New Products

British speaker icon KEF today announced a major expansion of its subwoofer lineup that brings a powerful new 11-Hz-capable dual-driver model into play and introduces a series of sealed subwoofers.

The new Kube MIE series includes single-driver 8-, 10-, 12-, and 15-inch subwoofers at prices ranging from $600 to $1,400 but the star of the show is the $2,000 KC92, a larger and more powerful step-up to the KC62 subwoofer that received a Sound & Vision Top Pick in 2021.

The KC-62 and KC92 both use a force-cancelling driver configuration to reduce cabinet vibration while significantly reducing cabinet size without compromising output and performance. Unlike the KC62’s Uni-Core implementation, in which opposing 6.5-inch drivers share a common magnet structure, the KC92 features back-to-back 9-inch drivers, each with its own huge motor system. The KC92 cabinet is surprisingly small, measuring roughly 14 x 13 x 14 inches and only a few inches bigger than the KC62, which is a 10-inch cube.

Powered by a 500-watt RMS Class D amplifier, each KC92 driver is an aluminum/paper-cone hybrid that incorporates a patent-pending P-Flex surround with pleated, origami-like folds. The design is said to resist sonic pressure without sacrificing sensitivity, enabling the driver to move more precisely than a traditional design and deliver deeper, more detailed bass with low distortion.

At the core of the KC92 is a proprietary digital signal processing (DSP) algorithm KEF calls the Music Integrity Engine (MIE), which is intended to ensure every subwoofer component works in “perfect harmony.” The processing includes iBX Intelligent Bass Extension, which analyzes the input signal and adjusts output so the subwoofer “can play louder and remain dynamic at any listening level.”

The KC92 has a rear-panel EQ switch with five settings that adjust bass output based on where the subwoofer is placed: Room (in free space) Wall, Corner, Cabinet, and Apartment (for smaller rooms). Speaker- and line-level inputs are provided in addition to a line output with high-pass filtering, volume dial, continuously adjustable (40-140 Hz) low-pass crossover control, and switches for phase (0/180°), ground lift, and power mode (Always On/Auto Wake-up/12V).

KEF’s SmartConnect processing senses whether a mono or stereo input is present and automatically optimizes gain. Available in gloss black or gloss white, the KC92 can be transformed into a wireless subwoofer with the optional KW1 adapter kit ($200). Key specs include a maximum SPL of 110 dB and frequency response of 11-200Hz ±3 dB.

A New Subwoofer Series
Kube MIE Series is a conventional sealed, single-driver design offered in four sizes. Each features KEF’s Music Integrity Engine (MIE) with iBX Intelligent Bass Extension and is powered by a 300-watt RMS Class D amplifier with speaker- and line-level inputs, an adjustable (40-140 Hz) low-pass crossover, and a EQ switch with settings for Wall/Cabinet/In-Room, and Corner.

Rated down to 34 Hz (–6 dB) with a max SPL of 105 dB, the smallest Kube 8 MIE ($600) has an 8-inch long-throw driver and 11.5 x 11.5 x 12.2-inch cabinet. The Kube 10 MIE ($800) ups the driver size to 10 inches with a cabinet measuring 14.6 x 13.9 x 14.6 inches and is rated down to 32 Hz (±3 dB) with a max SPL of 111 dB.

The Kube 12 MIE ($1,000) and Kube 15 MIE ($1,400) find a 12- or 15-inch long-throw driver in a cabinet measuring 16.1 x 15.5 x 16.1 or 20.4 x 19.7 x 20.3 inches, respectively. The Kube 12 is rated down to 22 Hz (±3 dB) with a max SPL of 114 dB, while the Kube 15 plays down to 20 Hz (±3 dB) with a max SPL of 116 dB.

Like the KC92, all Kube MIE models can be transformed into a wireless subwoofer with KEF’s optional KW1 adapter kit.

February 27th is the official launch date for all of the new subwoofers but myKEF members do not have to wait to place an order. For more information, visit us.kef.com.