In this review, we will be comparing KUBE 12b and DB4S, two Powered Subwoofer speakers from KEF and Bowers Wilkins. 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 KUBE 12b and B&W DB4S 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 KUBE 12b and B&W DB4S 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 KUBE 12band B&W DB4S have a single woofer setup however the KEF KUBE 12b's woofer is 12-inch whereas the B&W DB4S features a 10-inch woofer.
Frequency Response
KUBE 12b has a frequency range of 22-140 Hz whereas DB4S has a frequency range of 10-350 Hz. With a minimum frequency of 10Hz, the DB4S can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to 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
Both KEF KUBE 12b and B&W DB4S 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 KUBE 12b's and B&W DB4S's external dimensions. 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) whereas B&W DB4S has external dimensions of 375.0 x 362.0 x 434.0mm ( 14-3/4 x 14-1/4 x 17-1/16inch) .
KEF KUBE 12b is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 34mm wider, 35mm taller and 8mm deeper than B&W DB4S.
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 KUBE 12b is approximately 1750.3cm2 / 271.3inch2 and base area of the B&W DB4S is approximately 1571.1cm2 / 243.5inch2. The KUBE 12b requires 11% more surface area than the DB4S which gives it a small disadvantage 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 KUBE 12b weighs 20.68kg / 45.5lbs and the B&W DB4S weighs 26.05kg / 57.3lbs. This makes the DB4S 26% heavier than the KUBE 12b.
Here is a comparison of how KUBE 12b and DB4S'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 KUBE 12b?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of KUBE 12b:
Powered subwoofer6.5-feet AC power cordSpeaker-level input blockUser ManualImportant Safety InformationWarranty Information
What's in the Box of B&W DB4S?
Here are the items that come with the DB4S:
Powered subwooferGrille6.5-feet AC power cord4 Decoupling feet4 Rubber feet4 Spike feet4 Lock-nutsCleaning clothQuickstart GuideBowers & Wilkins brochureWarranty InformationCleaning cloth instructions
 Woofer Size |
12 inches
vs
10 inches
|
Larger woofer |
 Price per pair* |
900USD
vs
2199USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
 Wireless Operation |
Optional
vs
No
|
Connect your subwoofer to your system wireless |
| Low Frequency Response |
10 Hz
vs
22 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
350k Hz
vs
140k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 App-Based Control |
iOS,Android
vs
None
|
Control the speaker via an app |
 Height |
375mm
vs
410mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
1571cm2 (362x434mm)
vs
1750cm2 (396x442mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
| General |
KEF KUBE 12b |
Bowers & Wilkins DB4S |
| Brand |
KEF |
Bowers Wilkins |
| Speaker Type |
Powered Subwoofer |
Powered Subwoofer |
| Max Amplifier Output |
300 watts |
1000 watts |
| Frequency Response |
22-140 Hz |
10-350 Hz |
Amplifier |
|
|
| Watts RMS (Continuous) |
300-watt RMS |
0-watt RMS |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
12" |
10" |
| Woofer Composition |
Not given |
Aerofoil |
| Woofer Surround Material |
n/a |
Rubber |
| Tweeter Size |
- |
- |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Crossover Frequency |
40-140 Hz |
n/a |
| Firing Direction |
front |
front |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
410.0mm (16.1") |
375.0mm (14.8") |
| Width |
396.0mm (15.6") |
362.0mm (14.3") |
| Depth |
442.0mm (17.4") |
434.0mm (17.1") |
| Weight |
20.68kg (45.5lbs) |
26.05kg (57.3lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Acoustic Suspension |
Acoustic Suspension |
| Grille |
n/a |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
2 Years |
2 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
2 Years |
2 Years |