In this review, we will be comparing Monitor XT10 and KUBE 8b, 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 Monitor XT10 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 Polk Monitor XT10 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.
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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 Monitor XT10and KEF KUBE 8b have a single woofer setup however the Polk Monitor XT10's woofer is 10-inch whereas the KEF KUBE 8b features a 8-inch woofer.
Frequency Response
Monitor XT10 has a frequency range of 24-160 Hz whereas KUBE 8b has a frequency range of 34-140 Hz. With a minimum frequency of 24Hz, the Monitor XT10 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 Polk Monitor XT10 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 Polk Monitor XT10's and KEF KUBE 8b's external dimensions. Polk Monitor XT10 has external dimensions of 399.0 x 302.0 x 422.0mm ( 15-11/16 x 11-7/8 x 16-5/8inch) 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) .
Polk Monitor XT10 is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 6mm wider, 105mm taller and 83mm 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 Polk Monitor XT10 is approximately 1274.4cm2 / 197.5inch2 and base area of the KEF KUBE 8b is approximately 1003.4cm2 / 155.5inch2. The Monitor XT10 requires 27% more surface area than the KUBE 8b which gives it a small disadvantage on placement in tight spaces.