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Floorstanding Speakers

KEF’s Q Series META Loudspeakers Featuring MAT Technology Have the Potential to Dominate Below $2,000

Priced from $600 to $2,200 per pair, KEF’s most affordable loudspeaker range includes 8 models featuring 12th generation Uni-Q drivers.

2024 KEF Q Meta Loudspeakers in White

The KEF Q Speaker line has been a popular series that provides great sound for those on a budget. Their models have consistently sold well and made our annual “Best” lists in the bookshelf and floorstanding loudspeaker categories. With so much competition right now form Q Acoustics, Focal, ELAC, and Wharfedale in the entry-level category, it was most certainly time for KEF to redesign its “Q” models and offer something that not only offers an updated look — but is sonically superior.

The new KEF Q Meta Series Loudspeakers have been unveiled and there is a lot to unpack.

The new Q Series consists of eight speaker models, the Q11 Meta, Q Concerto, Meta, Q3 Meta, Q7 Meta, Q1 Meta, Q6 Meta, Q8 Meta, and Q4 Meta.

KEF Technologies

KEF MAT Technology

Metamaterial Absorption Technology (MAT) which has been incorporated into KEF’s higher-end speaker lines, is now being incorporated into the Q-Series now labeled the Q Series Meta. This technology eliminates 99% of high-frequency distortion for pure, natural sound.

KEF Q-Series META Uni-Q Driver with MAT Technology

MAT also takes the performance of the latest 12th-generation Uni-Q driver array to another level in terms of accuracy and clarity. Using a complex maze structure MAT efficiently absorbs a specific frequency via each channel in the maze. When all the channels in the maze are combined, they act as an acoustic black hole, resulting in a more natural listening experience.

The Uni-Q driver array has been redesigned to maximize the performance improvements that MAT™ delivers. From the conical waveguide that couples the tweeter dome to the metamaterial absorber has been specially designed for the driver based on its depth, to the re-engineered tweeter gap damper strategically placed two rings of porous material to tame the resonances and imperfections greatly improving detail and clarity.

These are some of the innovations that combine to ensure the Q Series sounds more transparent and lifelike.

Tip: The Uni-Q driver array with MAT is included in all eight Q-series models.

Improved Crossover Configuration

For additional improved detail and clarity, specific models within the Q Series range have been upgraded from a 2.5-way to a 3-way speaker design. These speakers include the Q11 Meta, Q7 Meta, Q Concerto Meta, and Q6 Meta.

This updated configuration separates the frequency ranges, with the Uni-Q driver handling the high and midrange frequencies, and a newly designed bass driver dedicated to the low frequencies management giving listeners a deep and clean bass.

KEF Q Series META Loudspeaker Family Walnut

The eight models in the Q Series extend from two 3-way floor-standing models- the Q11 Meta and Q7 Meta- both of which provide refined detail and powerful bass to bring your music to life. 

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Featuring a more compact design, the Q series provides a selection of bookshelf speakers including the 3-way Q Concerto Meta, the first three-way bookshelf speaker in the Q Series and revival of the classic KEF Concerto 1969, sharing the same concept of making high-fidelity sound more accessible to more people, as well as featuring the compact Q3 Meta and Q1Meta models.

The first on-wall speaker in the Q Series range, the Q4 Meta can be used as an LCR (left, center, right) or surround speaker for a more expansive soundscape without taking up any floor space.

The Q6 Meta can also be used in an LCR configuration. The Q8 Meta can be placed on top of another main speaker for Dolby Atmos height to bounce sound off the ceiling, bringing Dolby Atmos to the room as well as serve as a surround sound speaker with its integrated wall mount feature.

If the listeners want more impactful bass for their setup they can pair the Q Series with KEF subwoofers.

Minimalist Cabinet Design

KEF Q7 META Loudspeakers White Lifestyle
KEF Q7 Meta Loudspeakers (white)

The Q Series speakers feature a contemporary minimalist design with a satin finish that offers a premium, subtle glow. Available in Satin Black, Satin White, and Walnut finish with carefully selected color driver units, they are designed to blend well into any interior.

KEF Q3 META Loudspeakers Walnut Pair Lifestyle
KEF Q3 Meta Stand-mount Loudspeakers (black)

Removable grilles are included with the speakers, providing the option to protect the drivers if needed. These color-matched grilles maintain a cohesive aesthetic, while the magnetic fixing provides a secure and precise fit, in keeping with the clean and seamless styling of the Q Series.

KEF Q Series META Speakers Grille

Optional B2 Wall Bracket provides a wall-mounting solution for Q3 Meta and Q1 Meta. The SQ1 Floor Stand for Q Concerto Meta, Q3 Meta, and Q1 Meta is available as a separate item

An optional PQ1 Plinth Spike Kit for Q11 Meta and  Q7 Meta is also available.

KEF Q-Series META Loudspeaker Feet

Comparison Charts

KEF Q Series META Speakers: Q11 (left) vs Q7 (right) in White
Q11 MetaQ7 Meta
Price$2,200/pair$1,800/pair
DesignFloorstanding
Three-way bass reflex
Floorstanding
Three-way bass reflex
DriversUni-Q Driver Array (HF/MF)
HF: 19 mm (0.75 in.) vented aluminum dome with MAT 
MF: 100 mm (4 in.) aluminium cone
LF: 3 x 165 mm (6.5 in.) hybrid aluminium cone
Uni-Q Driver Array (HF/MF)
HF: 19 mm (0.75 in.) vented aluminum dome with MAT
MF: 100 mm (4 in.) aluminium cone
LF: 2 x 165 mm (6.5 in.) hybrid aluminium cone
Frequency Range (-6dB)37 Hz – 20 kHz39 Hz – 20 kHz
In-Room Bass Response (-6db)26 Hz28 Hz
Frequency Response (+/-  3dB)44 Hz – 20 kHz46 Hz – 20 kHz
Crossover Frequency480 Hz, 2.7 kHz440 Hz, 2.3 kHz
Amplifier Requirement15 – 225 W15 – 200 W
Sensitivity (2.83v/1m)89 dB87 dB
Harmonic Distortion (90fB/1m)<2% 29 Hz and above 
<1% 31 Hz – 20 kHz
<2% 35 Hz and above
<1% 38 Hz – 20 kHz
Maximum Output (SPL)113 dB110 dB
Impedance4 Ω (min. 3.2 Ω)4 Ω (min. 3.2 Ω)
Weight 22.5 kg (49.6 lbs.)18.4 kg (40.6 lbs.)
Dimensions (HWD) with Terminals1061 x 210 x 380 mm
 (41.8 x 8.3 x 15.0 in.)
950 x 210 x 315 mm 
(37.4 x 8.3 x 12.4 in.)
Dimensions (HWD) with Terminals and Plinth1112 x 317 x 380 mm 
43.8 x 12.5 x 15.0 in
1001 x 317 x 315 mm
39.4 x 12.5 x 12.4 in
FinishesSatin Black / Satin White / WalnutSatin Black / Satin White / Walnut
KEF Q Series META Speakers: Q Concerto (L), Q3 (Middle), Q1 (R)
KEF Q Series META: Q Concerto (L), Q3 (Middle), Q1 (R)
Q Concerto MetaQ3 MetaQ1 Meta
Price$1,300/pair$800/pair$600/pair
DesignStandmount/Bookshelf
Three-way bass reflex
Standmount/Bookshelf
Two-way bass reflex
Standmount/Bookshelf
Two-way bass reflex
DriversUni-Q Driver Array (HF/MF)
HF: 19 mm (0.75 in.) vented aluminium dome with MAT 
MF: 100 mm (4 in.) aluminium cone
LF: 165 mm (6.5 in.) hybrid aluminum cone
Uni-Q Driver Array (HF/MF)
HF: 25 mm (1 in.) vented aluminum dome with MAT 
LF/MF: 165 mm (6.5 in.) aluminum cone
Uni-Q Driver Array (HF/MF)
HF: 25 mm (1 in.) vented aluminum dome with MAT 
LF/MF: 130 mm (5.25 in.) aluminium cone
Frequency Range (-6fB)40 Hz – 20 kHz42 Hz – 20 kHz47 Hz – 20 kHz
In-Room Bass Response (-6db)36 Hz39 Hz42 Hz
Frequency Response (+/-  3dB)48 Hz – 20 kHz49 Hz – 20 kHz51 Hz – 20 kHz
Crossover Frequency430 Hz, 2.9 kHz2.0 kHz2.1 kHz
Amplifier Requirement15 – 180 W15 – 150 W10 – 150 W
Sensitivity (2.83v/1m)85 dB87 dB86 dB
Harmonic Distortion(90fB/1m)<2% 37 Hz and above 
<1% 91 Hz – 20 kHz
<2% 110 Hz and above 
<1% 135 Hz – 20 kHz
<2% 140 Hz and above 
<1% 170 Hz – 20 kHz 
Maximum Output (SPL)108 dB109 dB108 dB
Impedance4 Ω (min. 3.2 Ω)4 Ω (min. 3.2 Ω)4 Ω (min. 3.2 Ω)
Weight 9.5 kg (20.9 lbs.)8.2 kg (18.1 lbs.)6.1 kg (13.4 lbs.)
Dimensions (HWD) with Terminals415 x 210 x 315 mm
16.3 x 8.3 x 12.4 in
357 x 210 x 305 mm 
14.1 x 8.3 x 12.0 in
302 x 180 x 277 mm 
11.9 x 7.1 x 10.9 in
Dimensions (HWD) with Terminals and PlinthN/AN/AN/A
FinishesSatin Black / Satin White / WalnutSatin Black / Satin White / WalnutSatin Black / Satin White / Walnut
KEF Q Series META Speakers:  Q6 (L), Q8 (Middle), Q4 (R)
Q6 MetaQ8 MetaQ4 Meta
Price$800 each$800/pair$1,000/pair
DesignCenter Channel
Three-way closed box
Height Channel 
Two-way closed box
On-Wall
Two-way bass reflex
DriversUni-Q Driver Array (HF/MF)
HF: 19 mm (0.75 in.) vented aluminum dome with MAT 
MF: 100 mm (4 in.) aluminium cone
LF: 2 x 165 mm (6.5 in.) hybrid aluminium cone
Uni-Q Driver Array(HF/MF) 
HF: 25 mm (1 in.) vented aluminum dome with MAT 
MF/LF: 130 mm (5.25 in.) aluminium cone
Uni-Q Driver Array (HF/MF)
HF: 25 mm (1 in.) vented aluminum dome with MAT 
MF/LF: 130 mm (5.25 in.) aluminium cone
Frequency Range (-6fB)52 Hz – 20 kHz96 Hz – 20 kHz52 Hz – 20 kHz
In-Room Bass Response (-6db)36 Hz90 Hz44 Hz
Frequency Response (+/-  3dB)63 Hz – 20 kHz105 Hz – 20 kHz65 Hz – 20 kHz
Crossover Frequency560 Hz, 2.7 kHz2.7 kHz1.8 kHz
Amplifier Requirement15 – 200 W10 – 150 W10 – 150 W
Sensitivity (2.83v/1m)86 dB86 dB86 dB
Harmonic Distortion(90fB/1m)<2% 20 Hz and above 
<1% 68 Hz – 20 kHz
<2% 145 Hz and above 
<1% 170 Hz – 20 kHz
<2% 145 Hz and above 
<1% 170 Hz – 20 kHz
Maximum Output (SPL)109 dB109 dB108 dB
Impedance4 Ω (min. 3.2 Ω)4 Ω (min. 3.2 Ω)4 Ω (min. 3.2 Ω)
Weight 14.1 kg (31.1 lbs.)4.5 kg (9.9 lbs.)5.7 kg (12.6 lbs.)
Dimensions (HWD) with Terminals210 x 629 x 303 mm
8.3 x 24.8 x 11.9 in
176 x 180 x 259 mm
6.9 x 7.1 x 10.2 in
400 x 250 x 142 mm
15.7 x 9.8 x 5.6 in
Dimensions (HWD) with Terminals and PlinthN/AN/AN/A
FinishesSatin Black / Satin White / WalnutSatin Black / Satin White / WalnutSatin Black / Satin White / Walnut
KEF Q Series Meta Loudspeakers in Walnut 2024

Initial Impressions

KEF has a great track record in the speaker landscape. With a large number of both wireless and traditional speakers, there is something for just about everybody.

Their latest release adds some higher-end technologies, such as MAT, to their value Q series which should attract a lot of attention from those looking for speakers in an affordable price range similar to the Bowers & Wilkins 600 Series S3 and Q Acoustics 5000 Series speaker lines. 

Pricing & Availability

Most KEF Q Series loudspeakers will be available starting on October 10, 2024. However, Q Concerto Meta will be available September 26, 2024 as part of myKEF’s member early access exclusive.

  • Q11 Meta – $2,200/pair
  • Q7 Meta – $1,800/pair
  • Q Concerto Meta – $1,300/pair (available Sept 26th)
  • Q3 Meta – $800/pair
  • Q1 Meta – $600/pair
  • Q6 Meta –  $800 each
  • Q8 Meta – $800/pair
  • Q4 Meta – $1,000/pair (available Q1 2025)

All models available in Satin Black, Satin White, or Walnut finish. The Q4 Meta, SQ1 Floor stand, and PQ1 Plinth/Spike Kit will be later in Winter 2025.

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Where to buy: Pre-order now at Audio Advice.

For more information: us.kef.com

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