In this review, we will be comparing Defiance V8 and KUBE 8b, two Powered Subwoofer speakers from Paradigm 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 Paradigm Defiance V8 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 Paradigm Defiance V8 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.
**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.Paradigm Defiance V8and KEF KUBE 8b have the same driver set up: Both subwoofers have 1 x 8" drivers.
Frequency Response
Defiance V8 has a frequency range of 34-200 Hz whereas KUBE 8b has a frequency range of 34-140 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
The Paradigm Defiance V8 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 Paradigm Defiance V8's and KEF KUBE 8b's external dimensions. Paradigm Defiance V8 has external dimensions of 361.0 x 326.0 x 399.0mm ( 14-3/16inch x 12-13/16inch x 15-11/16inch ) 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) .
Paradigm Defiance V8 is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 30mm wider, 67mm taller and 60mm deeper than KEF KUBE 8b.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of Paradigm Defiance V8 and KEF KUBE 8b in scale.
Comparison image of Paradigm Defiance V8 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 Paradigm Defiance V8 is approximately 1300.7cm2 / 201.6inch2 and base area of the KEF KUBE 8b is approximately 1003.4cm2 / 155.5inch2. The Defiance V8 requires 30% 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 Paradigm Defiance V8 weighs 12.05kg / 26.5lbs and the KEF KUBE 8b weighs 11.36kg / 25lbs. This makes the Defiance V8 6% heavier than the KUBE 8b.
Here is a comparison of how Defiance V8 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 Paradigm Defiance V8?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of Defiance V8:
Powered subwooferGrille6.5-feetAC power cordOwners ManualOnline Registration CardImportant Unboxing 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
 High Frequency Response |
200k Hz
vs
140k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Price per pair* |
480USD
vs
600USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
 Height |
294mm
vs
361mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
1003cm2 (296x339mm)
vs
1300cm2 (326x399mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
| General |
Paradigm Defiance V8 |
KEF KUBE 8b |
| Brand |
Paradigm |
KEF |
| Speaker Type |
Powered Subwoofer |
Powered Subwoofer |
| Max Amplifier Output |
75 watts |
300 watts |
| Frequency Response |
34-200 Hz |
34-140 Hz |
Amplifier |
|
|
| Watts RMS (Continuous) |
75-watt RMS |
300-watt RMS |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
8" |
8" |
| Woofer Composition |
Carbon-loaded polypropylene |
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 |
361.0mm (14.2") |
294.0mm (11.6") |
| Width |
326.0mm (12.8") |
296.0mm (11.7") |
| Depth |
399.0mm (15.7") |
339.0mm (13.3") |
| Weight |
12.05kg (26.5lbs) |
11.36kg (25lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Acoustic Suspension |
| Grille |
Yes |
n/a |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
3 Years |
2 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
3 Years |
2 Years |