In this review, we will be comparing Kube 8 MIE and Kube 12 MIE, two Powered Subwoofer speakers by KEF. 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 KEF Kube 12 MIE 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 KEF Kube 12 MIE 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 KEF Kube 12 MIE have a single woofer setup however the KEF Kube 8 MIE's woofer is 8-inch whereas the KEF Kube 12 MIE features a 12-inch woofer.
Frequency Response
Kube 8 MIE has a frequency range of 34-140 Hz whereas Kube 12 MIE has a frequency range of 22-140 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 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
Both KEF Kube 8 MIE and KEF Kube 12 MIE 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 8 MIE's and KEF Kube 12 MIE'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 KEF Kube 12 MIE has external dimensions of 410 x 393 x 410 mm ( 16.1 x 15.5 x 16.1 in) .
KEF Kube 12 MIE is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 100mm wider, 117mm taller and 100mm 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 KEF Kube 12 MIE is approximately 1611.3cm2 / 249.8inch2. The Kube 8 MIE requires 44% less surface area than the Kube 12 MIE 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 KEF Kube 12 MIE weighs 18.60kg / 40.9lbs. This makes the Kube 12 MIE 98% heavier than the Kube 8 MIE.
Here is a comparison of how Kube 8 MIE and Kube 12 MIE'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 KEF Kube 12 MIE?
Here are the items that come with the Kube 12 MIE:
Kube 12 MIE subwoofer Power cord Euroblock speaker level connector User manual and warranty information
 Height |
293mm
vs
410mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
908cm2 (293x310mm)
vs
1611cm2 (393x410mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
 Price per pair* |
599USD
vs
999USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
 Woofer Size |
12 inches
vs
8 inches
|
Larger woofer |
| Low Frequency Response |
22 Hz
vs
34 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
| General |
KEF Kube 8 MIE |
KEF Kube 12 MIE |
| Brand |
KEF |
KEF |
| Speaker Type |
Powered Subwoofer |
Powered Subwoofer |
| Max Amplifier Output |
300 watts |
300 watts |
| Frequency Response |
34-140 Hz |
22-140 Hz |
Amplifier |
|
|
| Watts RMS (Continuous) |
300-watt RMS |
300-watt RMS |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
8" |
12" |
| Woofer Composition |
Polypropylene |
Polypropylene |
| Tweeter Size |
- |
- |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Crossover Frequency |
40-140 Hz |
40-140 Hz |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
293.0mm (11.5") |
410.0mm (16.1") |
| Width |
293.0mm (11.5") |
393.0mm (15.5") |
| Depth |
310.0mm (12.2") |
410.0mm (16.1") |
| Weight |
9.40kg (20.7lbs) |
18.60kg (40.9lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Acoustic Suspension |
Acoustic Suspension |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
2 Years |
2 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
2 Years |
2 Years |