Short answer: both are discontinued, so this only matters if you are buying used. Used, the Boston Acoustics A25 is the better pick: it ranks #59 of 160 bookshelf speakers by sound quality (rated 3.6/5), against #131 (rated 2.4/5) for the KEF Q100. If you want one new, the KEF Q1 Meta replaces the KEF Q100 and is rated 3.6/5 at $399.99.
The KEF Q100 is the more accurate option. 5.25” Uni-Q coaxial driver keeps the tweeter and woofer point-source aligned for consistent imaging. Its measured preference score, a predictor of how neutral it sounds, is 4.96 against 3.53 for the Boston Acoustics A25. The catch: 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.
The Boston Acoustics A25 is the better-sounding choice. CEA2034 spinorama is decent once you ignore a peak around 900Hz and a dip around 3kHz: directivity is good enough that the response can be EQed and won’t be too room-dependent. Watch for: A crazy port resonance and a tweeter with a steeper rolloff than the woofer both show up in the near-field driver measurements, creating the 900Hz peak and the crossover-region dip.
Buy the Boston Acoustics A25 only if you find one used in good condition; both are discontinued, and it is the better rated of the two. For a new speaker, buy the KEF Q1 Meta, which replaces the KEF Q100.
Still deciding? The full Passive Home rankings cover every ranked option.
Specifications Side By Side
| KEF Q100 | Boston Acoustics A25 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $550 per pair Discontinued | $299.98 per pair Discontinued |
| Ranked | #131 of 160 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers | #59 of 160 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 85Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 90Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 65Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 55Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Sensitivity | 85dB (2.83V/1m, measured, Audio Science Review) | 85dB (2.83V/1m, measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Impedance | 8 ohms nominal | 8 ohms nominal |
| Frequency Response | 49Hz - 40kHz (+/-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) | 55Hz - 25kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Drivers | 5.25” Uni-Q aluminum coaxial driver, 1” aluminum dome tweeter | 1” Kortec soft dome tweeter, 5.25” ceramic/glass-fiber polymer mid/woofer |
| Weight | 13 lbs (5.9 kg) each | 10.1 lbs (4.58 kg) each |
| Dimensions | 11.8”H x 7.1”W x 10.7”D (300 x 180 x 272 mm) | 10.7H x 7.25W x 8.9D in |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear | ported, rear |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 4.96 (spinorama.org) | 3.53 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.24 (spinorama.org) | 6.19 |
| DIY Kit | No | No |
| Power Handling | - | 10-150W recommended |
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How Boston Acoustics A25 compares with other leading options:
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- Revel M105 vs Boston Acoustics A25
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The Two Speakers In Full
KEF Q100: $550 per pair Discontinued eBay
Newer model: the KEF Q1 Meta, ranked higher, rated 3.6/5.
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. Measured bass extension of 85Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 85dB.
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) |
| DIY Kit | No |
| Dimensions | 11.8”H x 7.1”W x 10.7”D (300 x 180 x 272 mm) |
| 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) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 4.96 (spinorama.org) |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.24 (spinorama.org) |
| Weight | 13 lbs (5.9 kg) each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Boston Acoustics A25: $299.98 per pair Discontinued eBay
Pros: CEA2034 spinorama is decent once you ignore a peak around 900Hz and a dip around 3kHz: directivity is good enough that the response can be EQed and won’t be too room-dependent. Cabinet fit and finish is well above its price class, and dynamics were strong with no distortion audible even at high volume on well-recorded material. Discontinued, but the reviewer suggests hunting for clearance pricing on remaining stock. Measured bass extension of 90Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 85dB.
Cons: A crazy port resonance and a tweeter with a steeper rolloff than the woofer both show up in the near-field driver measurements, creating the 900Hz peak and the crossover-region dip. The rear port itself measured audibly distorted up close, though it wasn’t noticeable from normal listening distance in the reviewer’s room. Discontinued.
Full Boston Acoustics A25 review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 55Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 90Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| DIY Kit | No |
| Dimensions | 10.7H x 7.25W x 8.9D in |
| Drivers | 1” Kortec soft dome tweeter, 5.25” ceramic/glass-fiber polymer mid/woofer |
| Frequency Response | 55Hz - 25kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Impedance | 8 ohms nominal |
| Power Handling | 10-150W recommended |
| Sensitivity | 85dB (2.83V/1m, measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 3.53 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.19 |
| Weight | 10.1 lbs (4.58 kg) each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
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