In this review, we will be comparing ForceField 30 and KUBE 12b, two Powered Subwoofer speakers from GoldenEar 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 GoldenEar ForceField 30 and KEF KUBE 12b first before getting into our more detailed comparison.
In the following sections, we will get into details in order to better understand how the GoldenEar ForceField 30 and KEF KUBE 12b 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 GoldenEar ForceField 30and KEF KUBE 12b have a single woofer setup however the GoldenEar ForceField 30's woofer is 8-inch whereas the KEF KUBE 12b features a 12-inch woofer.
Frequency Response
ForceField 30 has a frequency range of 18-250 Hz whereas KUBE 12b has a frequency range of 22-140 Hz. With a minimum frequency of 18Hz, the ForceField 30 can go slightly deeper then the KUBE 12b's min frequency of 22Hz.
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 GoldenEar ForceField 30 has a Passive Radiator type cabinet. Passive Radiator type subwoofers sports a non-powered cone that moves in response to the main woofer to move air out in order to generate stronger bass in a smaller body compared to ported or sealed designs. On the other hand the KEF KUBE 12b 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
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 GoldenEar ForceField 30's and KEF KUBE 12b's external dimensions. GoldenEar ForceField 30 has external dimensions of 324.0 x 291.0 x 421.0mm ( 12-3/4inch x 11-7/16inch x 16-9/16inch ) whereas KEF KUBE 12b has external dimensions of 410.0 x 396.0 x 442.0mm ( 16-1/8 x 15-9/16 x 17-3/8inch) .
KEF KUBE 12b is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 105mm wider, 86mm taller and 21mm deeper than GoldenEar ForceField 30.
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 GoldenEar ForceField 30 is approximately 1225.1cm2 / 189.9inch2 and base area of the KEF KUBE 12b is approximately 1750.3cm2 / 271.3inch2. The ForceField 30 requires 30% less surface area than the KUBE 12b which gives it a small advantage 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 GoldenEar ForceField 30 weighs 14.32kg / 31.5lbs and the KEF KUBE 12b weighs 20.68kg / 45.5lbs. This makes the KUBE 12b 44% heavier than the ForceField 30.
Here is a comparison of how ForceField 30 and KUBE 12b's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Powered Subwoofer class.
Weight
All Subwoofer Speakers
What's in the Box of GoldenEar ForceField 30?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of ForceField 30:
Powered subwoofer10-feet AC power cordQuick Start GuideOwners Manual
What's in the Box of KEF KUBE 12b?
Here are the items that come with the KUBE 12b:
Powered subwoofer6.5-feet AC power cordSpeaker-level input blockUser ManualImportant Safety InformationWarranty Information
 Low Frequency Response |
18 Hz
vs
22 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
250k Hz
vs
140k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Height |
324mm
vs
410mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
1225cm2 (291x421mm)
vs
1750cm2 (396x442mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
 Price per pair* |
899USD
vs
900USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
| Woofer Size |
12 inches
vs
8 inches
|
Larger woofer |
 Wireless Operation |
Optional
vs
No
|
Connect your subwoofer to your system wireless |
| General |
GoldenEar ForceField 30 |
KEF KUBE 12b |
| Brand |
GoldenEar |
KEF |
| Speaker Type |
Powered Subwoofer |
Powered Subwoofer |
| Max Amplifier Output |
1000 watts |
300 watts |
| Frequency Response |
18-250 Hz |
22-140 Hz |
Amplifier |
|
|
| Watts RMS (Continuous) |
1000-watt RMS |
300-watt RMS |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
8" |
12" |
| Woofer Composition |
Polypropylene |
Not given |
| Tweeter Size |
- |
- |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Crossover Frequency |
n/a |
40-140 Hz |
| Firing Direction |
front and bottom |
front |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
324.0mm (12.8") |
410.0mm (16.1") |
| Width |
291.0mm (11.5") |
396.0mm (15.6") |
| Depth |
421.0mm (16.6") |
442.0mm (17.4") |
| Weight |
14.32kg (31.5lbs) |
20.68kg (45.5lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Passive Radiator |
Acoustic Suspension |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
3 Years |
2 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
3 Years |
2 Years |