Short answer: the KEF Q1 Meta, if you are buying new, though neither ranks well in its class. The KEF Q100 ranks higher than the Klipsch R-41M (#131 vs #158 of 160 bookshelf speakers) but is discontinued; its replacement, the KEF Q1 Meta, is rated 3.6/5 at $399.99 and is still sold new. Both are rated below 3.0/5 among the 160 bookshelf speakers; for better sound, the Ascend Acoustics HTM-200SE2 ranks #7 at $368.
The KEF Q100 is the more accurate choice. 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 3.04 for the Klipsch R-41M. 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.
Why pick the Klipsch R-41M: Binding posts are unusually nice for the price point, and impedance is well controlled in the bass, easing the load on the amplifier. The tradeoff: CEA2034 spinorama shows a sharp, prominent peak around 1kHz that the reviewer compared to “Pinocchio’s nose,” plus poor directivity that makes the off-axis sound diverge sharply from on-axis.
Buy the KEF Q1 Meta, the replacement for the discontinued KEF Q100; it is rated higher for sound quality than the Klipsch R-41M.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Passive Home rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| KEF Q100 | Klipsch R-41M | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $550 per pair Discontinued | $141.55 per pair |
| Ranked | #131 of 160 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers | #158 of 160 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 85Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 80Hz (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) |
| Impedance | 8 ohms nominal | 8 ohms nominal (per spec; measured lower) |
| Frequency Response | 49Hz - 40kHz (+/-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) | 68Hz - 21kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Drivers | 5.25” Uni-Q aluminum coaxial driver, 1” aluminum dome tweeter | 4” spun-copper IMG woofer, 1” Tractrix horn-loaded aluminum dome tweeter |
| Weight | 13 lbs (5.9 kg) each | 7 lbs (3.18 kg) each |
| Dimensions | 11.8”H x 7.1”W x 10.7”D (300 x 180 x 272 mm) | 11.3H x 5.75W x 7.9D in |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear | ported, rear |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 4.96 (spinorama.org) | 3.04 (spinorama.org) |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.24 (spinorama.org) | 6.03 (spinorama.org) |
| DIY Kit | No | No |
| Power Handling | - | 50W RMS / 200W peak |
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Prices on this page were last checked October 9, 2026 at 8:01 AM 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 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
Klipsch R-41M: $141.55 per pair Amazon eBay
Newer model: the Klipsch Reference R-40M, ranked higher, estimated 1.4/5.
Same family: the Klipsch R-51M (larger bookshelf, ranked higher, rated 1.6/5).
Pros: Binding posts are unusually nice for the price point, and impedance is well controlled in the bass, easing the load on the amplifier. The horn-loaded tweeter can play loud without strain. Measured bass extension of 80Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 85dB.
Cons: CEA2034 spinorama shows a sharp, prominent peak around 1kHz that the reviewer compared to “Pinocchio’s nose,” plus poor directivity that makes the off-axis sound diverge sharply from on-axis. Sensitivity is only 85dB through most of the music-energy range despite Klipsch’s horn-loaded reputation for efficiency. In an A/B against a $118/pair Pioneer SP-BS22-LR, the R-41M had “no bass” and all mid-to-treble energy; the reviewer’s verdict was “please avoid the Klipsch R-41M unless you just want a speaker as an ornament.”
Full Klipsch R-41M review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 55Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 80Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| DIY Kit | No |
| Dimensions | 11.3H x 5.75W x 7.9D in |
| Drivers | 4” spun-copper IMG woofer, 1” Tractrix horn-loaded aluminum dome tweeter |
| Frequency Response | 68Hz - 21kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Impedance | 8 ohms nominal (per spec; measured lower) |
| Power Handling | 50W RMS / 200W peak |
| Sensitivity | 85dB (2.83V/1m, measured) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 3.04 (spinorama.org) |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.03 (spinorama.org) |
| Weight | 7 lbs (3.18 kg) each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
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