In this review, we will be comparing SW-12 and KUBE 8b, two Powered Subwoofer speakers from Wharfedale 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 Wharfedale SW-12 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 Wharfedale SW-12 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 Wharfedale SW-12and KEF KUBE 8b have a single woofer setup however the Wharfedale SW-12's woofer is 12-inch whereas the KEF KUBE 8b features a 8-inch woofer.
Frequency Response
SW-12 has a frequency range of 35-120 Hz whereas KUBE 8b has a frequency range of 34-140 Hz. With a minimum frequency of 34Hz, the KUBE 8b can go slightly deeper then the SW-12's min frequency of 35Hz.
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 Wharfedale SW-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 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 Wharfedale SW-12's and KEF KUBE 8b's external dimensions. Wharfedale SW-12 has external dimensions of 480.0 x 402.0 x 512.0mm ( 18-7/8inch x 15-13/16inch x 20-1/8inch ) 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) .
Wharfedale SW-12 is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 106mm wider, 186mm taller and 173mm deeper than KEF KUBE 8b.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of Wharfedale SW-12 and KEF KUBE 8b in scale.
Comparison image of Wharfedale SW-12 and KEF KUBE 8b 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 Wharfedale SW-12 is approximately 2058.2cm2 / 319.0inch2 and base area of the KEF KUBE 8b is approximately 1003.4cm2 / 155.5inch2. The SW-12 requires 105% more surface area than the KUBE 8b 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 Wharfedale SW-12 weighs 21.54kg / 47.4lbs and the KEF KUBE 8b weighs 11.36kg / 25lbs. This makes the SW-12 90% heavier than the KUBE 8b.
Here is a comparison of how SW-12 and KUBE 8b's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Powered Subwoofer class.
Weight
All Subwoofer Speakers
What's in the Box of Wharfedale SW-12?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of SW-12:
Powered subwooferGrille6.5-feet AC power cordUser-feets Manual
What's in the Box of KEF KUBE 8b?
Here are the items that come with the KUBE 8b:
Powered subwoofer6.5-feet AC power cordSpeaker-level input blockUser ManualImportant Safety InformationWarranty Information
 Woofer Size |
12 inches
vs
8 inches
|
Larger woofer |
| Low Frequency Response |
34 Hz
vs
35 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
140k Hz
vs
120k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Height |
294mm
vs
480mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
1003cm2
vs
2058cm2
|
Takes less floor space |
 Price per pair* |
600USD
vs
999USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
| General |
Wharfedale SW-12 |
KEF KUBE 8b |
| Brand |
Wharfedale |
KEF |
| Speaker Type |
Powered Subwoofer |
Powered Subwoofer |
| Max Amplifier Output |
300 watts |
300 watts |
| Frequency Response |
35-120 Hz |
34-140 Hz |
Amplifier |
|
|
| Watts RMS (Continuous) |
300-watt RMS |
300-watt RMS |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
12" |
8" |
| Woofer Composition |
Paper |
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 |
480.0mm (18.9") |
294.0mm (11.6") |
| Width |
402.0mm (15.8") |
296.0mm (11.7") |
| Depth |
512.0mm (20.2") |
339.0mm (13.3") |
| Weight |
21.54kg (47.4lbs) |
11.36kg (25lbs) |
| 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 |