Short answer: the KEF Q11 Meta for better sound quality, the Monolith THX-365T for the lower price. The KEF Q11 Meta ranks #34 of 54 floorstanding speakers at $1249.99. The Monolith THX-365T ranks #39 at $900, $349.99 cheaper.
What the KEF Q11 Meta offers: Three-way tower design with a coaxial layout: a 3/4” aluminum dome tweeter (with KEF’s Metamaterial Absorption Technology behind it) mounted at the center of a 4” mid-range, plus three 6.5” bass drivers. Watch for: Genuinely dark-sounding on raw on-axis measurement, and needs a typical room with sidewall reflections (within about 6 feet/2 meters) to sound properly neutral - in a large room with little sidewall interaction, it may sound too…
What the Monolith THX-365T offers: The coaxial midrange/tweeter produces coherent horizontal and vertical coverage through most of the vocal band, while twin 6.5-inch woofers deliver good 88.6dB measured sensitivity. Watch for: Erin measured F3 at 84Hz (F10 roughly 40Hz), so it categorically needs a subwoofer.
Buy the KEF Q11 Meta if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the Monolith THX-365T if the price matters more than sound quality.
Specifications Side By Side
| KEF Q11 Meta | Monolith THX-365T | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,249.99 | $900/pair |
| Ranked | #34 of 54 in Large Size Floorstanding Speakers | #39 of 54 in Large Size Floorstanding Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 29Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | ~40Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 60Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 84Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Drivers | 25mm tweeter + dual 165mm drivers | Dual 6.5-inch woofers; 2-inch coaxial midrange/1-inch dome; 5.25-inch Atmos coaxial |
| Weight | 106.9 lbs / 48.5 kg | - |
| Sensitivity | 88.6dB (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 88.6dB/2.83V/1m (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Impedance | 4 ohms nominal (3.2 ohms minimum, measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 4 ohms nominal; nearly 3 ohms minimum (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Dimensions | 43.8"H x 12.5"W x 15"D (1112.8 x 317.5 x 381.0 mm) | - |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear | - |
| Enclosure | - | Sealed |
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The Two Speakers In Full
KEF Q11 Meta: $1,249.99 Amazon
Pros: Three-way tower design with a coaxial layout: a 3/4” aluminum dome tweeter (with KEF’s Metamaterial Absorption Technology behind it) mounted at the center of a 4” mid-range, plus three 6.5” bass drivers. Extremely linear estimated in-room response when placed correctly, thanks to a deliberately declining on-axis response paired with well-controlled directivity - a technically sound design philosophy, even though it reads as “dark” in raw anechoic on-axis measurements. In-room bass extension to about 40-50Hz when placed near a wall, thanks to extended bass-shelf tuning. Sounds excellent whether pointed directly at the listener or toed out a full 30° parallel to the back wall - unusually flexible placement. More vertical listening leeway than standard non-coaxial two-way designs, thanks to the coincident tweeter/midrange. Distortion looks good at both 86dB and 96dB, and multitone distortion holds up well too. Comes with a plinth/outrigger kit for stability given its floorstanding height (about 43-44”).
Cons: Genuinely dark-sounding on raw on-axis measurement, and needs a typical room with sidewall reflections (within about 6 feet/2 meters) to sound properly neutral - in a large room with little sidewall interaction, it may sound too dull for some listeners. Must be placed close to a rear wall (about 1 foot) to get proper bass - pulling it out to the “standard” 3-foot audiophile recommendation causes bass output to drop off noticeably. Horizontal radiation of about ±50° is narrower than the reviewer’s preferred ±60°, giving a slightly less enveloping soundstage than some rivals. Notably darker than sibling KEF models in the same product family - measures 2-5dB less top-end energy than the R3 Meta and a few dB less than the Q Concerto Meta. Minor lingering resonances appear in burst decay measurements between 500Hz-1kHz. The tweeter shows some strain at very high output volumes, a limitation the reviewer notes is common even among more budget-friendly speakers generally.
Full KEF Q11 Meta review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 29Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 60Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Dimensions | 43.8"H x 12.5"W x 15"D (1112.8 x 317.5 x 381.0 mm) |
| Drivers | 25mm tweeter + dual 165mm drivers |
| Impedance | 4 ohms nominal (3.2 ohms minimum, measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Sensitivity | 88.6dB (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Weight | 106.9 lbs / 48.5 kg |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear |
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Monolith THX-365T: $900/pair Amazon Monoprice
Pros: The coaxial midrange/tweeter produces coherent horizontal and vertical coverage through most of the vocal band, while twin 6.5-inch woofers deliver good 88.6dB measured sensitivity. Erin found low distortion above the bass and useful dynamic capacity for home theater; the sealed enclosure also makes the intended 80Hz THX crossover predictable. An integrated up-firing Atmos module and THX Ultra certification make this a compact, unusually versatile LCR/tower.
Cons: Erin measured F3 at 84Hz (F10 roughly 40Hz), so it categorically needs a subwoofer. Native response has enough upper-mid/treble irregularity that Erin recommended it only with EQ. Although mostly above four ohms, impedance falls to nearly 3 ohms with an adverse phase angle, potentially stressing an AVR; a separate four-ohm-capable amplifier is prudent. The Atmos module adds cost and height but cannot substitute for properly placed ceiling speakers.
Full Monolith THX-365T review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | ~40Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 84Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Drivers | Dual 6.5-inch woofers; 2-inch coaxial midrange/1-inch dome; 5.25-inch Atmos coaxial |
| Enclosure | Sealed |
| Impedance | 4 ohms nominal; nearly 3 ohms minimum (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Sensitivity | 88.6dB/2.83V/1m (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons