In this review, we will be comparing HTS 12 and KUBE 10b, two Powered Subwoofer speakers from Polk Audio 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 Polk HTS 12 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 Polk HTS 12 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.
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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 Polk HTS 12and KEF KUBE 10b have a single woofer setup however the Polk HTS 12's woofer is 12-inch whereas the KEF KUBE 10b features a 10-inch woofer.
Frequency Response
HTS 12 has a frequency range of 28-120 Hz whereas KUBE 10b has a frequency range of 24-140 Hz. With a minimum frequency of 24Hz, the KUBE 10b can go slightly deeper then the HTS 12's min frequency of 28Hz.
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 Polk HTS 12 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 10b 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.
Polk HTS 12 Port
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 Polk HTS 12's and KEF KUBE 10b's external dimensions. Polk HTS 12 has external dimensions of 478.0 x 437.0 x 510.0mm ( 18-13/16 x 17-3/16 x 20-1/16inch) 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) .
Polk HTS 12 is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 81mm wider, 106mm taller and 113mm deeper than KEF KUBE 10b.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of Polk HTS 12 and KEF KUBE 10b in scale.
Comparison image of Polk HTS 12 and KEF KUBE 10b 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 Polk HTS 12 is approximately 2228.7cm2 / 345.4inch2 and base area of the KEF KUBE 10b is approximately 1413.3cm2 / 219.1inch2. The HTS 12 requires 58% more surface area than the KUBE 10b 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 Polk HTS 12 weighs 22.68kg / 49.9lbs and the KEF KUBE 10b weighs 17.50kg / 38.5lbs. This makes the HTS 12 30% heavier than the KUBE 10b.
Here is a comparison of how HTS 12 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 Polk HTS 12?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of HTS 12:
Powered subwooferGrille8-feet AC power cordOwners ManualOnline Product Registration sheet
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
 Woofer Size |
12 inches
vs
10 inches
|
Larger woofer |
 Price per pair* |
549USD
vs
750USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
| Low Frequency Response |
24 Hz
vs
28 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
140k Hz
vs
120k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Height |
372mm
vs
478mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
1413cm2 (356x397mm)
vs
2228cm2 (437x510mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
 Wireless Operation |
Optional
vs
No
|
Connect your subwoofer to your system wireless |
| General |
Polk Audio HTS 12 |
KEF KUBE 10b |
| Brand |
Polk Audio |
KEF |
| Speaker Type |
Powered Subwoofer |
Powered Subwoofer |
| Max Amplifier Output |
200 watts |
300 watts |
| Frequency Response |
28-120 Hz |
24-140 Hz |
Amplifier |
|
|
| Watts RMS (Continuous) |
200-watt RMS |
300-watt RMS |
| Watts Peak (Max) |
400-watt RMS |
n/a |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
12" |
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 |
front |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
478.0mm (18.8") |
372.0mm (14.6") |
| Width |
437.0mm (17.2") |
356.0mm (14") |
| Depth |
510.0mm (20.1") |
397.0mm (15.6") |
| Weight |
22.68kg (49.9lbs) |
17.50kg (38.5lbs) |
| 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 |