In this review, we will be comparing Kube 8 MIE and A120P, 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 8 MIE and JBL Stage A120P 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 8 MIE and JBL Stage A120P 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 8 MIEand JBL Stage A120P have a single woofer setup however the KEF Kube 8 MIE's woofer is 8-inch whereas the JBL Stage A120P features a 12-inch woofer.
Frequency Response
Kube 8 MIE has a frequency range of 34-140 Hz whereas A120P has a frequency range of 32-150 Hz. With a minimum frequency of 32Hz, the A120P can go slightly deeper then the Kube 8 MIE'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 8 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 JBL Stage A120P 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 8 MIE's and JBL Stage A120P's external dimensions. KEF Kube 8 MIE has external dimensions of 293 x 293 x 310 mm ( 11.5 x 11.5 x 12.2 in) whereas JBL Stage A120P has external dimensions of 415.0 x 393.0 x 475.0mm ( 16-5/16 x 15-7/16 x 18-11/16inch) .
JBL Stage A120P is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 100mm wider, 122mm taller and 165mm deeper than KEF Kube 8 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 8 MIE is approximately 908.3cm2 / 140.8inch2 and base area of the JBL Stage A120P is approximately 1866.8cm2 / 289.4inch2. The Kube 8 MIE requires 51% less surface area than the A120P 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 8 MIE weighs 9.40kg / 20.7lbs and the JBL Stage A120P weighs 18.68kg / 41.1lbs. This makes the A120P 99% heavier than the Kube 8 MIE.
Here is a comparison of how Kube 8 MIE and A120P'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 8 MIE?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of Kube 8 MIE:
Kube 8 MIE subwoofer Power cord Euroblock speaker level connector User manual and warranty information
What's in the Box of JBL Stage A120P?
Here are the items that come with the A120P:
Powered subwooferGrille6-feet AC power cord4 Spike feetOwners ManualWarranty CardImportant Safety Instructions
 Height |
293mm
vs
415mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
908cm2 (293x310mm)
vs
1866cm2 (393x475mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
 Wireless Operation |
Optional
vs
No
|
Connect your subwoofer to your system wireless |
 Woofer Size |
12 inches
vs
8 inches
|
Larger woofer |
| Low Frequency Response |
32 Hz
vs
34 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
150k Hz
vs
140k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Price per pair* |
300USD
vs
599USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
| General |
KEF Kube 8 MIE |
JBL Stage A120P |
| Brand |
KEF |
JBL |
| Speaker Type |
Powered Subwoofer |
Powered Subwoofer |
| Max Amplifier Output |
300 watts |
250 watts |
| Frequency Response |
34-140 Hz |
32-150 Hz |
Amplifier |
|
|
| Watts RMS (Continuous) |
300-watt RMS |
250-watt RMS |
| Watts Peak (Max) |
n/a |
500-watt RMS |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
8" |
12" |
| Woofer Composition |
Polypropylene |
Polycellulose |
| 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 |
293.0mm (11.5") |
415.0mm (16.3") |
| Width |
293.0mm (11.5") |
393.0mm (15.5") |
| Depth |
310.0mm (12.2") |
475.0mm (18.7") |
| Weight |
9.40kg (20.7lbs) |
18.68kg (41.1lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Acoustic Suspension |
Bass reflex |
| Grille |
n/a |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
2 Years |
1 Year |
| Labor Warranty |
2 Years |
1 Year |