In this review, we will be comparing NS-SW100 and KUBE 10b, two Powered Subwoofer speakers from Yamaha 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 Yamaha NS-SW100 and KEF KUBE 10b 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.Yamaha NS-SW100and KEF KUBE 10b have the same driver set up: Both subwoofers have 1 x 10" drivers.
Frequency Response
NS-SW100 has a frequency range of 25-180 Hz whereas KUBE 10b has a frequency range of 24-140 Hz. With a minimum frequency of 24Hz, the KUBE 10b can go slightly deeper then the NS-SW100's min frequency of 25Hz.
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 Yamaha NS-SW100 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 10b 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
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 Yamaha NS-SW100's and KEF KUBE 10b's external dimensions. Yamaha NS-SW100 has external dimensions of 352.4 x 352.4 x 409.6mm (13.875 x 13.875 x 16.125inch) whereas KEF KUBE 10b has external dimensions of 372.0 x 356.0 x 397.0mm (14-5/8 x 14 x 15-5/8inch).
Yamaha NS-SW100 is 3.6mm narrower and 19.6mm shorter than KEF KUBE 10b but it is also 12.6mm deeper.
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 Yamaha NS-SW100 is approximately 1443.4cm2 / 223.7inch2 and base area of the KEF KUBE 10b is approximately 1413.3cm2 / 219.1inch2. The NS-SW100 requires 2% more surface area than the KUBE 10b 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 Yamaha NS-SW100 weighs 12.02kg / 26.4lbs and the KEF KUBE 10b weighs 17.50kg / 38.5lbs. This makes the KUBE 10b 46% heavier than the NS-SW100.
Here is a comparison of how NS-SW100 and KUBE 10b's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Powered Subwoofer class.
Weight
All Subwoofer Speakers
 High Frequency Response |
180k Hz
vs
140k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Height |
352mm
vs
372mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Price per pair* |
270USD
vs
750USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
 Low Frequency Response |
24 Hz
vs
25 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 Base Surface Area |
1413cm2
vs
1443cm2
|
Takes less floor space |
| General |
Yamaha NS-SW100 |
KEF KUBE 10b |
| Brand |
Yamaha |
KEF |
| Speaker Type |
Powered Subwoofer |
Powered Subwoofer |
| Max Amplifier Output |
50 watts |
300 watts |
| Frequency Response |
25-180 Hz |
24-140 Hz |
Amplifier |
|
|
| Watts RMS (Continuous) |
50-watt RMS |
300-watt RMS |
| Watts Peak (Max) |
100-watt RMS |
n/a |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
10" |
10" |
| Woofer Composition |
Cone |
|
| Tweeter Size |
- |
- |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Crossover Frequency |
n/a |
40-140 Hz |
| Firing Direction |
n/a |
front |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
352.4mm (13.9") |
372.0mm (14.6") |
| Width |
352.4mm (13.9") |
356.0mm (14") |
| Depth |
409.6mm (16.1") |
397.0mm (15.6") |
| Weight |
12.02kg (26.4lbs) |
17.50kg (38.5lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Acoustic Suspension |
| Grille |
Yes |
n/a |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
|
2 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
|
2 Years |