In this review, we will be comparing SPL-100 and KUBE 12b, 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 SPL-100 and KEF KUBE 12b 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 SPL-100 and KEF KUBE 12b 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 SPL-100and KEF KUBE 12b have a single woofer setup however the Klipsch SPL-100's woofer is 10-inch whereas the KEF KUBE 12b features a 12-inch woofer.
Frequency Response
SPL-100 has a frequency range of 27-125 Hz whereas KUBE 12b has a frequency range of 22-140 Hz. With a minimum frequency of 22Hz, the KUBE 12b can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the SPL-100's min frequency of 27Hz.
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 SPL-100 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 12b 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 SPL-100's and KEF KUBE 12b's external dimensions. Klipsch SPL-100 has external dimensions of 418.0 x 358.0 x 478.0mm ( 16-7/16 x 14-1/16 x 18-13/16inch) whereas KEF KUBE 12b has external dimensions of 410.0 x 396.0 x 442.0mm ( 16-1/8 x 15-9/16 x 17-3/8inch) .
KEF KUBE 12b is 8mm shorter and 36mm less deeper than Klipsch SPL-100 but it is also 38mm wider.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of Klipsch SPL-100 and KEF KUBE 12b in scale.
Comparison image of Klipsch SPL-100 and KEF KUBE 12b 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 SPL-100 is approximately 1711.2cm2 / 265.2inch2 and base area of the KEF KUBE 12b is approximately 1750.3cm2 / 271.3inch2. The SPL-100 requires 2% less surface area than the KUBE 12b 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 Klipsch SPL-100 weighs 16.82kg / 37lbs and the KEF KUBE 12b weighs 20.68kg / 45.5lbs. This makes the KUBE 12b 23% heavier than the SPL-100.
Here is a comparison of how SPL-100 and KUBE 12b'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 SPL-100?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of SPL-100:
Powered subGrille6.5-feet AC power cordUser ManualImportant Safety InstructionsWarranty Information
What's in the Box of KEF KUBE 12b?
Here are the items that come with the KUBE 12b:
Powered subwoofer6.5-feet AC power cordSpeaker-level input blockUser ManualImportant Safety InformationWarranty Information
 Base Surface Area |
1711cm2 (358x478mm)
vs
1750cm2 (396x442mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
 Price per pair* |
399USD
vs
900USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
 Woofer Size |
12 inches
vs
10 inches
|
Larger woofer |
| Low Frequency Response |
22 Hz
vs
27 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
140k Hz
vs
125k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Height |
410mm
vs
418mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
| General |
Klipsch SPL-100 |
KEF KUBE 12b |
| Brand |
Klipsch |
KEF |
| Speaker Type |
Powered Subwoofer |
Powered Subwoofer |
| Max Amplifier Output |
200 watts |
300 watts |
| Frequency Response |
27-125 Hz |
22-140 Hz |
Amplifier |
|
|
| Watts RMS (Continuous) |
200-watt RMS |
300-watt RMS |
| Watts Peak (Max) |
450-watt RMS |
n/a |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
10" |
12" |
| 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 |
418.0mm (16.5") |
410.0mm (16.1") |
| Width |
358.0mm (14.1") |
396.0mm (15.6") |
| Depth |
478.0mm (18.8") |
442.0mm (17.4") |
| Weight |
16.82kg (37lbs) |
20.68kg (45.5lbs) |
| 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 |