In this review, we will be comparing Dynamo 800X and KUBE 10b, two Powered Subwoofer speakers from MartinLogan 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 MartinLogan 800X and KEF KUBE 10b first before getting into our more detailed comparison.
In the following sections, we will get into details in order to better understand how the MartinLogan 800X and KEF KUBE 10b compare and hopefully end up with enough arguments to decide which one of these subwoofers is the better choice for you.
**This post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking through my links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Drivers
The efficiency of a subwoofer is directly proportional to the total radiating are squared hence the woofer quantity and diameter.MartinLogan 800Xand KEF KUBE 10b have the same driver set up: Both subwoofers have 1 x 10" drivers.
Frequency Response
Dynamo 800X has a frequency range of 24-200 Hz whereas KUBE 10b has a frequency range of 24-140 Hz.
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
Both MartinLogan 800X and KEF KUBE 10b have Acoustic Suspension type cabinets. 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 MartinLogan 800X's and KEF KUBE 10b's external dimensions. MartinLogan 800X has external dimensions of 351.0 x 318.0 x 350.0mm ( 13-13/16 x 12-1/2 x 13-3/4inch) whereas KEF KUBE 10b has external dimensions of 372.0 x 356.0 x 397.0mm ( 14-5/8 x 14 x 15-5/8inch) .
KEF KUBE 10b is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 38mm wider, 21mm taller and 47mm deeper than MartinLogan 800X.
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 MartinLogan 800X is approximately 1113.0cm2 / 172.5inch2 and base area of the KEF KUBE 10b is approximately 1413.3cm2 / 219.1inch2. The Dynamo 800X requires 21% less surface area than the KUBE 10b 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 MartinLogan 800X weighs 13.64kg / 30lbs and the KEF KUBE 10b weighs 17.50kg / 38.5lbs. This makes the KUBE 10b 28% heavier than the Dynamo 800X.
Here is a comparison of how Dynamo 800X and KUBE 10b's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Powered Subwoofer class.
Weight
All Subwoofer Speakers
What's in the Box of MartinLogan 800X?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of Dynamo 800X:
Powered subwooferGrille6.5-feet AC power cordUser-feets Manual
What's in the Box of KEF KUBE 10b?
Here are the items that come with the KUBE 10b:
Powered subwoofer6.5-feet AC power cordSpeaker-level input blockUser ManualImportant Safety InformationWarranty Information
 High Frequency Response |
200k Hz
vs
140k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 App-Based Control |
iOS,Android
vs
None
|
Control the speaker via an app |
 Height |
351mm
vs
372mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
1113cm2 (318x350mm)
vs
1413cm2 (356x397mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
 Price per pair* |
750USD
vs
900USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
| General |
MartinLogan Dynamo 800X |
KEF KUBE 10b |
| Brand |
MartinLogan |
KEF |
| Speaker Type |
Powered Subwoofer |
Powered Subwoofer |
| Max Amplifier Output |
300 watts |
300 watts |
| Frequency Response |
24-200 Hz |
24-140 Hz |
Amplifier |
|
|
| Watts RMS (Continuous) |
300-watt RMS |
300-watt RMS |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
10" |
10" |
| Woofer Composition |
Polypropylene |
Not given |
| Tweeter Size |
- |
- |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Crossover Frequency |
n/a |
40-140 Hz |
| Firing Direction |
front and bottom |
front |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
351.0mm (13.8") |
372.0mm (14.6") |
| Width |
318.0mm (12.5") |
356.0mm (14") |
| Depth |
350.0mm (13.8") |
397.0mm (15.6") |
| Weight |
13.64kg (30lbs) |
17.50kg (38.5lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Acoustic Suspension |
Acoustic Suspension |
| Available Colors |
Satin Black |
n/a |
| Grille |
Yes |
n/a |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
3 Yrs w/ Registration |
2 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
3 Yrs w/ Registration |
2 Years |