In this review, we will be comparing Kube 12 MIE and R-100SW, two Powered Subwoofer speakers from KEF and Klipsch. 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 Klipsch R-100SW 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 Klipsch R-100SW compare and hopefully end up with enough arguments to decide which one of these subwoofers is the better choice for you.
**This post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking through my links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
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 Klipsch R-100SW have a single woofer setup however the KEF Kube 12 MIE's woofer is 12-inch whereas the Klipsch R-100SW features a 10-inch woofer.
Frequency Response
Kube 12 MIE has a frequency range of 22-140 Hz whereas R-100SW has a frequency range of 32-120 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 R-100SW'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 12 MIE 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 Klipsch R-100SW 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 12 MIE's and Klipsch R-100SW'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 Klipsch R-100SW has external dimensions of 372.0 x 320.0 x 459.0mm ( 14-5/8 x 12-9/16 x 18-1/16inch) .
Klipsch R-100SW is 73mm narrower and 38mm shorter than KEF Kube 12 MIE but it is also 49mm deeper.
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 Klipsch R-100SW is approximately 1468.8cm2 / 227.7inch2. The Kube 12 MIE requires 10% more surface area than the R-100SW 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 Klipsch R-100SW weighs 10.91kg / 24lbs. This makes the Kube 12 MIE 70% heavier than the R-100SW.
Here is a comparison of how Kube 12 MIE and R-100SW'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 Klipsch R-100SW?
Here are the items that come with the R-100SW:
Powered subGrille (installed)6.5-feet AC power cordUser ManualImportant Safety InstructionsWarranty Information
 Woofer Size |
12 inches
vs
10 inches
|
Larger woofer |
| Low Frequency Response |
22 Hz
vs
32 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
140k Hz
vs
120k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Wireless Operation |
Optional
vs
No
|
Connect your subwoofer to your system wireless |
 Height |
372mm
vs
410mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
1468cm2 (320x459mm)
vs
1611cm2 (393x410mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
 Price per pair* |
275USD
vs
999USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
| General |
KEF Kube 12 MIE |
Klipsch R-100SW |
| Brand |
KEF |
Klipsch |
| Speaker Type |
Powered Subwoofer |
Powered Subwoofer |
| Max Amplifier Output |
300 watts |
150 watts |
| Frequency Response |
22-140 Hz |
32-120 Hz |
Amplifier |
|
|
| Watts RMS (Continuous) |
300-watt RMS |
150-watt RMS |
| Watts Peak (Max) |
n/a |
300-watt RMS |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
12" |
10" |
| Woofer Composition |
Polypropylene |
Copper-spun IMG |
| 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") |
372.0mm (14.6") |
| Width |
393.0mm (15.5") |
320.0mm (12.6") |
| Depth |
410.0mm (16.1") |
459.0mm (18.1") |
| Weight |
18.60kg (40.9lbs) |
10.91kg (24lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Acoustic Suspension |
Bass reflex |
| Grille |
n/a |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
2 Years |
2 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
2 Years |
2 Years |