In this review, we will be comparing SB-3000 R|Evolution and KUBE 8b, 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 SB-3000 R|Evolution 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.Both SVS SB-3000 R|Evolutionand KEF KUBE 8b have a single woofer setup however the SVS SB-3000 R|Evolution's woofer is 13-inch whereas the KEF KUBE 8b features a 8-inch woofer.
Frequency Response
SB-3000 R|Evolution has a frequency range of 17-230 Hz whereas KUBE 8b has a frequency range of 34-140 Hz. With a minimum frequency of 17Hz, the SB-3000 R|Evolution 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
Both SVS SB-3000 R|Evolution and KEF KUBE 8b have Acoustic Suspension type cabinets. 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 SVS SB-3000 R|Evolution's and KEF KUBE 8b's external dimensions. SVS SB-3000 R|Evolution has external dimensions of 396.0 x 386.0 x 427.0mm (15-9/16 x 15-3/16 x 16-13/16inch) 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).
SVS SB-3000 R|Evolution is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 90mm wider, 102mm taller and 88mm 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 SVS SB-3000 R|Evolution is approximately 1648.2cm2 / 255.5inch2 and base area of the KEF KUBE 8b is approximately 1003.4cm2 / 155.5inch2. The SB-3000 R|Evolution requires 64% more surface area than the KUBE 8b which gives it a small disadvantage on placement in tight spaces.