Short answer: the KEF Q100 for better sound quality, the Fluance Signature HFS for the lower price. The KEF Q100 ranks #38 of 56 bookshelf speakers at $550. The Fluance Signature HFS ranks #45 at $199.99, $350.01 cheaper.
What the KEF Q100 gets right: 5.25” Uni-Q coaxial driver keeps the tweeter and woofer point-source aligned for consistent imaging. 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.
On the Fluance Signature HFS side: Front-facing port and pre-installed wall-mount brackets make it flexible for bookshelf or surround/height duty. Set against that: CEA2034 spinorama shows serious flaws in the midrange - both the direct sound and the directivity are compromised, a combination the reviewer flagged as poor for controlled listening tests.
Buy the KEF Q100 if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the Fluance Signature HFS if the price matters more than sound quality.
If sound quality matters at all to you, skip the Fluance Signature HFS. It ranks near the bottom of the 56 bookshelf speakers, so look higher up the list instead.
Specifications Side By Side
| KEF Q100 | Fluance Signature HFS | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $550 Discontinued | $199.99 |
| Ranked | #38 of 56 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers | #45 of 56 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 85Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 78Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 65Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 60Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Discontinued | Yes | - |
| Sensitivity | 85dB (2.83V/1m, measured, Audio Science Review) | 86dB (2.83V/1m, measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Impedance | 8 ohms nominal | 8 ohms |
| Frequency Response | 49Hz - 40kHz (+/-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) | - |
| Drivers | 5.25" Uni-Q aluminum coaxial driver, 1" aluminum dome tweeter | 1" neodymium silk dome tweeter (ferrofluid cooled), 5" glass-fiber-treated woofer (butyl rubber surround) |
| Weight | 13 lbs / 5.9 kg each | 9.7 lbs each |
| Dimensions | 11.8"H x 7.1"W x 10.7"D (300 x 180 x 272 mm) | 12.8H x 7.87W x 8.22D in |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear | ported, front |
| Power Handling | - | 30-120W recommended |
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- Pioneer SP-BS22-LR (Philharmonic AAM Mod) vs KEF Q100
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The Two Speakers In Full
KEF Q100: $550 Discontinued
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.
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) |
| Dimensions | 11.8"H x 7.1"W x 10.7"D (300 x 180 x 272 mm) |
| Discontinued | Yes |
| 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) |
| Weight | 13 lbs / 5.9 kg each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear |
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- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Fluance Signature HFS: $199.99 Amazon
Pros: Front-facing port and pre-installed wall-mount brackets make it flexible for bookshelf or surround/height duty. Distortion in the low end is well controlled per the measurements, and the glossy front baffle adds a touch of style well beyond the budget price.
Cons: CEA2034 spinorama shows serious flaws in the midrange - both the direct sound and the directivity are compromised, a combination the reviewer flagged as poor for controlled listening tests. Multiple attempted EQ fixes “could not rescue” the sound, and the reviewer said the result was “close” to the lowest possible rating. Online reviews seeded by the company were positive; the reviewer’s measured and subjective experience was not.
Full Fluance Signature HFS review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 60Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 78Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Dimensions | 12.8H x 7.87W x 8.22D in |
| Drivers | 1" neodymium silk dome tweeter (ferrofluid cooled), 5" glass-fiber-treated woofer (butyl rubber surround) |
| Impedance | 8 ohms |
| Power Handling | 30-120W recommended |
| Sensitivity | 86dB (2.83V/1m, measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Weight | 9.7 lbs each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, front |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Fluance Signature HFS vs JBL Control 1 Pro
- Fluance Signature HFS vs JBL Stage A130
- Fluance Signature HFS vs Polk T15
- Fluance Signature HFS vs Definitive Technology ProMonitor 1000
- Fluance Signature HFS vs Q Acoustics 5020
- Fluance Signature HFS vs Micca RB42
- Fluance Signature HFS vs Q Acoustics 3020i
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