200-GB has external dimensions of 423.0 x 483.0 x 418.0mm ( 16-5/8inch x 19inch x 16-7/16inch ) whereas KEF KF92 has external dimensions of 353.0 x 331.0 x 362.0mm ( 13-7/8 x 13 x 14-1/4inch) .
ELAC Varro DS1200-GB is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 152mm wider, 70mm taller and 56mm deeper than KEF KF92.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of ELAC Varro DS1200-GB and KEF KF92 in scale.
Comparison image of ELAC Varro DS1200-GB and KEF KF92 Size and External Dimensions
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 ELAC Varro DS1200-GB is approximately 2018.9cm2 / 312.9inch2 and base area of the KEF KF92 is approximately 1198.2cm2 / 185.7inch2. The Varro DS1200-GB requires 68% more surface area than the KF92 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 ELAC Varro DS1200-GB weighs 38.00kg / 83.6lbs and the KEF KF92 weighs 20.05kg / 44.1lbs. This makes the Varro DS1200-GB 90% heavier than the KF92.
Here is a comparison of how Varro DS1200-GB and KF92's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Powered Subwoofer class.
Weight
All Subwoofer Speakers
What's in the Box of ELAC Varro DS1200-GB?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of Varro DS1200-GB:
2 Grilles Power Cord 4 Spikes
What's in the Box of KEF KF92?
Here are the items that come with the KF92:
Powered subwoofer6.5-feet AC power cordSpeaker-level input blockUser ManualImportant Safety InformationWarranty Information
 Woofer Size |
12 inches
vs
9 inches
|
Larger woofer |
 App-Based Control |
iOS,Android
vs
None
|
Control the speaker via an app |
 Ethernet Connection |
Yes
vs
No
|
High quality streaming over Ethernet |
 Wireless Operation |
Optional
vs
No
|
Connect your subwoofer to your system wireless |
| Low Frequency Response |
11 Hz
vs
17 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
200k Hz
vs
150k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Height |
353mm
vs
423mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
1198cm2
vs
2018cm2
|
Takes less floor space |
 Price per pair* |
2000USD
vs
2999USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
| General |
ELAC Varro DS1200-GB |
KEF KF92 |
| Brand |
ELAC |
KEF |
| Speaker Type |
Powered Subwoofer |
Powered Subwoofer |
| Max Amplifier Output |
1200 watts |
1000 watts |
| Frequency Response |
17-150 Hz |
11-200 Hz |
Amplifier |
|
|
| Watts RMS (Continuous) |
1200-watt RMS |
1000-watt RMS |
| Watts Peak (Max) |
2400-watt RMS |
n/a |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
2 |
2 |
| Woofer Size |
12" |
9" |
| Woofer Composition |
Aluminum |
Hybrid aluminum |
| Tweeter Size |
- |
- |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Firing Direction |
front |
n/a |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
423.0mm (16.7") |
353.0mm (13.9") |
| Width |
483.0mm (19") |
331.0mm (13") |
| Depth |
418.0mm (16.5") |
362.0mm (14.3") |
| Weight |
38.00kg (83.6lbs) |
20.05kg (44.1lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Acoustic Suspension |
Acoustic Suspension |
| Finish |
MDF |
n/a |
| Available Colors |
Gloss Black |
n/a |
| Grille |
Yes |
n/a |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
| USB Port |
USB-A port for firmware updates |
n/a |
| Ethernet Port |
Yes |
n/a |
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
1 year |
2 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
1 year |
2 Years |