Kanto SUB8MB 8-Inch Active Subwoofer MATTE BLACK - Open Box

I got this subwoofer for use at my desk to augment a pair of vintage Boston Acoustics A40 sealed bookshelf speakers I just restored (re-foamed and re-capped). I figured this would be a good matchup, both being sealed designs, and it has proved to be pretty much perfect — a very smooth and tight bass extension.

The fit and finish are remarkably fine. Its compact size means more leg-room under my desk.

The auto-on/off function works perfectly, especially as compared to a budget sub I replaced with this one. It’s absolutely dead quiet with no input. I stuck my ear right up against the grill: no hum, no hiss. I had to verify that it was on and enabled! Compared to this, with my previous budget 8" ported sub both hum and hiss is quite audible within a couple of feet.

This previous gen model is sold as “open box” but what I took delivery of is indistinguishable from brand new, untouched by human hands. It lacks 25 RMS watts relative to the SUB8V (the latest) but otherwise is virtually identical.

This is an astoundingly good value. I’d buy another one in a heartbeat.

Great little sub. Perfect match for my Klipsch the Fives bookshelf speakers. I exclusively listen to music on that set. Haven’t tried in a home theatre set up but I’m sure it would perform well. Lots of juice on tap. I have it set at about 25% volume and it’s more than enough. This thing really rumbles if you want it to and sounds really tight for music. It mixes seamlessly with my speakers and can’t really tell it’s on really.