Short answer: the Focal Aria 906 for better sound quality, the KEF Q350 for the lower price. The Focal Aria 906 ranks #72 of 105 bookshelf speakers at $2199. The KEF Q350 ranks #81 at $699, $1500 cheaper.
What the Focal Aria 906 offers: CEA2034 spinorama shows very flat bass response, with the reviewer rating overall performance “good.” Predicted in-room response is almost perfect prior to 1kHz. The tradeoff: 3dB dip around 2.8khz. Some resonance around 800hz, small directivity error around 7khz.
What the KEF Q350 gets right: CEA2034 spinorama shows a reasonably flat on-axis response with excellent directivity, aided by the coaxial Uni-Q driver. Watch for: Two resonances at 700Hz and 1.2kHz show up on-axis, alongside an upper-bass boost.
Buy the Focal Aria 906 if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the KEF Q350 if the price matters more than sound quality.
If sound quality matters at all to you, skip the KEF Q350. It ranks near the bottom of the 105 bookshelf speakers, so look higher up the list instead.
Specifications Side By Side
| Focal Aria 906 | KEF Q350 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $2,199.00 used, Discontinued | $699.00 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #72 of 105 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers | #81 of 105 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 47Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 38Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 63Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 70Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Impedance | 4 ohms nominal (4.8 ohms minimum above 80Hz, measured by Erin’s Audio Corner) | 4 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 86.5dB (measured average, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 86dB (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Drivers | 26mm tweeter + 165mm mid-woofer | 25mm tweeter + 165mm woofer |
| Weight | 39.9 lbs / 18.1 kg | 29.5 lbs / 13.4 kg |
| Discontinued | Yes | Yes |
| Dimensions | 15.4"H x 8.9"W x 11"D (390.0 x 225.0 x 280.0 mm) | 14.1"H x 8.3"W x 12"D (358.0 x 210.0 x 306.0 mm) |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, front | ported, rear |
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The Two Speakers In Full
Focal Aria 906: $2,199.00 used, Discontinued Amazon
Pros: CEA2034 spinorama shows very flat bass response, with the reviewer rating overall performance “good.” Predicted in-room response is almost perfect prior to 1kHz. Horizontal dispersion of about ±60 degrees is good and stays even out to about -12dB before getting erratic. Woofer distortion is quite low at 86dB SPL/1m.
Cons: 3dB dip around 2.8khz. Some resonance around 800hz, small directivity error around 7khz. A dip in the upper midrange also shows up in the predicted in-room response. Distortion becomes problematic at 96dB SPL/1m, with a notable peak around 1.3-1.5kHz alongside broader midrange elevation. Discontinued.
Full Focal Aria 906 review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 47Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 63Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Dimensions | 15.4"H x 8.9"W x 11"D (390.0 x 225.0 x 280.0 mm) |
| Discontinued | Yes |
| Drivers | 26mm tweeter + 165mm mid-woofer |
| Impedance | 4 ohms nominal (4.8 ohms minimum above 80Hz, measured by Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Sensitivity | 86.5dB (measured average, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Weight | 39.9 lbs / 18.1 kg |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, front |
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KEF Q350: $699.00 Discontinued Amazon
Pros: CEA2034 spinorama shows a reasonably flat on-axis response with excellent directivity, aided by the coaxial Uni-Q driver. Vertical directivity is better than most non-coaxial two-way speakers, another benefit of the concentric design.
Cons: Two resonances at 700Hz and 1.2kHz show up on-axis, alongside an upper-bass boost. Predicted in-room response looks a bit boomy as a result. Distortion climbs substantially in the 100Hz-1kHz range at 96dB SPL/1m, with a distinct resonance-driven peak around 900Hz-1kHz at both test levels. Discontinued.
Full KEF Q350 review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 38Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 70Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Dimensions | 14.1"H x 8.3"W x 12"D (358.0 x 210.0 x 306.0 mm) |
| Discontinued | Yes |
| Drivers | 25mm tweeter + 165mm woofer |
| Impedance | 4 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 86dB (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Weight | 29.5 lbs / 13.4 kg |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons