In this review, we will be comparing Kube 8 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 8 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 8 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.
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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 Klipsch R-100SW have a single woofer setup however the KEF Kube 8 MIE's woofer is 8-inch whereas the Klipsch R-100SW features a 10-inch woofer.
Frequency Response
Kube 8 MIE has a frequency range of 34-140 Hz whereas R-100SW has a frequency range of 32-120 Hz. With a minimum frequency of 32Hz, the R-100SW 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 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 8 MIE's and Klipsch R-100SW'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 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 clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 27mm wider, 79mm taller and 149mm 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 Klipsch R-100SW is approximately 1468.8cm2 / 227.7inch2. The Kube 8 MIE requires 38% less surface area than the R-100SW 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 Klipsch R-100SW weighs 10.91kg / 24lbs. This makes the R-100SW 16% heavier than the Kube 8 MIE.
Here is a comparison of how Kube 8 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 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 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
 High Frequency Response |
140k Hz
vs
120k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Height |
293mm
vs
372mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
908cm2 (293x310mm)
vs
1468cm2 (320x459mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
 Wireless Operation |
Optional
vs
No
|
Connect your subwoofer to your system wireless |
 Woofer Size |
10 inches
vs
8 inches
|
Larger woofer |
| Low Frequency Response |
32 Hz
vs
34 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 Price per pair* |
275USD
vs
599USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
| General |
KEF Kube 8 MIE |
Klipsch R-100SW |
| Brand |
KEF |
Klipsch |
| Speaker Type |
Powered Subwoofer |
Powered Subwoofer |
| Max Amplifier Output |
300 watts |
150 watts |
| Frequency Response |
34-140 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 |
8" |
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 |
293.0mm (11.5") |
372.0mm (14.6") |
| Width |
293.0mm (11.5") |
320.0mm (12.6") |
| Depth |
310.0mm (12.2") |
459.0mm (18.1") |
| Weight |
9.40kg (20.7lbs) |
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 |