In this review, we will be comparing Kube 12 MIE and ASW610, 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 12 MIE and B&W ASW610 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 12 MIE and B&W ASW610 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 12 MIEand B&W ASW610 have a single woofer setup however the KEF Kube 12 MIE's woofer is 12-inch whereas the B&W ASW610 features a 10-inch woofer.
Frequency Response
Kube 12 MIE has a frequency range of 22-140 Hz whereas ASW610 has a frequency range of 27-140 Hz. With a minimum frequency of 22Hz, the Kube 12 MIE can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the ASW610's min frequency of 27Hz.
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 12 MIE and B&W ASW610 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 12 MIE's and B&W ASW610's external dimensions. KEF Kube 12 MIE has external dimensions of 410 x 393 x 410 mm ( 16.1 x 15.5 x 16.1 in) whereas B&W ASW610 has external dimensions of 321.0 x 312.0 x 394.0mm ( 12-5/8 x 12-1/4 x 15-1/2inch) .
KEF Kube 12 MIE is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 81mm wider, 89mm taller and 16mm deeper than B&W ASW610.
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 12 MIE is approximately 1611.3cm2 / 249.8inch2 and base area of the B&W ASW610 is approximately 1229.3cm2 / 190.5inch2. The Kube 12 MIE requires 31% more surface area than the ASW610 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 12 MIE weighs 18.60kg / 40.9lbs and the B&W ASW610 weighs 12.55kg / 27.6lbs. This makes the Kube 12 MIE 48% heavier than the ASW610.
Here is a comparison of how Kube 12 MIE and ASW610'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 12 MIE?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of Kube 12 MIE:
Kube 12 MIE subwoofer Power cord Euroblock speaker level connector User manual and warranty information
What's in the Box of B&W ASW610?
Here are the items that come with the ASW610:
Powered subwooferGrille6.5-feet AC power cord4 Rubber feet4 Spike feet4 Lock-nutsManualBowers & Wilkins brochureWarranty Information
 Woofer Size |
12 inches
vs
10 inches
|
Larger woofer |
| Low Frequency Response |
22 Hz
vs
27 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 Wireless Operation |
Optional
vs
No
|
Connect your subwoofer to your system wireless |
 Height |
321mm
vs
410mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
1229cm2 (312x394mm)
vs
1611cm2 (393x410mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
 Price per pair* |
899USD
vs
999USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
| General |
KEF Kube 12 MIE |
Bowers & Wilkins ASW610 |
| Brand |
KEF |
Bowers Wilkins |
| Speaker Type |
Powered Subwoofer |
Powered Subwoofer |
| Max Amplifier Output |
300 watts |
200 watts |
| Frequency Response |
22-140 Hz |
27-140 Hz |
Amplifier |
|
|
| Watts RMS (Continuous) |
300-watt RMS |
200-watt RMS |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
12" |
10" |
| Woofer Composition |
Polypropylene |
Paper/Aramid Fiber |
| 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 |
n/a |
front |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
410.0mm (16.1") |
321.0mm (12.6") |
| Width |
393.0mm (15.5") |
312.0mm (12.3") |
| Depth |
410.0mm (16.1") |
394.0mm (15.5") |
| Weight |
18.60kg (40.9lbs) |
12.55kg (27.6lbs) |
| 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 |