In this review, we will be comparing RP-1600SW and KUBE 8b, two Powered Subwoofer speakers from Klipsch and 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 Klipsch RP-1600SW and KEF KUBE 8b first before getting into our more detailed comparison.
In the following sections, we will get into details in order to better understand how the Klipsch RP-1600SW and KEF KUBE 8b 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 Klipsch RP-1600SWand KEF KUBE 8b have a single woofer setup however the Klipsch RP-1600SW's woofer is 16-inch whereas the KEF KUBE 8b features a 8-inch woofer.
Frequency Response
RP-1600SW has a frequency range of 14.5-175 Hz whereas KUBE 8b has a frequency range of 34-140 Hz. With a minimum frequency of 15Hz, the RP-1600SW can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the KUBE 8b'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 Klipsch RP-1600SW has a Bass Reflex type cabinet. 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. On the other hand the KEF KUBE 8b have Acoustic Suspension type enclosure. 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 Klipsch RP-1600SW's and KEF KUBE 8b's external dimensions. Klipsch RP-1600SW has external dimensions of 596.0 x 597.0 x 696.0mm ( 23-7/16inch x 23-1/2inch x 27-3/8inch ) whereas KEF KUBE 8b has external dimensions of 294.0 x 296.0 x 339.0mm ( 11-9/16 x 11-5/8 x 13-5/16inch) .
Klipsch RP-1600SW is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 301mm wider, 302mm taller and 357mm deeper than KEF KUBE 8b.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of Klipsch RP-1600SW and KEF KUBE 8b in scale.
Comparison image of Klipsch RP-1600SW and KEF KUBE 8b 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 Klipsch RP-1600SW is approximately 4155.1cm2 / 644.0inch2 and base area of the KEF KUBE 8b is approximately 1003.4cm2 / 155.5inch2. The RP-1600SW requires 314% more surface area than the KUBE 8b 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 Klipsch RP-1600SW weighs 50.00kg / 110lbs and the KEF KUBE 8b weighs 11.36kg / 25lbs. This makes the RP-1600SW 340% heavier than the KUBE 8b.
Here is a comparison of how RP-1600SW and KUBE 8b's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Powered Subwoofer class.
Weight
All Subwoofer Speakers
 Woofer Size |
16 inches
vs
8 inches
|
Larger woofer |
| Low Frequency Response |
15 Hz
vs
34 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
175k Hz
vs
140k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Wireless Operation |
Optional
vs
No
|
Connect your subwoofer to your system wireless |
 Height |
294mm
vs
596mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
1003cm2 (296x339mm)
vs
4155cm2 (597x696mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
 Price per pair* |
600USD
vs
1799USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
| General |
Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-1600SW |
KEF KUBE 8b |
| Brand |
Klipsch |
KEF |
| Speaker Type |
Powered Subwoofer |
Powered Subwoofer |
| Max Amplifier Output |
800 watts |
300 watts |
| Frequency Response |
14.5-175 Hz |
34-140 Hz |
Amplifier |
|
|
| Watts RMS (Continuous) |
800-watt RMS |
300-watt RMS |
| Watts Peak (Max) |
1600-watt RMS |
n/a |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
16" |
8" |
| Woofer Composition |
Cerametallic |
Not given |
| Tweeter Size |
- |
- |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Crossover Frequency |
n/a |
40-140 Hz |
| Firing Direction |
front |
front |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
596.0mm (23.5") |
294.0mm (11.6") |
| Width |
597.0mm (23.5") |
296.0mm (11.7") |
| Depth |
696.0mm (27.4") |
339.0mm (13.3") |
| Weight |
50.00kg (110lbs) |
11.36kg (25lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Acoustic Suspension |
| Finish |
MDF with Vinyl |
n/a |
| Available Colors |
Ebony |
n/a |
| Grille |
Yes |
n/a |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
5 years |
2 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
5 years |
2 Years |