Short answer: the KEF Q350. It ranks #76 of 100 bookshelf speakers by sound quality at $699; the Aperion Audio Verus V8B ranks #83 and costs $1499, so there is not much of a tradeoff to weigh.
The case for the KEF Q350: CEA2034 spinorama shows a reasonably flat on-axis response with excellent directivity, aided by the coaxial Uni-Q driver. The tradeoff: Two resonances at 700Hz and 1.2kHz show up on-axis, alongside an upper-bass boost.
On the Aperion Audio Verus V8B side: Low-distortion bass that reaches a reasonable level for an 8-inch mid-woofer - the reviewer had no complaints about bass cleanliness, just extension. Set against that: A large mid-range scoop from about 100Hz-500Hz strips out the “meat” of male and female vocals, giving the speaker an overall dull, subdued character the reviewer specifically didn’t care for.
Buy the KEF Q350. It ranks higher for sound quality than the Aperion Audio Verus V8B and costs less, so there is no real case for the other one.
If sound quality matters at all to you, skip both of these and look higher up the 100 bookshelf speakers instead.
Specifications Side By Side
| KEF Q350 | Aperion Audio Verus V8B | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $699.00 Discontinued | $1,499 |
| Ranked | #76 of 100 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers | #83 of 100 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 38Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 39Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 70Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 55Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Impedance | 4 ohms | 6 ohms nominal (manufacturer spec), 5.7 ohms nominal / ~3 ohms EPDR minimum (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Sensitivity | 86dB (measured, Audio Science Review) | 85dB (measured average, Erin’s Audio Corner; 88dB manufacturer specified) |
| Drivers | 25mm tweeter + 165mm woofer | 8" Woven Kevlar long-throw woofer, 1.1" Custom Aperion ASR dome tweeter with ferrofluid |
| Discontinued | Yes | - |
| Weight | 29.5 lbs / 13.4 kg | 28 lbs each |
| Dimensions | 14.1"H x 8.3"W x 12"D (358.0 x 210.0 x 306.0 mm) | 17"H x 10.6"W x 13"D |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear | ported, rear |
| Frequency Response | - | 30Hz - 35kHz ±3dB (manufacturer specified) |
| Recommended Power | - | 20-150W |
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The Two Speakers In Full
KEF Q350: $699.00 Discontinued Amazon
Pros: CEA2034 spinorama shows a reasonably flat on-axis response with excellent directivity, aided by the coaxial Uni-Q driver. Vertical directivity is better than most non-coaxial two-way speakers, another benefit of the concentric design.
Cons: Two resonances at 700Hz and 1.2kHz show up on-axis, alongside an upper-bass boost. Predicted in-room response looks a bit boomy as a result. Distortion climbs substantially in the 100Hz-1kHz range at 96dB SPL/1m, with a distinct resonance-driven peak around 900Hz-1kHz at both test levels. Discontinued.
Full KEF Q350 review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 38Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 70Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Dimensions | 14.1"H x 8.3"W x 12"D (358.0 x 210.0 x 306.0 mm) |
| Discontinued | Yes |
| Drivers | 25mm tweeter + 165mm woofer |
| Impedance | 4 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 86dB (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Weight | 29.5 lbs / 13.4 kg |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear |
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- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Aperion Audio Verus V8B: $1,499 Aperion Audio
Pros: Low-distortion bass that reaches a reasonable level for an 8-inch mid-woofer - the reviewer had no complaints about bass cleanliness, just extension. Wide-enough horizontal radiation to give some room involvement without being uncomfortably narrow. HDF (high-density fiberboard) cabinet construction instead of the more typical MDF. Nice aesthetic in the gloss cherry finish (also available in black); solidly built at nearly 28 lbs each.
Cons: A large mid-range scoop from about 100Hz-500Hz strips out the “meat” of male and female vocals, giving the speaker an overall dull, subdued character the reviewer specifically didn’t care for. Two back-to-back resonant peaks (around 4kHz and 10kHz) cause sibilance and an overbearing hi-hat crispness on some tracks; toeing the speakers 30 degrees off-axis helps a little but doesn’t remove the underlying resonances. At $1,499/pair, the reviewer felt EQ shouldn’t be necessary to get a satisfying result out of the box. Minimum impedance (EPDR) dips to around 3 ohms despite a 5.7-ohm nominal rating, so a Class AB amplifier needs to be 4-ohm capable. Bass extension is modest for an 8” driver - measured F3 55Hz/F10 39Hz, getting into the mid-40s Hz in-room rather than truly deep bass.
Full Aperion Audio Verus V8B review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 39Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 55Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Dimensions | 17"H x 10.6"W x 13"D |
| Drivers | 8" Woven Kevlar long-throw woofer, 1.1" Custom Aperion ASR dome tweeter with ferrofluid |
| Frequency Response | 30Hz - 35kHz ±3dB (manufacturer specified) |
| Impedance | 6 ohms nominal (manufacturer spec), 5.7 ohms nominal / ~3 ohms EPDR minimum (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Recommended Power | 20-150W |
| Sensitivity | 85dB (measured average, Erin's Audio Corner; 88dB manufacturer specified) |
| Weight | 28 lbs each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Aperion Audio Verus V8B vs B&W 805S
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- Aperion Audio Verus V8B vs Klipsch RP-600M
- Aperion Audio Verus V8B vs Sonus Faber Lumina II Amator
- Aperion Audio Verus V8B vs HSU Research CCB-8
- Aperion Audio Verus V8B vs Sonus Faber Sonetto II G2
- Aperion Audio Verus V8B vs JBL HDI-1600
- See all 9 comparisons