In this review, we will be comparing PB-1000 and KUBE 12b, two Powered Subwoofer speakers from SVS 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 SVS PB-1000 and KEF KUBE 12b first before getting into our more detailed comparison.
In the following sections, we will get into details in order to better understand how the SVS PB-1000 and KEF KUBE 12b 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 SVS PB-1000and KEF KUBE 12b have a single woofer setup however the SVS PB-1000's woofer is 10-inch whereas the KEF KUBE 12b features a 12-inch woofer.
Frequency Response
PB-1000 has a frequency range of 19-270 Hz whereas KUBE 12b has a frequency range of 22-140 Hz. With a minimum frequency of 19Hz, the PB-1000 can go slightly deeper then the KUBE 12b's min frequency of 22Hz.
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 SVS PB-1000 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 12b 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 SVS PB-1000's and KEF KUBE 12b's external dimensions. SVS PB-1000 has external dimensions of 480.0 x 381.0 x 532.0mm ( 18-7/8 x 15 x 20-15/16inch) whereas KEF KUBE 12b has external dimensions of 410.0 x 396.0 x 442.0mm ( 16-1/8 x 15-9/16 x 17-3/8inch) .
KEF KUBE 12b is 70mm shorter and 90mm less deeper than SVS PB-1000 but it is also 15mm wider.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of SVS PB-1000 and KEF KUBE 12b in scale.
Comparison image of SVS PB-1000 and KEF KUBE 12b 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 SVS PB-1000 is approximately 2026.9cm2 / 314.2inch2 and base area of the KEF KUBE 12b is approximately 1750.3cm2 / 271.3inch2. The PB-1000 requires 16% more surface area than the KUBE 12b 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 SVS PB-1000 weighs 20.91kg / 46lbs and the KEF KUBE 12b weighs 20.68kg / 45.5lbs. This makes the PB-1000 1% heavier than the KUBE 12b.
Here is a comparison of how PB-1000 and KUBE 12b's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Powered Subwoofer class.
Weight
All Subwoofer Speakers
What's in the Box of SVS PB-1000?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of PB-1000:
Powered subwooferGrille (installed)6-feet AC power cordOwners ManualImportant Safety Instructions
What's in the Box of KEF KUBE 12b?
Here are the items that come with the KUBE 12b:
Powered subwoofer6.5-feet AC power cordSpeaker-level input blockUser ManualImportant Safety InformationWarranty Information
 Low Frequency Response |
19 Hz
vs
22 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
270k Hz
vs
140k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Price per pair* |
499USD
vs
900USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
| Woofer Size |
12 inches
vs
10 inches
|
Larger woofer |
 Height |
410mm
vs
480mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
1750cm2 (396x442mm)
vs
2026cm2 (381x532mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
 Wireless Operation |
Optional
vs
No
|
Connect your subwoofer to your system wireless |
| General |
SVS PB-1000 |
KEF KUBE 12b |
| Brand |
SVS |
KEF |
| Speaker Type |
Powered Subwoofer |
Powered Subwoofer |
| Max Amplifier Output |
300 watts |
300 watts |
| Frequency Response |
19-270 Hz |
22-140 Hz |
Amplifier |
|
|
| Watts RMS (Continuous) |
300-watt RMS |
300-watt RMS |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
10" |
12" |
| Woofer Composition |
Fiber-composite |
Not given |
| Tweeter Size |
- |
- |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Crossover Frequency |
50-160 Hz and 80 Hz |
40-140 Hz |
| Firing Direction |
front |
front |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
480.0mm (18.9") |
410.0mm (16.1") |
| Width |
381.0mm (15") |
396.0mm (15.6") |
| Depth |
532.0mm (20.9") |
442.0mm (17.4") |
| Weight |
20.91kg (46lbs) |
20.68kg (45.5lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Acoustic Suspension |
| Grille |
Yes |
n/a |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
5 Years |
2 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
5 Years |
2 Years |