In this review, we will be comparing R-101SW 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 R-101SW 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 R-101SW 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 R-101SWand KEF KUBE 8b have a single woofer setup however the Klipsch R-101SW's woofer is 10-inch whereas the KEF KUBE 8b features a 8-inch woofer.
Frequency Response
R-101SW has a frequency range of 29.5-160 Hz whereas KUBE 8b has a frequency range of 34-140 Hz. With a minimum frequency of 30Hz, the R-101SW can go slightly deeper then 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 R-101SW 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 R-101SW's and KEF KUBE 8b's external dimensions. Klipsch R-101SW has external dimensions of 370.0 x 358.0 x 529.0mm ( 14-9/16inch x 14-1/16inch x 20-13/16inch ) 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 R-101SW is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 62mm wider, 76mm taller and 190mm deeper than KEF KUBE 8b.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of Klipsch R-101SW and KEF KUBE 8b in scale.
Comparison image of Klipsch R-101SW 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 R-101SW is approximately 1893.8cm2 / 293.5inch2 and base area of the KEF KUBE 8b is approximately 1003.4cm2 / 155.5inch2. The R-101SW requires 89% 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 R-101SW weighs 13.91kg / 30.6lbs and the KEF KUBE 8b weighs 11.36kg / 25lbs. This makes the R-101SW 22% heavier than the KUBE 8b.
Here is a comparison of how R-101SW and KUBE 8b's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Powered Subwoofer class.
Weight
All Subwoofer Speakers
What's in the Box of Klipsch R-101SW?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of R-101SW:
Powered subwooferGrille6.5-feet AC power cordUser ManualImportant Safety InstructionsWarranty Information
What's in the Box of KEF KUBE 8b?
Here are the items that come with the KUBE 8b:
Powered subwoofer6.5-feet AC power cordSpeaker-level input blockUser ManualImportant Safety InformationWarranty Information
 Woofer Size |
10 inches
vs
8 inches
|
Larger woofer |
| Low Frequency Response |
30 Hz
vs
34 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
160k Hz
vs
140k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Price per pair* |
499USD
vs
600USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
 Height |
294mm
vs
370mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
1003cm2 (296x339mm)
vs
1893cm2 (358x529mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
| General |
Klipsch Reference R-101SW |
KEF KUBE 8b |
| Brand |
Klipsch |
KEF |
| Speaker Type |
Powered Subwoofer |
Powered Subwoofer |
| Max Amplifier Output |
150 watts |
300 watts |
| Frequency Response |
29.5-160 Hz |
34-140 Hz |
Amplifier |
|
|
| Watts RMS (Continuous) |
150-watt RMS |
300-watt RMS |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
10" |
8" |
| Woofer Composition |
Spun-Copper TCP |
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 |
370.0mm (14.6") |
294.0mm (11.6") |
| Width |
358.0mm (14.1") |
296.0mm (11.7") |
| Depth |
529.0mm (20.8") |
339.0mm (13.3") |
| Weight |
13.91kg (30.6lbs) |
11.36kg (25lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Acoustic Suspension |
| Grille |
Yes |
n/a |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
2 Years |
2 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
2 Years |
2 Years |