In this review, we will be comparing Kube 15 MIE and ASW608, 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 15 MIE and B&W ASW608 first before getting into our more detailed comparison.
The sections below take each area in turn: driver and amplifier, frequency response, physical size and connectivity.
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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 15 MIEand B&W ASW608 have a single woofer setup however the KEF Kube 15 MIE's woofer is 15-inch whereas the B&W ASW608 features a 8-inch woofer.
Frequency Response
Kube 15 MIE has a frequency range of 20-140 Hz whereas ASW608 has a frequency range of 32-140 Hz. With a minimum frequency of 20Hz, the Kube 15 MIE can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the ASW608'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
Both KEF Kube 15 MIE and B&W ASW608 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
The size of a speaker can sometimes be 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 15 MIE's and B&W ASW608's external dimensions. KEF Kube 15 MIE has external dimensions of 519 x 500 x 515 mm (20.4 x 19.7 x 20.3 in) whereas B&W ASW608 has external dimensions of 272.0 x 261.0 x 350.0mm (10-11/16 x 10-1/4 x 13-3/4inch).
KEF Kube 15 MIE is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 239mm wider, 247mm taller and 165mm deeper than B&W ASW608.
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 15 MIE is approximately 2575.0cm2 / 399.1inch2 and base area of the B&W ASW608 is approximately 913.5cm2 / 141.6inch2. The Kube 15 MIE requires 182% more surface area than the ASW608 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 15 MIE weighs 27.50kg / 60.5lbs and the B&W ASW608 weighs 8.86kg / 19.5lbs. This makes the Kube 15 MIE 210% heavier than the ASW608.
Here is a comparison of how Kube 15 MIE and ASW608'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 15 MIE?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of Kube 15 MIE:
- Kube 15 MIE subwoofer
- Power cord
- Euroblock speaker level connector
- User manual and warranty information
What's in the Box of B&W ASW608?
Here are the items that come with the ASW608:
- Powered subwoofer
- Grille
- 6.5-feet AC power cord
- 4 Rubber feet
- 4 Spike feet
- 4 Lock-nuts
- Manual
- Bowers & Wilkins brochure
- Warranty Information
 Woofer Size |
15 inches
vs
8 inches
|
Larger woofer |
| Low Frequency Response |
20 Hz
vs
32 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 Wireless Operation |
Optional
vs
No
|
Connect your subwoofer to your system wireless |
 Height |
272mm
vs
519mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
913cm2
vs
2575cm2
|
Takes less floor space |
 Price per pair* |
599USD
vs
1399USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
| General |
KEF Kube 15 MIE |
Bowers & Wilkins ASW608 |
| Brand |
KEF |
Bowers Wilkins |
| Speaker Type |
Powered Subwoofer |
Powered Subwoofer |
| Max Amplifier Output |
300 watts |
200 watts |
| Frequency Response |
20-140 Hz |
32-140 Hz |
Amplifier |
|
|
| Watts RMS (Continuous) |
300-watt RMS |
200-watt RMS |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
15" |
8" |
| 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 |
519.0mm (20.4") |
272.0mm (10.7") |
| Width |
500.0mm (19.7") |
261.0mm (10.3") |
| Depth |
515.0mm (20.3") |
350.0mm (13.8") |
| Weight |
27.50kg (60.5lbs) |
8.86kg (19.5lbs) |
| 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 |