In this review, we will be comparing KC62 and Defiance X12, two Powered Subwoofer speakers from KEF and Paradigm. 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 KEF KC62 and Paradigm Defiance X12 first before getting into our more detailed comparison.
In the following sections, we will get into details in order to better understand how the KEF KC62 and Paradigm Defiance X12 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.KEF KC62 and Paradigm Defiance X12 have a totally different setup: the KEF KC62 features 2 x 6.5-inch drivers whereas the Defiance X12 features 1 x 12-inch drivers.
Frequency Response
KC62 has a frequency range of 11-200 Hz whereas Defiance X12 has a frequency range of 20-230 Hz. With a minimum frequency of 11Hz, the KC62 can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the Defiance X12's min frequency of 20Hz.
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 KEF KC62 has a Acoustic Suspension type cabinet. 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. On the other hand the Paradigm Defiance X12 have Bass Reflex type enclosure. 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.
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 KEF KC62's and Paradigm Defiance X12's external dimensions. KEF KC62 has external dimensions of 245.0 x 258.0 x 281.0mm ( 9-5/8inch x 10-1/8inch x 11-1/16inch ) whereas Paradigm Defiance X12 has external dimensions of 494.0 x 459.0 x 529.0mm ( 19-7/16inch x 18-1/16inch x 20-13/16inch ) .
Paradigm Defiance X12 is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 201mm wider, 249mm taller and 248mm deeper than KEF KC62.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of KEF KC62 and Paradigm Defiance X12 in scale.
Comparison image of KEF KC62 and Paradigm Defiance X12 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 KEF KC62 is approximately 725.0cm2 / 112.4inch2 and base area of the Paradigm Defiance X12 is approximately 2428.1cm2 / 376.4inch2. The KC62 requires 70% less surface area than the Defiance X12 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 KEF KC62 weighs 14.05kg / 30.9lbs and the Paradigm Defiance X12 weighs 28.18kg / 62lbs. This makes the Defiance X12 101% heavier than the KC62.
Here is a comparison of how KC62 and Defiance X12's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Powered Subwoofer class.
Weight
All Subwoofer Speakers
What's in the Box of KEF KC62?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of KC62:
Powered subwoofer6.5-feet AC power cordSpeaker-level input blockUser ManualImportant Safety InformationWarranty Information
What's in the Box of Paradigm Defiance X12?
Here are the items that come with the Defiance X12:
Powered subwooferGrille6-feetAC power cordARC microphone12
 Number of Woofers |
2
vs
1
|
More woofers |
| Low Frequency Response |
11 Hz
vs
20 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 Height |
245mm
vs
494mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
725cm2 (258x281mm)
vs
2428cm2 (459x529mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
| Woofer Size |
12 inches
vs
6.5 inches
|
Larger woofer |
 High Frequency Response |
230k Hz
vs
200k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 App-Based Control |
iOS,Android
vs
None
|
Control the speaker via an app |
 Price per pair* |
1499USD
vs
1500USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
| General |
KEF KC62 |
Paradigm Defiance X12 |
| Brand |
KEF |
Paradigm |
| Speaker Type |
Powered Subwoofer |
Powered Subwoofer |
| Max Amplifier Output |
1000 watts |
650 watts |
| Frequency Response |
11-200 Hz |
20-230 Hz |
Amplifier |
|
|
| Watts RMS (Continuous) |
1000-watt RMS |
650-watt RMS |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
2 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
6.5" |
12" |
| Woofer Composition |
|
Carbon-loaded polypropylene |
| Tweeter Size |
- |
- |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Firing Direction |
side |
front |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
245.0mm (9.6") |
494.0mm (19.4") |
| Width |
258.0mm (10.2") |
459.0mm (18.1") |
| Depth |
281.0mm (11.1") |
529.0mm (20.8") |
| Weight |
14.05kg (30.9lbs) |
28.18kg (62lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Acoustic Suspension |
Bass Reflex |
| Grille |
n/a |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
2 Years |
3 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
2 Years |
3 Years |