Long gone are the days when subwoofers had to be big, bulky and heavy to provide a deep sound. Yet even nowadays, manufacturers look for a balance between aesthetics and performance, and when it comes to subs, results are uncertain at best.
Introducing the KEF KC62. Released in 2021, the tiny 10-inch cube took the audiophile community by storm, delivering a sound no one thought possible with such a small sub: a combination of power, depth, and versatility you’ll hardly find in any other compact sub.
Final verdict on the KEF KC62
KEF is not new to delivering gear that does wonders, yet the KC62 does something more: it seems to bend the laws of physics and go way deeper than a sub its size should.
With a frequency range reaching down to 11 Hz at 105 dB SPL, and two 500 W Class D amplifiers (total of 1000 W), the KC62 is a force to be reckoned with, a true breakthrough in technology dedicated to low frequencies, combining power, accuracy, and a carefully-studied design.
There aren’t many things to complain about this beauty, yet it’s not all bells and whistles. The KC62 is way heavier than you’d expect from its size, and in a big room, it’ll definitely lose some steam.
Still, for small and medium-sized rooms, and especially when paired with the equally beautiful LS50 Meta, the KC62 offers a unique listening experience.
What I like
- Exceptional low-end reproduction.
- Small footprint.
- Groundbreaking technology.
- Highly compatible with any sound system.
What I don’t like
- Price.
Why you should trust me
I’m an artist and record label owner. My first steps in the hi-fi world coincided with the early publications of my label when I’d try to get hold of the best audio systems from family and friends to test audio masters.
Fast forward to 2024, and I’m still as passionate about audio quality as I was a decade ago, but with the knowledge that low-end frequencies are always the hardest to reproduce.
The search for the best sub for your sound system is one that requires dedication and research, which is why I like to share my knowledge and experience in playback systems and subwoofers with anyone interested in upgrading their listening experience.
Contents
Use these jump links to navigate to the desired section of the review.
You can also check the “Compared to others” section, where I put the KEF KC62 subwoofer against the competition.
Build 5.0
KEF is renowned for its no-nonsense, built-to-last gear, and the KC62 is no exception. As a matter of fact, the chassis in extruded aluminum further enhances the feeling that this tiny sub can last for decades, and its impressive 31 lbs (14 kg) of weight leaves no doubts that this is a high-end product despite its size and consumer-appealing design.
Needless to say, the KC62 boasts the Uni-Core technology that has defined all of KEF’s latest products. In the case of the KC62, this results in a solid, distortion-free low end even at high volumes, while ensuring the smallest possible footprint.
For those unfamiliar with the technology, Uni-Core is a one-of-a-kind type of double-woofer that cancels out vibrations by using two drivers that share a magnetic structure: one driver has a smaller voice coil that moves inside the other driver, and an aluminum spacer keeps everything aligned.
All in all, the KC62 is a celebration of cutting-edge technology compressed in a small and durable cabinet.
Design 4.7
With an astoundingly small size of 9.7 x 10.1 x 9.8 in (246 x 256 x 248 mm), KEF compares the KC62 to a soccer ball in terms of footprint. Indeed, as you look at this small sub, you can’t help but wonder whether it can actually perform as well as KEF says it does. But we’ll talk about that later.
The British company is a household name when it comes to modern design, and the KC62 does not disappoint: its minimalist aesthetics, the curvilinear edges, and the aluminum cabinet designed to resist high pressures all speak of a piece of gear that’s made to please both eyes and ears.
As I said earlier, the KC62 is no feather light, and despite the app control that helps you calibrate gain and crossover control, you might still have to crawl around your listening room to find your sweet spot.
The KC62 comes in three finishes: Carbon Black, Mineral White, and Titanium Grey.
Compatibility 5.0
The KC62 was designed to be the ideal companion for the KEF LS50 Meta, another outstanding piece of gear. The bookshelf speaker is seamlessly compatible with the KC62, which in turn, is tailored to enhance the power and revealing soundstage of the LS50 Meta.
But even if you own a different pair of speakers, the KC62 comes with a plethora of tools to make it compatible with any audio system.
First of all, the patented SmartConnect technology makes connecting the KC62 to different audio systems a piece of cake. The sub automatically detects the type of input signal and adjusts its settings accordingly, so you won’t have to spend hours calibrating the frequencies of your speakers and sub.
The KC62 also features KEF’s notoriously efficient pre-set Room Placement Equalization option, which can tackle boominess or lack of depth that can occur with subwoofers when they’re not placed correctly.
Finally, with a 40 Hz – 120 Hz high-pass filter, you can ensure there won’t be frequency clashes between speakers.
Sound 5.0
I tested the KEF KC62 in my listening room and also as part of a home theater, and in both cases, it exceeded my expectations.
The beauty of this sub is that it always feels subtle, never interfering with the soundstage provided by the speakers, but enhancing those frequencies that bring to life a movie or intricate composition.
I listened to Kali Malone’s All Life Long, a minimalist album that hides plenty of depth and articulation, which the KC62 perfectly reproduced without spurious artefacts.
You get the feeling of Malone’s hands and feet moving across the organ, with a soundscape that’s as enveloping and balanced as it can get.
I had a similar experience with films. I tested it with Blade Runner 2049, a movie that’s designed to capture the audience through haunting low frequencies that depict the mood of this futuristic world.
Once again, the KC62 performed admirably, emphasizing the power and presence of the rendering of the deepest notes with ease.
All in all, and regardless of how you use it, the KC62 offers a distortion-free and accurate sound, going as deep as feasibly possible, upgrading the sound of the audio system with a lively, vibrant, low-end spectrum.
Compared to other subwoofers
Thanks to its exceptional performance, the KC62 is one of the best subwoofers for home theater enthusiasts and audiophiles alike. But here are a few alternatives to consider against it.
KEF KC62 vs KF92
The KF92 has a max SPL that’s double the one offered by the KC62, making it a great option for larger listening rooms or home theaters.
Yet to me, it seems like overkill: you might end up spending a lot of time ensuring the sub won’t overpower your speakers, plus it costs almost $2,000. Unless you have a 1000 sq ft (100 sq m) listening room, I’d go for the KC62.
KEF KC62 vs SVS 3000 Micro
Small and performing, the SVS 3000 Micro is a great alternative to the KC62. It has a similar frequency response (23 Hz to 240 Hz at +/-3 dB), with a controlled and rich output that’ll blend perfectly with most systems.
It’s also cheaper, so unless you already own a pair of KEF speakers, I’d definitely consider the SVS 3000 Micro to upgrade any hi-fi system.
See SVS 3000 Micro’s current price
KEF KC62 vs REL T/9x
Slightly cheaper than the KC62, the REL T/9x is a loud and powerful sub that can compete with the KC62 in musicality and power output.
However, it seems to me that the KC62 has a faster response that enhances the vibrancy of percussions in music or exciting moments in movies. Despite that, we’re talking about two subs you can’t really go wrong with.
Who is the KEF KC62 best suited for?
In short, the KC62 is for anyone who can afford it. It’s not an inexpensive piece of gear, but it also gives you an immersive listening experience that’s hardly matched by subs that are usually way bulkier and more expensive.
If pleasant aesthetics are important to you, you have another reason to get the KC62: it’s beautiful to look at and can easily fit in anywhere, from listening rooms to home theaters, and will never hurt the eye. Its small footprint will also please those who need to make the most of a small environment.
Finally, if you’re already a KEF user, the KC62 is easily the best way to enhance the power and immersiveness of your speakers, whether you have the LS50 Meta or any other speaker in KEF’s catalogue.
See current price at: AmazonCrutchfield
