Short answer: the Dynaudio X14 for better sound quality, the KEF Q100 for the lower price. The Dynaudio X14 ranks #32 of 56 bookshelf speakers at $1500. The KEF Q100 ranks #38 at $550, $950 cheaper.
What the Dynaudio X14 offers: 1” silk-dome tweeter and 5.7” magnesium-silicate-polymer woofer in a compact two-way stand-mount, rated at 85dB sensitivity. Watch for: CEA2034 spinorama shows an uneven on-axis response from the lack of a waveguide to control tweeter beam width, plus a port resonance that boosts the lower midrange and imperfect crossover matching between the drivers.
The case for the KEF Q100: 5.25” Uni-Q coaxial driver keeps the tweeter and woofer point-source aligned for consistent imaging. The tradeoff: CEA2034 spinorama shows broad, audible deviations from flat rather than narrow peaks: a lift from 700Hz-1.5kHz and again from 5kHz up, plus a cancellation notch around 1.4kHz from port/cabinet interaction.
Buy the Dynaudio X14 if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the KEF Q100 if the price matters more than sound quality.
Specifications Side By Side
| Dynaudio X14 | KEF Q100 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1500 Discontinued | $550 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #32 of 56 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers | #38 of 56 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 78Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 85Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 60Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 65Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Discontinued | Yes | Yes |
| Sensitivity | 82dB (2.83V/1m, measured, Audio Science Review) | 85dB (2.83V/1m, measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Impedance | 8 ohms nominal | 8 ohms nominal |
| Frequency Response | 50Hz - 23kHz (+/-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) | 49Hz - 40kHz (+/-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Drivers | 1" silk dome tweeter, 5.7" magnesium-silicate-polymer woofer | 5.25" Uni-Q aluminum coaxial driver, 1" aluminum dome tweeter |
| Weight | 14.3 lbs / 6.5 kg each | 13 lbs / 5.9 kg each |
| Dimensions | 11.2"H x 6.7"W x 10"D (285 x 170 x 255 mm) | 11.8"H x 7.1"W x 10.7"D (300 x 180 x 272 mm) |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported | ported, rear |
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The Two Speakers In Full
Dynaudio X14: $1500 Discontinued
Pros: 1” silk-dome tweeter and 5.7” magnesium-silicate-polymer woofer in a compact two-way stand-mount, rated at 85dB sensitivity.
Cons: CEA2034 spinorama shows an uneven on-axis response from the lack of a waveguide to control tweeter beam width, plus a port resonance that boosts the lower midrange and imperfect crossover matching between the drivers. Too much energy in the lower and upper treble reads as bright, and directivity narrows at higher frequencies rather than staying controlled. The reviewer’s verdict: out of the box, the objective performance isn’t that great, though EQ can make it a satisfying speaker. Discontinued.
Full Dynaudio X14 review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 60Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 78Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Dimensions | 11.2"H x 6.7"W x 10"D (285 x 170 x 255 mm) |
| Discontinued | Yes |
| Drivers | 1" silk dome tweeter, 5.7" magnesium-silicate-polymer woofer |
| Frequency Response | 50Hz - 23kHz (+/-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Impedance | 8 ohms nominal |
| Sensitivity | 82dB (2.83V/1m, measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Weight | 14.3 lbs / 6.5 kg each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported |
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- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
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- Dynaudio X14 vs JBL L52 Classic
- Dynaudio X14 vs JBL Stage 2 250B
- Dynaudio X14 vs ELAC BS U5
- Dynaudio X14 vs Dynaudio Emit M10
- Dynaudio X14 vs JBL Stage A120
- Dynaudio X14 vs ELAC Uni-Fi 2.0 UB52
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KEF Q100: $550 Discontinued
Pros: 5.25” Uni-Q coaxial driver keeps the tweeter and woofer point-source aligned for consistent imaging. 86dB sensitivity is reasonably easy to drive.
Cons: CEA2034 spinorama shows broad, audible deviations from flat rather than narrow peaks: a lift from 700Hz-1.5kHz and again from 5kHz up, plus a cancellation notch around 1.4kHz from port/cabinet interaction. Bass sensitivity drops to about 80dB and impedance falls below 4 ohms in the bass, demanding a capable amplifier. The reviewer heard boomy, buzzing bass that improved somewhat with the port plugged, and could not recommend it, calling the famous reputation more about looks than sound. Discontinued.
Full KEF Q100 review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 65Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 85Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Dimensions | 11.8"H x 7.1"W x 10.7"D (300 x 180 x 272 mm) |
| Discontinued | Yes |
| Drivers | 5.25" Uni-Q aluminum coaxial driver, 1" aluminum dome tweeter |
| Frequency Response | 49Hz - 40kHz (+/-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Impedance | 8 ohms nominal |
| Sensitivity | 85dB (2.83V/1m, measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Weight | 13 lbs / 5.9 kg each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons