In this review, we will be comparing SUB8 v2 and S8, two Powered Subwoofer speakers from Kanto and Audioengine. 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 Kanto SUB8 v2 and Audioengine S8 first before getting into our more detailed comparison.
In the following sections, we will get into details in order to better understand how the Kanto SUB8 v2 and Audioengine S8 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.Kanto SUB8 v2and Audioengine S8 have the same driver set up: Both subwoofers have 1 x 8" drivers.
Frequency Response
SUB8 v2 has a frequency range of 35-175 Hz whereas S8 has a frequency range of 27-180 Hz. With a minimum frequency of 27Hz, the S8 can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the SUB8 v2's min frequency of 35Hz.
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 Kanto SUB8 v2 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 Audioengine S8 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 Kanto SUB8 v2's and Audioengine S8's external dimensions. Kanto SUB8 v2 has external dimensions of 302.0 x 281.0 x 326.0mm ( 11-7/8inch x 11-1/16inch x 12-13/16inch ) whereas Audioengine S8 has external dimensions of 334.0 x 293.0 x 337.0mm ( 13-1/8 x 11-1/2 x 13-1/4inch) .
Audioengine S8 is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 12mm wider, 32mm taller and 11mm deeper than Kanto SUB8 v2.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of Kanto SUB8 v2 and Audioengine S8 in scale.
Comparison image of Kanto SUB8 v2 and Audioengine S8 Size and External Dimensions
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 Kanto SUB8 v2 is approximately 916.1cm2 / 142.0inch2 and base area of the Audioengine S8 is approximately 987.4cm2 / 153.0inch2. The SUB8 v2 requires 7% less surface area than the S8 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 Kanto SUB8 v2 weighs 7.82kg / 17.2lbs and the Audioengine S8 weighs 13.64kg / 30lbs. This makes the S8 74% heavier than the SUB8 v2.
Here is a comparison of how SUB8 v2 and S8's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Powered Subwoofer class.
Weight
All Subwoofer Speakers
What's in the Box of Kanto SUB8 v2?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of SUB8 v2:
Powered subwoofer6-feet AC power cord10-feet mono-RCA cableUser ManualUser Manual Language Update Note
What's in the Box of Audioengine S8?
Here are the items that come with the S8:
Powered subwoofer6-feet AC power cord6.5-feet Stereo RCA cable6.5-feet Stereo minijack audio cableCloth subwoofer bagCloth cable bagQuick Start GuideAudioengine brochure
 Height |
302mm
vs
334mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
916cm2
vs
987cm2
|
Takes less floor space |
 Price per pair* |
240USD
vs
349USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
 Low Frequency Response |
27 Hz
vs
35 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
180k Hz
vs
175k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
| General |
Kanto SUB8 v2 |
Audioengine S8 |
| Brand |
Kanto |
Audioengine |
| Speaker Type |
Powered Subwoofer |
Powered Subwoofer |
| Max Amplifier Output |
150 watts |
125 watts |
| Frequency Response |
35-175 Hz |
27-180 Hz |
Amplifier |
|
|
| Watts RMS (Continuous) |
150-watt RMS |
125-watt RMS |
| Watts Peak (Max) |
300-watt RMS |
n/a |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
8" |
8" |
| Woofer Composition |
Paper |
Treated paper |
| Tweeter Size |
- |
- |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Firing Direction |
front |
bottom |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
302.0mm (11.9") |
334.0mm (13.1") |
| Width |
281.0mm (11.1") |
293.0mm (11.5") |
| Depth |
326.0mm (12.8") |
337.0mm (13.3") |
| Weight |
7.82kg (17.2lbs) |
13.64kg (30lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Acoustic Suspension |
Bass Reflex |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
2 Years |
3 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
2 Years |
3 Years |