In this review, we will be comparing KUBE 12b and A120P, 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 KUBE 12b and JBL Stage A120P 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 JBL Stage A120P 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 KUBE 12band JBL Stage A120P have the same driver set up: Both subwoofers have 1 x 12" drivers.
Frequency Response
KUBE 12b has a frequency range of 22-140 Hz whereas A120P has a frequency range of 32-150 Hz. With a minimum frequency of 22Hz, the KUBE 12b can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the A120P's min frequency of 32Hz.
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 KUBE 12b 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 Stage A120P have Bass reflex type enclosure.
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 JBL Stage A120P'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 JBL Stage A120P has external dimensions of 415.0 x 393.0 x 475.0mm ( 16-5/16 x 15-7/16 x 18-11/16inch) .
KEF KUBE 12b is 5mm shorter and 33mm less deeper than JBL Stage A120P but it is also 3mm wider.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of KEF KUBE 12b and JBL Stage A120P in scale.
Comparison image of KEF KUBE 12b and JBL Stage A120P 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 KUBE 12b is approximately 1750.3cm2 / 271.3inch2 and base area of the JBL Stage A120P is approximately 1866.8cm2 / 289.4inch2. The KUBE 12b requires 6% less surface area than the A120P 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 KUBE 12b weighs 20.68kg / 45.5lbs and the JBL Stage A120P weighs 18.68kg / 41.1lbs. This makes the KUBE 12b 11% heavier than the A120P.
Here is a comparison of how KUBE 12b and A120P'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 JBL Stage A120P?
Here are the items that come with the A120P:
Powered subwooferGrille6-feet AC power cord4 Spike feetOwners ManualWarranty CardImportant Safety Instructions
 Low Frequency Response |
22 Hz
vs
32 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 Height |
410mm
vs
415mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
1750cm2 (396x442mm)
vs
1866cm2 (393x475mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
 Wireless Operation |
Optional
vs
No
|
Connect your subwoofer to your system wireless |
 High Frequency Response |
150k Hz
vs
140k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Price per pair* |
300USD
vs
900USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
| General |
KEF KUBE 12b |
JBL Stage A120P |
| Brand |
KEF |
JBL |
| Speaker Type |
Powered Subwoofer |
Powered Subwoofer |
| Max Amplifier Output |
300 watts |
250 watts |
| Frequency Response |
22-140 Hz |
32-150 Hz |
Amplifier |
|
|
| Watts RMS (Continuous) |
300-watt RMS |
250-watt RMS |
| Watts Peak (Max) |
n/a |
500-watt RMS |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
12" |
12" |
| Woofer Composition |
Not given |
Polycellulose |
| 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") |
415.0mm (16.3") |
| Width |
396.0mm (15.6") |
393.0mm (15.5") |
| Depth |
442.0mm (17.4") |
475.0mm (18.7") |
| Weight |
20.68kg (45.5lbs) |
18.68kg (41.1lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Acoustic Suspension |
Bass reflex |
| Grille |
n/a |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
2 Years |
1 Year |
| Labor Warranty |
2 Years |
1 Year |