In this review, we will be comparing SUB80P and KUBE 8b, two Powered Subwoofer speakers from JBL 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 JBL SUB80P 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 JBL SUB80P 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.JBL SUB80Pand KEF KUBE 8b have the same driver set up: Both subwoofers have 1 x 8" drivers.
Frequency Response
SUB80P has a frequency range of 45-200 Hz whereas KUBE 8b has a frequency range of 34-140 Hz. With a minimum frequency of 34Hz, the KUBE 8b can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the SUB80P's min frequency of 45Hz.
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 JBL SUB80P 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 JBL SUB80P's and KEF KUBE 8b's external dimensions. JBL SUB80P has external dimensions of 353.0 x 267.0 x 267.0mm ( 13-7/8 x 10-1/2 x 10-1/2inch) 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) .
JBL SUB80P is 29mm narrower and 72mm less deeper than KEF KUBE 8b but it is also 59mm 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 JBL SUB80P is approximately 712.9cm2 / 110.5inch2 and base area of the KEF KUBE 8b is approximately 1003.4cm2 / 155.5inch2. The SUB80P requires 29% less surface area than the KUBE 8b 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 JBL SUB80P weighs 9.00kg / 19.8lbs and the KEF KUBE 8b weighs 11.36kg / 25lbs. This makes the KUBE 8b 26% heavier than the SUB80P.
Here is a comparison of how SUB80P and KUBE 8b's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Powered Subwoofer class.
Weight
All Subwoofer Speakers
 High Frequency Response |
200k Hz
vs
140k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Base Surface Area |
712cm2
vs
1003cm2
|
Takes less floor space |
 Wireless Operation |
Yes
vs
No
|
Connect your subwoofer to your system wireless |
 Low Frequency Response |
34 Hz
vs
45 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 Height |
294mm
vs
353mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
| General |
JBL SUB80P |
KEF KUBE 8b |
| Brand |
JBL |
KEF |
| Speaker Type |
Powered Subwoofer |
Powered Subwoofer |
| Max Amplifier Output |
200 watts |
300 watts |
| Frequency Response |
45-200 Hz |
34-140 Hz |
Amplifier |
|
|
| Watts RMS (Continuous) |
200-watt RMS |
300-watt RMS |
| Watts Peak (Max) |
400-watt RMS |
n/a |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
8" |
8" |
| Woofer Composition |
Fibre composite |
|
| Tweeter Size |
- |
- |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Crossover Frequency |
n/a |
40-140 Hz |
| Firing Direction |
n/a |
front |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
353.0mm (13.9") |
294.0mm (11.6") |
| Width |
267.0mm (10.5") |
296.0mm (11.7") |
| Depth |
267.0mm (10.5") |
339.0mm (13.3") |
| Weight |
9.00kg (19.8lbs) |
11.36kg (25lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Acoustic Suspension |
Acoustic Suspension |
| Grille |
Yes |
n/a |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
|
2 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
|
2 Years |