Short answer: the KEF Q1 Meta. It ranks #64 of 168 bookshelf speakers by sound quality (rated 3.6/5) at $399.99 and is still sold new; the KEF Q350 ranks #182 (rated 3.0/5) and is discontinued, so it is only an option used. The KEF Q350’s replacement, the KEF Q3 Meta, is rated 3.4/5 at $899.99.
The case for the KEF Q1 Meta: 12th generation Uni-Q coaxial driver places the 1” vented aluminium dome tweeter at the centre of the 5.25” aluminium woofer, with KEF’s Metamaterial Absorption Technology behind the tweeter. The catch: The only measurements are KEF’s own, not independently verified, and spinorama.org computes no preference score for them because the data is truncated at low frequencies.
The case for the KEF Q350: 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 KEF Q1 Meta. It is rated higher for sound quality, and the KEF Q350 is discontinued, so it is only available used.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Passive Home rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| KEF Q1 Meta | KEF Q350 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $399.99 per pair | $699.00 per pair Discontinued |
| Ranked | #64 of 168 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers | #182 of 216 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Drivers | Uni-Q: 130mm (5.25”) aluminium cone woofer, 25mm (1”) vented aluminium dome tweeter with MAT | 25mm tweeter + 165mm woofer |
| Frequency Response | 51Hz-20kHz ±3dB (manufacturer specified) | - |
| Sensitivity | 86dB (2.83V/1m, manufacturer specified) | 86dB (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Impedance | 4 ohms nominal, 3.2 ohms minimum (manufacturer specified) | 4 ohms |
| Recommended Power | 10-150W | - |
| Maximum SPL | 108dB (manufacturer specified) | - |
| Crossover Frequency | 2.1kHz | - |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported | ported, rear |
| Dimensions | 11.9”H x 7.1”W x 10.9”D (302 x 180 x 277 mm) | 14.1”H x 8.3”W x 12”D (358.0 x 210.0 x 306.0 mm) |
| Weight | 13.4 lbs (6.1 kg) each | 29.5 lbs (13.4 kg) |
| Cabinet Color | Satin Black, Satin White, Walnut | - |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 65.1Hz (measured, KEF vendor data via spinorama.org) | 70Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | about 43.4Hz (measured, KEF vendor data via spinorama.org) | 38Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | - | 5.25 (spinorama.org) |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | - | 7.12 (spinorama.org) |
| DIY Kit | - | No |
Frequency Response Compared
Both speakers’ spinorama measurements, overlaid. A flatter line is more neutral: peaks sound forward or harsh, dips sound recessed. Each curve is shifted so its average from 300 Hz to 3 kHz sits at 0 dB, so loudness differences between the two are removed and only the shape is compared. The two were measured by different sources, so small differences, especially in the bass, can come from the measurement setup rather than the speakers.
Measurement data: KEF Q1 Meta (measured by the manufacturer) and KEF Q350 (measured by Audio Science Review), via spinorama.org.
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Prices on this page were last checked October 14, 2026 at 2:38 PM UTC. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date/time and are subject to change; the price and availability shown on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
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The Two Speakers In Full
KEF Q1 Meta: $399.99 per pair Amazon $399.99 eBay
Older models: the KEF Q150 (ranked higher, rated 3.7/5) and the KEF Q100 (ranked lower, rated 2.4/5). See every KEF Q Series generation.
Same family: the KEF Q4 Meta (larger bookshelf, ranked lower, estimated 3.4/5), the KEF Q3 Meta (larger bookshelf, rated 3.4/5), the KEF Q Concerto Meta (larger bookshelf, rated 4.6/5), the KEF Q7 Meta (smaller floorstanding, estimated 3.5/5), the KEF Q11 Meta (larger floorstanding, rated 4/5), the KEF Q6 Meta (center, rated 3.9/5) and the KEF Q8 Meta (surround, rated 3.4/5).
Pros: 12th generation Uni-Q coaxial driver places the 1” vented aluminium dome tweeter at the centre of the 5.25” aluminium woofer, with KEF’s Metamaterial Absorption Technology behind the tweeter. KEF’s own Spinorama measurements, published on spinorama.org, hold the 300Hz to 5kHz response within 2.3dB with a flat on-axis trend, so the tonal balance is even. Measured bass reaches 65Hz (-3dB) and about 43Hz (-10dB), respectable for a compact bookshelf. Same cabinet size as the KEF Q150 it replaces. Measured bass extension of 65.1Hz (-3dB).
Cons: The only measurements are KEF’s own, not independently verified, and spinorama.org computes no preference score for them because the data is truncated at low frequencies. Sound power directivity is less even than the best in this class (3.16dB index deviation), so off-axis listeners and room reflections shift the balance more. Minimum impedance of 3.2 ohms is a harder load than the KEF Q150’s, and rated maximum output is a modest 108dB, so plan on a subwoofer for loud listening.
Full KEF Q1 Meta review and specifications →
| Released | Oct 2024 (2 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | about 43.4Hz (measured, KEF vendor data via spinorama.org) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 65.1Hz (measured, KEF vendor data via spinorama.org) |
| Cabinet Color | Satin Black, Satin White, Walnut |
| Crossover Frequency | 2.1kHz |
| Dimensions | 11.9”H x 7.1”W x 10.9”D (302 x 180 x 277 mm) |
| Drivers | Uni-Q: 130mm (5.25”) aluminium cone woofer, 25mm (1”) vented aluminium dome tweeter with MAT |
| Frequency Response | 51Hz-20kHz ±3dB (manufacturer specified) |
| Impedance | 4 ohms nominal, 3.2 ohms minimum (manufacturer specified) |
| Maximum SPL | 108dB (manufacturer specified) |
| Recommended Power | 10-150W |
| Sensitivity | 86dB (2.83V/1m, manufacturer specified) |
| Weight | 13.4 lbs (6.1 kg) each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
KEF Q350: $699.00 per pair Discontinued Amazon $699.00 eBay
Newer model: the KEF Q3 Meta, ranked higher, rated 3.4/5, released Oct 2024. See every KEF Q Series generation.
Same family: the KEF Q150 (smaller bookshelf, rated 3.7/5), the KEF Q250c (smaller center, rated 3.9/5) and the KEF Q650c (larger center, rated 3.7/5).
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. Measured bass extension of 70Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 86dB.
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 →
| Released | Jul 2017 (9 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 38Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 70Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| DIY Kit | No |
| Dimensions | 14.1”H x 8.3”W x 12”D (358.0 x 210.0 x 306.0 mm) |
| Drivers | 25mm tweeter + 165mm woofer |
| Impedance | 4 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 86dB (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.25 (spinorama.org) |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.12 (spinorama.org) |
| Weight | 29.5 lbs (13.4 kg) |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons