KEF is dedicated to bringing only the best sound quality to your home speakers. However, when it comes to KEF Q100 and Q150, it’s more of a hype. Read this KEF Q100 Vs. Q150 article to learn more from the expert comparison.
Sound Quality
Tweeters
Tested together, both Q100 and Q150 sound superb with high-quality sounds. In the Q150 speakers, the Uni-Q driver is situated at the front and center of the speaker for maximum sound quality.
Also, the speaker produces even treble frequencies with smoother outputs from the damped tweeter loading tube that terminates the sound from the tweeter’s back.
On the other hand, Q100 speakers deliver fast and clean responses from the Uni-Q array drivers. The driver is placed at the acoustic center for optimal sound quality. The speakers have radial sound effects that evenly envelop the room.
Both speakers, therefore, tend to operate similarly. However, the Q150 is a more recent model with more advanced sound technology. Consequently, it produces a much clearer and crisper sound with advanced tweeter capabilities. Being a newer model, the Q150 speaker is also better than the Q100 in some aspects, such as the bass performance.
Subwoofers
Both speakers have subs and deliver high-quality sound with subwoofer connections and an easy setup.
You can connect the Q100 speaker to subwoofers to boost the sound quality.
The Q150, however, comes with a redesigned sound system that enhances the bass with an Auxiliary Bass Radiator. This makes it easier for the speaker to deliver more rumble in the low frequencies without overpowering the mids and highs. The Q150 is, therefore, a much better bass driver.
Replacement Drivers
The Q100 features KEF’s unique Uni-Q driver array with a 1″ vented tweeter in the center. The Uni-Q driver is built to deliver a highly accurate, three-dimensional soundstage that can fill any room. The driver array handles frequencies between 49Hz to 40kHz from a single source and is sold in pairs.
The Q150, on the other hand, features a new cabinet, sleek new finishes, and an improved 5.25′ Uni-Q driver array.
KEF Uni Q Driver Replacement
The Q150 contains an improved Uni-Q Driver Array that is built to smooth out treble frequencies. It also has redesigned crossovers that provide cleaner and more accurate bass.
The speakers with midrange drivers, however, have an advantage over those with two-way speakers. When midrange drivers are added, the tweeters and woofers focus more on the high and low tones they are best equipped to produce.
Having more specific and focused driver replacements mean more accurate and robust sound. However, a midrange driver is vital if you are a more sophisticated listener or need the best sound reproduction.
The woofer reproduces low-frequency sounds and bass to deliver booming, well-rounded sounds. It is the most significant driver replacement and is usually cone-shaped.
Uni Q Driver
This measurement mainly refers to the diameter of the woofer. Generally, bigger means louder and more powerful bass. In a real sense, however, this number alone does not represent the actual loudness of the speaker. It should therefore be referred to in combination with other measurements such as sensitivity. Sensitivity refers to the loudness of a speaker per watt.
Sensitivity
This refers to the loudness of a speaker. The more sensitivity rate, therefore, means more loud volume. Both the KEF Q100 and Q150 have a sensitivity rate of 86 dB.
Frequency Responses
Frequency response is the range of frequencies within which a speaker driver operates favorably without distortion. Also, it refers to the musical tone that the speaker can produce. The frequency response of a speaker, therefore, has a good effect on the sound quality.
KEF Q100 has a frequency response of between 49 Hz to 40 kHz. Therefore, this response is right within the hearing range of the human ear (20Hz to 20kHz), and the speaker can deliver a friendly, smooth, and pleasant musical tone.
On the other hand, the frequency response of the KEF Q150 bookshelf speaker ranges from 51Hz to 28kHz. This range is equally great for fine-tuning the sound for the human ear.
Comparing the frequency response of the bookshelf speakers, KEF Q100 technically has a lower frequency range. It can therefore produce deeper bass than Q150. The difference is, however, small.
Near Field
Near field, listening offers the perfect stereo field. It is majorly used in recording studios to position the microphones and the voice in them properly. Near-field listening position is generally determined by the “Center to center” distance between the speakers and the listener’s head. As a rule of thumb, the near distance of the speakers is about arm’s length.
Measurements
The Q100s are generally smaller models of the Q300 bookshelf speakers fitted with a 5.25-inch Uni-Q driver array with a 1-inch aluminum dome tweeter at its acoustic center.
The speakers measure 7.1 inches in length, 10.7 inches in width, and 11.81 inches high.
KEF Q150, however, measures 11.92 inches in length, 7.08 inches wide, and 10.944 inches high.
Design
The KEF Q100 bookshelf speaker looks cute and well-furnished. In some ways, they look like vintage bookshelf speakers. The speakers are completed with a black vinyl exterior using high-quality MDF that makes the speakers look elegant and expensive.
The front baffle is attached to the front, and the KEF logo on them looks good. They also have a two-bass reflex design that ensures the audio experience is outstanding. They are available in black and walnut colors.
On the other hand, the KEF Q150 is also well-furnished and looks excellent. It comes in three colors – satin black, satin white, and walnut.
KEF Q100 vs KEF 150 Pros and Cons
Pros
KEF Q100
- Uni-Q driver array
- Durable
- Simple but stylish design
- Clear sound
- Detachable grills
- Rich and punchy bass
KEF 150
- Uni-Q driver array
- Durable
- Detailed and realistic sound
- Accurate acoustic
- Powerful bass
- Perfect design for home décor
- High-frequency response
Cons
KEF Q100
- No Bluetooth
- Need extra amp
KEF Q150
- The upper midrange is not so good
- Need extra amp
Setting Up
Both speakers are wireless and easy to set up. Just place it either on the shelf or on a stand. You will, however, need an amp to connect to them as they are both passive. Also, the Q100 and Q150 are intended for wiring into the TVs directly and are not Bluetooth enabled.
Are KEF Speakers Worth It?
The KEF speakers are multi-purpose speakers built to be Jack of all trades, they don’t have any rigorous placement demands, and follow strict design standards. They are priced a little on the expensive side, but the stellar features more than compensate for it.
What Makes KEF Speakers Special?
According to Audio enthusiasts and expert reviews, the KEF speaker boasts of a design that creates undistorted, clean, and dynamic audio signals. It provides very tight bass with crystal clear audio via a signature feature known as “DEEP PRECISION BASS”
Are KEF Speakers Neutral?
It is important to start with a fact that many audiophiles are not aware of; speaker companies tweak the sound produced by their products via a process known as “tuning”.
However, while your typical speaker company tunes its audio signals to have fuller bass/treble, KEF speakers are tuned to be as flat or as “neutral” as possible.
What Does KEF Stand For?
Kent Engineering and Foundry is a company located in Tovil, Maidstone, they are the parent company of the KEF speaker.
KEF is the abbreviated form of “KENT ENGINEERING AND FOUNDRY”.
Do KEF Speakers Need An Amp?
The KEF speaker is designed with some pretty amazing features, these include advanced stereo visualization and precise audio. The typical KEF speaker has a general resistance of 8 ohms with a sensitivity of 85 decibels (2.83V/1m). With such a low sensitivity rating, you would require a strong amplifier to drive the speakers to achieve the highest sound output.