Short answer: the JBL XPL-90 for better sound quality, the KEF Q350 for the lower price. The JBL XPL-90 ranks #71 of 100 bookshelf speakers at $1298. The KEF Q350 ranks #76 at $699, $599 cheaper.
The case for the JBL XPL-90: Nearly ruler-flat on-axis response up to 1kHz with even horizontal directivity until the tweeter beams above 10kHz. The tradeoff: Crossover region peaking around 3kHz and treble peaking above 10kHz color the top end, and poor vertical directivity means the tweeter needs to be at ear level.
What the KEF Q350 offers: 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 JBL XPL-90 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 100 bookshelf speakers, so look higher up the list instead.
Specifications Side By Side
| JBL XPL-90 | KEF Q350 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,298 used, discontinued (vintage, late 1980s) | $699.00 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #71 of 100 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers | #76 of 100 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Drivers | 6.5" bass/mid driver, 1" titanium dome tweeter | 25mm tweeter + 165mm woofer |
| Dimensions | 15.5"H x 9.5"W x 9.8"D (394 x 241 x 248 mm) | 14.1"H x 8.3"W x 12"D (358.0 x 210.0 x 306.0 mm) |
| Weight | 20.1 lbs / 9.1 kg each | 29.5 lbs / 13.4 kg |
| Sensitivity | 85dB (2.83V/1m, measured, Audio Science Review) | 86dB (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Impedance | 6 ohms | 4 ohms |
| Power Handling | 100W nominal, 400W max | - |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | 38Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | - | 70Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Discontinued | - | Yes |
| Woofer Cabinet | - | ported, rear |
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The Two Speakers In Full
JBL XPL-90: $1,298 used, discontinued (vintage, late 1980s)
Pros: Nearly ruler-flat on-axis response up to 1kHz with even horizontal directivity until the tweeter beams above 10kHz. The reviewer found real strength with vocals and simpler instrumentation, calling it “the first speaker I have liked that has some clear response errors” and “an enjoyable speaker” despite the flaws. Titanium tweeter and internal Monster cable wiring reflect JBL’s higher-end late-1980s engineering.
Cons: Crossover region peaking around 3kHz and treble peaking above 10kHz color the top end, and poor vertical directivity means the tweeter needs to be at ear level. Distortion rises at 96dB SPL, especially around 3kHz. Long discontinued; only available on the used market.
Full JBL XPL-90 review and specifications →
| Dimensions | 15.5"H x 9.5"W x 9.8"D (394 x 241 x 248 mm) |
|---|---|
| Drivers | 6.5" bass/mid driver, 1" titanium dome tweeter |
| Impedance | 6 ohms |
| Power Handling | 100W nominal, 400W max |
| Sensitivity | 85dB (2.83V/1m, measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Weight | 20.1 lbs / 9.1 kg each |
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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 |
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