In this review, we will be comparing KUBE 8b 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 KUBE 8b 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 KUBE 8b 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.Both KEF KUBE 8band JBL HDI-1200P have a single woofer setup however the KEF KUBE 8b's woofer is 8-inch whereas the JBL HDI-1200P features a 12-inch woofer.
Frequency Response
KUBE 8b has a frequency range of 34-140 Hz whereas HDI-1200P has a frequency range of 28-150 Hz. With a minimum frequency of 28Hz, the HDI-1200P 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
The KEF KUBE 8b 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 KUBE 8b's and JBL HDI-1200P'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 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 116mm wider, 186mm taller and 154mm deeper than KEF KUBE 8b.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of KEF KUBE 8b and JBL HDI-1200P in scale.
Comparison image of KEF KUBE 8b and JBL HDI-1200P 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 8b is approximately 1003.4cm2 / 155.5inch2 and base area of the JBL HDI-1200P is approximately 2031.2cm2 / 314.8inch2. The KUBE 8b requires 51% 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 KUBE 8b weighs 11.36kg / 25lbs and the JBL HDI-1200P weighs 32.18kg / 70.8lbs. This makes the HDI-1200P 183% heavier than the KUBE 8b.
Here is a comparison of how KUBE 8b 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 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 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
 Height |
294mm
vs
480mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
1003cm2 (296x339mm)
vs
2031cm2 (412x493mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
 Price per pair* |
600USD
vs
2310USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
 Woofer Size |
12 inches
vs
8 inches
|
Larger woofer |
| Low Frequency Response |
28 Hz
vs
34 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
150k Hz
vs
140k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
| General |
KEF KUBE 8b |
JBL HDI-1200P |
| Brand |
KEF |
JBL |
| Speaker Type |
Powered Subwoofer |
Powered Subwoofer |
| Max Amplifier Output |
300 watts |
1000 watts |
| Frequency Response |
34-140 Hz |
28-150 Hz |
Amplifier |
|
|
| Watts RMS (Continuous) |
300-watt RMS |
1000-watt RMS |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
8" |
12" |
| Woofer Composition |
Not given |
Poly-plas |
| Tweeter Size |
- |
- |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Crossover Frequency |
40-140 Hz |
n/a |
| Firing Direction |
front |
front |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
294.0mm (11.6") |
480.0mm (18.9") |
| Width |
296.0mm (11.7") |
412.0mm (16.2") |
| Depth |
339.0mm (13.3") |
493.0mm (19.4") |
| Weight |
11.36kg (25lbs) |
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 |