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
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
Comparison Charts
| Q11 Meta | Q7 Meta | |
| Price | $2,200/pair | $1,800/pair |
| Design | Floorstanding Three-way bass reflex | Floorstanding Three-way bass reflex |
| Drivers | 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: 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 kHz | 39 Hz – 20 kHz |
| In-Room Bass Response (-6db) | 26 Hz | 28 Hz |
| Frequency Response (+/- 3dB) | 44 Hz – 20 kHz | 46 Hz – 20 kHz |
| Crossover Frequency | 480 Hz, 2.7 kHz | 440 Hz, 2.3 kHz |
| Amplifier Requirement | 15 – 225 W | 15 – 200 W |
| Sensitivity (2.83v/1m) | 89 dB | 87 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 dB | 110 dB |
| Impedance | 4 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 Terminals | 1061 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 Plinth | 1112 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 |
| Finishes | Satin Black / Satin White / Walnut | Satin Black / Satin White / Walnut |
| Q Concerto Meta | Q3 Meta | Q1 Meta | |
| Price | $1,300/pair | $800/pair | $600/pair |
| Design | Standmount/Bookshelf Three-way bass reflex | Standmount/Bookshelf Two-way bass reflex | Standmount/Bookshelf Two-way bass reflex |
| Drivers | Uni-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 kHz | 42 Hz – 20 kHz | 47 Hz – 20 kHz |
| In-Room Bass Response (-6db) | 36 Hz | 39 Hz | 42 Hz |
| Frequency Response (+/- 3dB) | 48 Hz – 20 kHz | 49 Hz – 20 kHz | 51 Hz – 20 kHz |
| Crossover Frequency | 430 Hz, 2.9 kHz | 2.0 kHz | 2.1 kHz |
| Amplifier Requirement | 15 – 180 W | 15 – 150 W | 10 – 150 W |
| Sensitivity (2.83v/1m) | 85 dB | 87 dB | 86 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 dB | 109 dB | 108 dB |
| Impedance | 4 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 Terminals | 415 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 Plinth | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Finishes | Satin Black / Satin White / Walnut | Satin Black / Satin White / Walnut | Satin Black / Satin White / Walnut |
| Q6 Meta | Q8 Meta | Q4 Meta | |
| Price | $800 each | $800/pair | $1,000/pair |
| Design | Center Channel Three-way closed box | Height Channel Two-way closed box | On-Wall Two-way bass reflex |
| Drivers | 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 | 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 kHz | 96 Hz – 20 kHz | 52 Hz – 20 kHz |
| In-Room Bass Response (-6db) | 36 Hz | 90 Hz | 44 Hz |
| Frequency Response (+/- 3dB) | 63 Hz – 20 kHz | 105 Hz – 20 kHz | 65 Hz – 20 kHz |
| Crossover Frequency | 560 Hz, 2.7 kHz | 2.7 kHz | 1.8 kHz |
| Amplifier Requirement | 15 – 200 W | 10 – 150 W | 10 – 150 W |
| Sensitivity (2.83v/1m) | 86 dB | 86 dB | 86 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 dB | 109 dB | 108 dB |
| Impedance | 4 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 Terminals | 210 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 Plinth | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Finishes | Satin Black / Satin White / Walnut | Satin Black / Satin White / Walnut | Satin Black / Satin White / Walnut |
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.
Where to buy: Pre-order now at Audio Advice.
For more information: us.kef.com
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