In this review, we will be comparing KC92 and HDI-1200P, two Powered Subwoofer speakers from KEF and JBL. 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 JBL HDI-1200P 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 JBL HDI-1200P 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 KC92 and JBL HDI-1200P have a totally different setup: the KEF KC92 features 2 x 9-inch drivers whereas the HDI-1200P features 1 x 12-inch drivers.
Frequency Response
KC92 has a frequency range of 11-200 Hz whereas HDI-1200P has a frequency range of 28-150 Hz. With a minimum frequency of 11Hz, the KC92 can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the HDI-1200P's min frequency of 28Hz.
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 KC92 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 JBL HDI-1200P 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 KC92's and JBL HDI-1200P'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 JBL HDI-1200P has external dimensions of 480.0 x 412.0 x 493.0mm ( 18-7/8 x 16-3/16 x 19-3/8inch) .
JBL HDI-1200P is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 82mm wider, 128mm taller and 132mm 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 JBL HDI-1200P is approximately 2031.2cm2 / 314.8inch2. The KC92 requires 41% less surface area than the HDI-1200P 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 JBL HDI-1200P weighs 32.18kg / 70.8lbs. This makes the HDI-1200P 61% heavier than the KC92.
Here is a comparison of how KC92 and HDI-1200P'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 JBL HDI-1200P?
Here are the items that come with the HDI-1200P:
Powered SubwooferGrille6-feet AC power cord16.5-feet Mono-RCA/Mono-Minijack cable4 SpikesOwners ManualImportant Safety Instructions
 Number of Woofers |
2
vs
1
|
More woofers |
| Low Frequency Response |
11 Hz
vs
28 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
200k Hz
vs
150k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Height |
352mm
vs
480mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
1191cm2
vs
2031cm2
|
Takes less floor space |
 Price per pair* |
1999USD
vs
2310USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
 Wireless Operation |
Optional
vs
No
|
Connect your subwoofer to your system wireless |
| Woofer Size |
12 inches
vs
9 inches
|
Larger woofer |
| General |
KEF KC92 |
JBL HDI-1200P |
| Brand |
KEF |
JBL |
| Speaker Type |
Powered Subwoofer |
Powered Subwoofer |
| Max Amplifier Output |
1000 watts |
1000 watts |
| Frequency Response |
11-200 Hz |
28-150 Hz |
Amplifier |
|
|
| Watts RMS (Continuous) |
1000-watt RMS |
1000-watt RMS |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
2 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
9" |
12" |
| Woofer Composition |
Polypropylene |
Poly-plas |
| 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") |
480.0mm (18.9") |
| Width |
330.0mm (13") |
412.0mm (16.2") |
| Depth |
361.0mm (14.2") |
493.0mm (19.4") |
| Weight |
20.00kg (44lbs) |
32.18kg (70.8lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Acoustic Suspension |
Bass Reflex |
| Grille |
n/a |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
2 Years |
5 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
2 Years |
5 Years |