Short answer: the KEF Q Concerto Meta. It ranks #11 of 222 bookshelf speakers by sound quality, rated 4.6/5, at $1,399.99. The Zu Audio Method ranks #220, rated 2.0/5, at $700, $699.99 cheaper, a saving that is not big enough to make up the sound-quality gap.
The KEF Q Concerto Meta is the more accurate, deeper-bass option. A neutral three way bookshelf speaker that sounds consistent from seat to seat, with smooth treble that many rivals at its price lack. Its measured preference score, a predictor of how neutral it sounds, is 6.01 against 0.25 for the Zu Audio Method. Its bass reaches about 53Hz before falling 3dB, against 92Hz for the Zu Audio Method. The tradeoff: Radiation pattern measures about ±50°, narrower than the reviewer’s preferred ±60° for a stronger sense of envelopment.
The case for the Zu Audio Method: A very easy to drive bookshelf speaker with an 8 inch coaxial driver that plays loud from small amplifiers. The catch: A severe suckout in the 1.5-3kHz range (down as much as 19dB below the mean at its worst) removes attack and clarity from brass, woodwinds, and snares, and gives an overall laid-back, unengaging character.
Buy the KEF Q Concerto Meta. It is rated higher for sound quality, and the $699.99 saving on the Zu Audio Method is not enough to make up the difference.
Still deciding? The full Passive Home rankings cover every ranked option.
A neutral three way bookshelf speaker that sounds consistent from seat to seat, with smooth treble that many rivals at its price lack.
A very easy to drive bookshelf speaker with an 8 inch coaxial driver that plays loud from small amplifiers.
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Specifications Side By Side
| KEF Q Concerto Meta | Zu Audio Method | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,399.99 per pair | $700 per pair |
| Ranked | #11 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers | #220 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 35Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 56Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 53Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 92Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Dimensions | 16.3”H x 8.3”W x 12.4”D (414 x 210.8 x 315 mm) | 15”H x 8.7”W x 11”D (381.0 x 222.0 x 280.0 mm) |
| Impedance | 4 ohms nominal (3.3 ohms minimum above 80Hz, measured by Erin’s Audio Corner) | 8 ohms |
| Drivers | 165 mm (6.5 in.) hybrid aluminium cone woofer, 100 mm (4 in.) aluminium cone midrange, 19 mm (0.75 in.) vented aluminium dome with MAT tweeter | 8” coax HE (Eminence/Zu) woofer, Eminence ASD-1001 tweeter |
| Sensitivity | 84.2dB (measured average, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 91dB |
| Weight | 20.9 lbs (9.5 kg) each | 12.1 lbs (5.5 kg) |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear | ported, front |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 6.01 | 0.25 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.71 | 3.05 |
| DIY Kit | No | No |
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