Short answer: the KEF Q100 for point-source imaging, the Q Acoustics 3020i for styling and connections, though neither ranks well in its class. The KEF’s 5.25” Uni-Q keeps tweeter and woofer aligned, but its spinorama shows a 700Hz-1.5kHz lift and a notch around 1.4kHz. The UK-designed Q Acoustics adds recessed binding posts, though its on-axis response rises toward the top, dips in the 2-4kHz crossover region and resonates at 366Hz. Both are rated below 3.0/5 among the 90 bookshelf speakers, and the Ascend Acoustics HTM-200SE2, ranked #7 at $368, is a better place to start if sound quality matters.
Buy the KEF Q100 or the Q Acoustics 3020i, whichever you find used in better condition; both are discontinued. For a new speaker, start with the Ascend Acoustics HTM-200SE2 instead.
Still deciding? The full Passive Home rankings cover every ranked option.
Specifications Side By Side
| KEF Q100 | Q Acoustics 3020i | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $550 per pair Discontinued | $314.99 per pair Discontinued |
| Ranked | #71 of 90 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers | #72 of 90 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 85Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 82.0Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 65Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 49.8Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Sensitivity | 85dB (2.83V/1m, measured, Audio Science Review) | 86dB (2.83V/1m, manufacturer specified) |
| Impedance | 8 ohms nominal | 6 ohms nominal, 4 ohms minimum |
| Frequency Response | 49Hz - 40kHz (+/-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) | - |
| Drivers | 5.25” Uni-Q aluminum coaxial driver, 1” aluminum dome tweeter | 125mm (5”) bass driver, 22mm (0.9”) tweeter |
| Weight | 13 lbs (5.9 kg) each | 10.6 lbs (4.8 kg) each |
| Dimensions | 11.8”H x 7.1”W x 10.7”D (300 x 180 x 272 mm) | 10.9”H x 6.7”W x 11.1”D (278 x 170 x 282 mm) |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear | ported, reflex |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 4.96 (spinorama.org) | 3.86 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.24 (spinorama.org) | 6.38 |
| DIY Kit | No | No |
| Crossover Frequency | - | 2.4kHz |
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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
Q Acoustics 3020i: $314.99 per pair Discontinued eBay
Newer model: the Q Acoustics 3020c. It’s likely to perform similarly, though we don’t have measurements to confirm that yet.
Pros: UK-designed (Finkteam) with attractive styling, including recessed binding posts and custom connectors. Vertical directivity is good enough that the tweeter doesn’t need to be exactly at ear level. With EQ correction, especially high-frequency shelving and a sub-40Hz high-pass filter, Amir found performance “improves substantially.”. Measured bass extension of 82.0Hz (-3dB).
Cons: On-axis response shows a rising upper-frequency trend and a dip in the 2-4kHz crossover region alongside two resonance-related dips; a significant resonance appears at 366Hz in the waterfall plot. Horizontal directivity is narrow and uneven due to a woofer/tweeter beamwidth mismatch. Amir cautions the speaker is “merely a distortion generator” if played too low, and its low impedance demands a quality amplifier. Without EQ, Amir “can’t recommend the Q Acoustics 3020i.”. Discontinued; Q Acoustics now sells the 3030i and 3010c in its place.
Full Q Acoustics 3020i review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 49.8Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 82.0Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Crossover Frequency | 2.4kHz |
| DIY Kit | No |
| Dimensions | 10.9”H x 6.7”W x 11.1”D (278 x 170 x 282 mm) |
| Drivers | 125mm (5”) bass driver, 22mm (0.9”) tweeter |
| Impedance | 6 ohms nominal, 4 ohms minimum |
| Sensitivity | 86dB (2.83V/1m, manufacturer specified) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 3.86 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.38 |
| Weight | 10.6 lbs (4.8 kg) each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, reflex |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
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