In this review, we will be comparing KUBE 8b and DB3D, 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 8b and B&W DB3D 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 8b and B&W DB3D 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 8b and B&W DB3D have a totally different setup: the KEF KUBE 8b features 1 x 8-inch drivers whereas the DB3D features 2 x 8-inch drivers.
Frequency Response
KUBE 8b has a frequency range of 34-140 Hz whereas DB3D has a frequency range of 10-350Hz. With a minimum frequency of 10Hz, the DB3D can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the KUBE 8b's min frequency of 34Hz.
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 8b and B&W DB3D 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 8b's and B&W DB3D's external dimensions. KEF KUBE 8b has external dimensions of 294.0 x 296.0 x 339.0mm ( 11-9/16 x 11-5/8 x 13-5/16inch) whereas B&W DB3D has external dimensions of ( ) .
KEF KUBE 8b is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 296mm wider, 294mm taller and 339mm deeper than B&W DB3D.
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 8b weighs 11.36kg / 25lbs and the B&W DB3D weighs 25.05kg / 55.1lbs. This makes the DB3D 121% heavier than the KUBE 8b.
Here is a comparison of how KUBE 8b and DB3D'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 8b?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of KUBE 8b:
Powered subwoofer6.5-feet AC power cordSpeaker-level input blockUser ManualImportant Safety InformationWarranty Information
What's in the Box of B&W DB3D?
Here are the items that come with the DB3D:
Powered subwoofer2 Grilles6.5-feet AC power cord4 Decoupling feet4 Rubber feet4 Spike feet4 Lock-nutsCleaning clothQuickstart GuideBowers & Wilkins brochureWarranty InformationCleaning cloth instructions
 Price per pair* |
600USD
vs
3499USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
 Number of Woofers |
2
vs
1
|
More woofers |
| Low Frequency Response |
10 Hz
vs
34 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 |
0mm
vs
294mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
0cm2 (0x0mm)
vs
1003cm2 (296x339mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
| General |
KEF KUBE 8b |
Bowers & Wilkins DB3D |
| Brand |
KEF |
Bowers Wilkins |
| Speaker Type |
Powered Subwoofer |
Powered Subwoofer |
| Max Amplifier Output |
300 watts |
1000 watts |
| Frequency Response |
34-140 Hz |
10-350Hz |
Amplifier |
|
|
| Watts RMS (Continuous) |
300-watt RMS |
1000-watt RMS |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
2 |
| Woofer Size |
8" |
8" |
| Woofer Composition |
Not given |
|
| 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 |
n/a |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
294.0mm (11.6") |
mm (0") |
| Width |
296.0mm (11.7") |
mm (0") |
| Depth |
339.0mm (13.3") |
mm (0") |
| Weight |
11.36kg (25lbs) |
25.05kg (55.1lbs) |
| 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 |