In this review, we will be comparing SA-CS9 and Cub3, two Powered Subwoofer speakers from Sony and Focal. 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 Sony SA-CS9 and Focal Cub3 first before getting into our more detailed comparison.
In the following sections, we will get into details in order to better understand how the Sony SA-CS9 and Focal Cub3 compare and hopefully end up with enough arguments to decide which one of these subwoofers is the better choice for you.
**This post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking through my links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Drivers
The efficiency of a subwoofer is directly proportional to the total radiating are squared hence the woofer quantity and diameter.Both Sony SA-CS9and Focal Cub3 have a single woofer setup however the Sony SA-CS9's woofer is 10-inch whereas the Focal Cub3 features a 8-inch woofer.
Frequency Response
SA-CS9 has a frequency range of 28-200 HZ whereas Cub3 has a frequency range of 40-150 Hz. With a minimum frequency of 28Hz, the SA-CS9 can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the Cub3's min frequency of 40Hz.
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 Sony SA-CS9 and Focal Cub3 have Bass Reflex type cabinets. 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.
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 Sony SA-CS9's and Focal Cub3's external dimensions. Sony SA-CS9 has external dimensions of 295 x 345 x 400 mm ( 11.6 x 13.6 x 15.7 inch) whereas Focal Cub3 has external dimensions of 332.0 x 302.0 x 355.0mm ( 13-1/16inch x 11-7/8inch x 13-15/16inch ) .
Focal Cub3 is 13mm shorter and 45mm less deeper than Sony SA-CS9 but it is also 7mm wider.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of Sony SA-CS9 and Focal Cub3 in scale.
Comparison image of Sony SA-CS9 and Focal Cub3 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 Sony SA-CS9 is approximately 1180.0cm2 / 182.9inch2 and base area of the Focal Cub3 is approximately 1072.1cm2 / 166.2inch2. The SA-CS9 requires 10% more surface area than the Cub3 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 Sony SA-CS9 weighs 11.50kg / 25.3lbs and the Focal Cub3 weighs 10.09kg / 22.2lbs. This makes the SA-CS9 14% heavier than the Cub3.
Here is a comparison of how SA-CS9 and Cub3's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Powered Subwoofer class.
Weight
All Subwoofer Speakers
What's in the Box of Sony SA-CS9?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of SA-CS9:
Sony SA-CS9 10-inch 115W Subwoofer 6.5-feet Phono Cord 4 x Foot Pads Grille Limited 90-Day Manufacturer Warranty
What's in the Box of Focal Cub3?
Here are the items that come with the Cub3:
Powered subwoofer8-feet AC power cordUser ManualThank You Card
 Woofer Size |
10 inches
vs
8 inches
|
Larger woofer |
| Low Frequency Response |
28 Hz
vs
40 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
200k Hz
vs
150k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Price per pair* |
248USD
vs
261USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
 Height |
332mm
vs
345mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
1072cm2
vs
1180cm2
|
Takes less floor space |
| General |
Sony SA-CS9 |
Focal Cub3 |
| Brand |
Sony |
Focal |
| Speaker Type |
Powered Subwoofer |
Powered Subwoofer |
| Max Amplifier Output |
115 watts |
150 watts |
| Frequency Response |
28-200 HZ |
40-150 Hz |
Amplifier |
|
|
| Watts RMS (Continuous) |
115-watt RMS |
150-watt RMS |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
10" |
8" |
| Woofer Composition |
foamed-mica cellular reinforced |
Polyflex |
| Tweeter Size |
- |
- |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Firing Direction |
front |
bottom |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
345.0mm (13.6") |
332.0mm (13.1") |
| Width |
295.0mm (11.6") |
302.0mm (11.9") |
| Depth |
400.0mm (15.7") |
355.0mm (14") |
| Weight |
11.50kg (25.3lbs) |
10.09kg (22.2lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
| Available Colors |
Black |
n/a |
| Grille |
Yes |
n/a |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
|
3 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
|
3 Years |