In this review, we will be comparing Kube 12 MIE and RP-1400SW, 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 RP-1400SW 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 RP-1400SW 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 Klipsch RP-1400SW have a single woofer setup however the KEF Kube 12 MIE's woofer is 12-inch whereas the Klipsch RP-1400SW features a 14-inch woofer.
Frequency Response
Kube 12 MIE has a frequency range of 22-140 Hz whereas RP-1400SW has a frequency range of 16-141 Hz. With a minimum frequency of 16Hz, the RP-1400SW can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the Kube 12 MIE's min frequency of 22Hz.
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 RP-1400SW 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 12 MIE's and Klipsch RP-1400SW'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 RP-1400SW has external dimensions of 542.0 x 508.0 x 653.0mm ( 21-5/16inch x 20inch x 25-11/16inch ) .
Klipsch RP-1400SW is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 115mm wider, 132mm taller and 243mm deeper than KEF Kube 12 MIE.
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 RP-1400SW is approximately 3317.2cm2 / 514.2inch2. The Kube 12 MIE requires 51% less surface area than the RP-1400SW 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 12 MIE weighs 18.60kg / 40.9lbs and the Klipsch RP-1400SW weighs 38.05kg / 83.7lbs. This makes the RP-1400SW 105% heavier than the Kube 12 MIE.
Here is a comparison of how Kube 12 MIE and RP-1400SW's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Powered Subwoofer class.
Weight
All Subwoofer Speakers
 Height |
410mm
vs
542mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
1611cm2 (393x410mm)
vs
3317cm2 (508x653mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
 Price per pair* |
999USD
vs
1399USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
 Woofer Size |
14 inches
vs
12 inches
|
Larger woofer |
| Low Frequency Response |
16 Hz
vs
22 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
141k Hz
vs
140k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
| General |
KEF Kube 12 MIE |
Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-1400SW |
| Brand |
KEF |
Klipsch |
| Speaker Type |
Powered Subwoofer |
Powered Subwoofer |
| Max Amplifier Output |
300 watts |
500 watts |
| Frequency Response |
22-140 Hz |
16-141 Hz |
Amplifier |
|
|
| Watts RMS (Continuous) |
300-watt RMS |
500-watt RMS |
| Watts Peak (Max) |
n/a |
1000-watt RMS |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
12" |
14" |
| Woofer Composition |
Polypropylene |
Cerametallic |
| 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") |
542.0mm (21.3") |
| Width |
393.0mm (15.5") |
508.0mm (20") |
| Depth |
410.0mm (16.1") |
653.0mm (25.7") |
| Weight |
18.60kg (40.9lbs) |
38.05kg (83.7lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Acoustic Suspension |
Bass Reflex |
| Finish |
n/a |
MDF with Vinyl |
| Available Colors |
n/a |
Ebony |
| Grille |
n/a |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
2 Years |
5 years |
| Labor Warranty |
2 Years |
5 years |