In this review, we will be comparing KC92 and Varro DS1200-GB, two Powered Subwoofer speakers from KEF and ELAC. 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 KC92 and ELAC Varro DS1200-GB 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 KC92 and ELAC Varro DS1200-GB 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 KEF KC92and ELAC Varro DS1200-GB have a double woofer setup however the KEF KC92's woofer is 9-inch whereas the ELAC Varro DS1200-GB features a 12-inch woofer.
Frequency Response
KC92 has a frequency range of 11-200 Hz whereas Varro DS1200-GB has a frequency range of 17-150 Hz. With a minimum frequency of 11Hz, the KC92 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 KEF KC92 and ELAC Varro DS1200-GB 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 KEF KC92's and ELAC Varro DS1200-GB's external dimensions. KEF KC92 has external dimensions of 352.5 x 330 x 360.5 mm ( 13.88 x 13.00 x 14.19 in) whereas 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 ) .
ELAC Varro DS1200-GB is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 153mm wider, 71mm taller and 57mm deeper than KEF KC92.
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 KC92 is approximately 1191.3cm2 / 184.7inch2 and base area of the ELAC Varro DS1200-GB is approximately 2018.9cm2 / 312.9inch2. The KC92 requires 41% less surface area than the Varro DS1200-GB 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 KC92 weighs 20.00kg / 44lbs and the ELAC Varro DS1200-GB weighs 38.00kg / 83.6lbs. This makes the Varro DS1200-GB 90% heavier than the KC92.
Here is a comparison of how KC92 and Varro DS1200-GB'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 KC92?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of KC92:
KC92 subwoofer Power cord Euroblock speaker level connector User manual and warranty information
What's in the Box of ELAC Varro DS1200-GB?
Here are the items that come with the Varro DS1200-GB:
2 Grilles Power Cord 4 Spikes
 Low Frequency Response |
11 Hz
vs
17 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
200k Hz
vs
150k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Height |
352mm
vs
423mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
1191cm2 (330x361mm)
vs
2018cm2 (483x418mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
 Price per pair* |
1999USD
vs
2999USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
| 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 |
| General |
KEF KC92 |
ELAC Varro DS1200-GB |
| Brand |
KEF |
ELAC |
| Speaker Type |
Powered Subwoofer |
Powered Subwoofer |
| Max Amplifier Output |
1000 watts |
1200 watts |
| Frequency Response |
11-200 Hz |
17-150 Hz |
Amplifier |
|
|
| Watts RMS (Continuous) |
1000-watt RMS |
1200-watt RMS |
| Watts Peak (Max) |
n/a |
2400-watt RMS |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
2 |
2 |
| Woofer Size |
9" |
12" |
| Woofer Composition |
Polypropylene |
Aluminum |
| Tweeter Size |
- |
- |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Crossover Frequency |
40-140 Hz |
n/a |
| Firing Direction |
n/a |
front |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
352.0mm (13.9") |
423.0mm (16.7") |
| Width |
330.0mm (13") |
483.0mm (19") |
| Depth |
361.0mm (14.2") |
418.0mm (16.5") |
| Weight |
20.00kg (44lbs) |
38.00kg (83.6lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Acoustic Suspension |
Acoustic Suspension |
| Finish |
n/a |
MDF |
| Available Colors |
n/a |
Gloss Black |
| Grille |
n/a |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
| USB Port |
n/a |
USB-A port for firmware updates |
| Ethernet Port |
n/a |
Yes |
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
2 Years |
1 year |
| Labor Warranty |
2 Years |
1 year |