In this review, we will be comparing R212s and KUBE 8b, two Powered Subwoofer speakers from Perlisten 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 Perlisten R212s and KEF KUBE 8b first before getting into our more detailed comparison.
The sections below take each area in turn: driver and amplifier, frequency response, physical size and connectivity.
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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.Perlisten R212s and KEF KUBE 8b have a totally different setup: the Perlisten R212s features x -inch drivers whereas the KUBE 8b features 1 x 8-inch drivers.
Frequency Response
R212s has a frequency range of 20-256 Hz whereas KUBE 8b has a frequency range of 34-140 Hz. With a minimum frequency of 20Hz, the R212s 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 Perlisten R212s 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
The size of a speaker can sometimes be an important decision factor due to space constraints or in some cases purely for esthetic reasons. In this section, we are going to compare Perlisten R212s's and KEF KUBE 8b's external dimensions. Perlisten R212s has external dimensions of 599.9 x 410.0 x 500.1mm (23.62 x 16.14 x 19.69inch) 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).
Perlisten R212s is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 114mm wider, 305.9mm taller and 161.1mm deeper than KEF KUBE 8b.
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 Perlisten R212s is approximately 2050.4cm2 / 317.8inch2 and base area of the KEF KUBE 8b is approximately 1003.4cm2 / 155.5inch2. The R212s requires 104% 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 Perlisten R212s weighs 48.20kg / 106lbs and the KEF KUBE 8b weighs 11.36kg / 25lbs. This makes the R212s 324% heavier than the KUBE 8b.
Here is a comparison of how R212s and KUBE 8b's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Powered Subwoofer class.
Weight
All Subwoofer Speakers
 Low Frequency Response |
20 Hz
vs
34 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
256k Hz
vs
140k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
| Woofer Size |
8 inches
vs
inches
|
Larger woofer |
 Height |
294mm
vs
599mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
1003cm2
vs
2050cm2
|
Takes less floor space |
 Price per pair* |
600USD
vs
5495USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
| General |
Perlisten R212s |
KEF KUBE 8b |
| Brand |
Perlisten |
KEF |
| Speaker Type |
Powered Subwoofer |
Powered Subwoofer |
| Frequency Response |
20-256 Hz |
34-140 Hz |
Amplifier |
|
|
| Watts RMS (Continuous) |
n/a |
300-watt RMS |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
|
1 |
| Woofer Size |
" |
8" |
| Woofer Composition |
|
|
| Tweeter Size |
- |
- |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Crossover Frequency |
n/a |
40-140 Hz |
| Firing Direction |
n/a |
front |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
599.9mm (23.6") |
294.0mm (11.6") |
| Width |
410.0mm (16.1") |
296.0mm (11.7") |
| Depth |
500.1mm (19.7") |
339.0mm (13.3") |
| Weight |
48.20kg (106lbs) |
11.36kg (25lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Acoustic Suspension |
| Grille |
Yes |
n/a |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
|
2 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
|
2 Years |