The KEF Q1 Meta ranks #40 out of 89 total Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers for sound quality. See all Passive Home rankings for every top pick.
Brand: KEF
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#40 KEF Q1 Meta: $699.99 per pair Amazon eBay
Replaces: the KEF Q150 (ranked #26 of 89 in its size class) and the KEF Q100 (ranked #70 of 89 in its size class).
Pros: 12th generation Uni-Q coaxial driver places the 1” vented aluminium dome tweeter at the centre of the 5.25” aluminium woofer, with KEF’s Metamaterial Absorption Technology behind the tweeter. KEF’s own Spinorama measurements, published on spinorama.org, hold the 300Hz to 5kHz response within 2.3dB with a flat on-axis trend, so the tonal balance is even. Measured bass reaches 65Hz (-3dB) and about 43Hz (-10dB), respectable for a compact bookshelf. Same cabinet size as the Q150 it replaces. Measured bass extension of 65.1Hz (-3dB).
Cons: The only measurements are KEF’s own, not independently verified, and spinorama.org computes no preference score for them because the data is truncated at low frequencies. Sound power directivity is less even than the best in this class (3.16dB index deviation), so off-axis listeners and room reflections shift the balance more. Minimum impedance of 3.2 ohms is a harder load than the Q150’s, and rated maximum output is a modest 108dB, so plan on a subwoofer for loud listening.
How it compares: Just above it: Micca MB42X G2 - $600 cheaper, 3.3Hz lower bass extension (-3dB). Just below it: Aperion Audio Novus N5B - $251 cheaper, 1Hz lower bass extension (-3dB).
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | about 43.4Hz (measured, KEF vendor data via spinorama.org) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 65.1Hz (measured, KEF vendor data via spinorama.org) |
| Cabinet Color | Satin Black, Satin White, Walnut |
| Crossover Frequency | 2.1kHz |
| Dimensions | 11.9”H x 7.1”W x 10.9”D (302 x 180 x 277 mm) |
| Drivers | Uni-Q: 130mm (5.25”) aluminium cone woofer, 25mm (1”) vented aluminium dome tweeter with MAT |
| Frequency Response | 51Hz-20kHz ±3dB (manufacturer specified) |
| Impedance | 4 ohms nominal, 3.2 ohms minimum (manufacturer specified) |
| Maximum SPL | 108dB (manufacturer specified) |
| Recommended Power | 10-150W |
| Sensitivity | 86dB (2.83V/1m, manufacturer specified) |
| Weight | 13.4 lbs (6.1 kg) each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported |
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