i sold my Q-350 and bought a set of Q-150 speakers for my very small appartment here in the Netherlands. less bass but for me much more clear sound. Nice vid.
There are a number of speaker brands that do that. The smaller model will be clearer with better driver integration. The larger models sacrifice that for a larger sound and more bass. That's why I opt for the smaller model and mate to a sub.
Been a KEF guy since 1979 when I first got into Hi-Fi. I've owned the Corelli, C40, Reference 101, Reference 105.2 and still own the Reference 104.2. The 104.2 and 105.2 are floor standers. KEF has been around since 1961.
As an engineer who has designed audio gear in my distant past, I will offer to you that the reasons for the coaxial driver are for i) time alignment, as you mentioned in your video, but also for ii) the lack of vertical lobing, like the typical lack of horizontal lobing, which is to say there will be no dips in response due to cancellations as you move your head up and down a good deal. You'll see this in the dispersion plots that some review tests reveal (ie: compare the vertical result to the horizontal --> they're similar with the coaxial driver approach).
I have them with a sub and i use a valve amp, they do work in a big room, try turning up the volume, i had loads of expensive speakers in the past, and the kef are right up there, even better, also they are used with home kef cinema setups and sounds great The price reflects the driver design, well im very pleased with them!
The LS50 cabinet is substantially smaller, yet it will produce more (and tighter) bass if you push them. Both speakers dip to low 3 ohms and are 85-86dB (LS 50 85 and 86 for Q150) sensitivity. Both speakers can stay clean and punch tight bass at 100 watts (I think even more for the LS50s), but not on a 100 watt amp. I have both and know how well they can perform on my JC1 mono block system. KEF is now rating most of their speakers at 4ohms, because they always were 4ohm speakers. I think they didn't want to scare away perspective buyers, because they still perform quite well at lower wattage. Both speakers need big amps to shine their best. Both are very balanced and accurate, but they will suck most amps dry if you push them on amps that can't handle the difficult load. When those little drivers get sloppy in the bass, everything will get muddy. Both are pretty much neutral speakers, so if you have a bright front end, they will sound a bit harsh. Parasound amps are a great match for KEF speakers. Some people think KEF speakers are too forward, but that only happens when the speakers are too close to the wall. The further you move the LS50s or Q150s out from the wall, the deeper the sound stage and vocals move back to the wall (no matter how loud you go). The speakers disappear and you get a 3 dimensional sound stage that go wider than the speakers are placed.
I would love to audition some of their floor standers, however there isn’t anywhere close enough that stocks them. I will probably start going to some audio shows in the future.
Just ordered the q350s, along with an SVS sb-1000 pro Sub and Cambridge CXA81 Stereo Amp. I too have never heard any Kef speakers before, but the LS50 has been on my wishlist for over a decade and this setup seems close enough without completely breaking the bank. Just got back into Hifi this month when I got a Sonos Arc/Era 300/Gen3 Sub Atmos system .. Spatial audio is just breathtaking on Sonos. Truly magical. Stereo sounds fun too, but I figure a dedicated stereo system will run circles even around a high end sound bar system. Best of both worlds, without taking up much extra space.
@@TheBoomerConsumer I've seen some reviews that suggested a subwoofer, but my speakers will be very near field, on the ends of my desk/long table. I just can't wait to hook them up to my Yamaha CR-820!
I have heard the Kef q550, they have tesame Uni-Q driver and they sound very good. Good imaging, deep base and very good, clean highs. Very good for the price.
Any speaker bar PA speakers would sound laidback compared to the Klipsch. And as you move back without spreading the speakers further apart, you are moving out of the equilateral triangle, nearly any speaker's imaging would collapse.
Recommend bookshelf speakers under $500 that deliver: - Balanced sound with crystal clarity and warm signature. - Unfatiguing sound signature for extended listening - Layered, lively, and nuanced vocals with depth and dimensionality - Taut and nuanced bass response with subtle textural details and low-frequency extension - Immersive sonic landscape - forgiving to not so well recorded songs. Prioritize precision, fidelity, and listening comfort in your suggestion:
I have these for a while and i agree with your review but i was wondering: for under a grand, what would you buy? What would be an upgrade under $1000? Thank you
Hi there, great review. I just picked up a set of these. But wanted to ask, the manual stated use stands anywhere from 18" - 24", just wondering if you had any input on this? thank you
Been running KEF for a decade and I'm not a fan of any of their 2-way designs (including LS50). They all have IMD distortion issues at higher volumes with any moderately bass heavy songs. I wish they introduced a 3-way Q series bookshelf. In the end they're forcing people to spend more money on a subwoofer which doesn't really solve the IMD issue unless you're running a HPF.
i was looking at a pair of speakers for a 3.1 home cinema system i was first looking at the fyne audio f500 left and rights and a f500c centre probably around £750, but i am thinking about going for 3 q150s as my left right and centre for £450 thoughts? ps i will add a sub too.
I had a pair of q150s and regret selling them. I think when it comes to bass, many times people want bass that’s deeper than the way it was recorded on what they’re playing. I leave my tone controls flat most of the time and felt they had plenty of bass.
I am a little confused. "You get 80% of the sound for 25% of the price of the LS50 Meta, but the Q150 are not worth $600" you said, which is still 50% less than the Metas?
I have never heard the LS50’s. Based on the overall sound of these speakers which is good, I believe you can find something more dynamic, better bass, possibly better made in that 600 price range. But that’s my opinion.
@@TheBoomerConsumer I wonder how a pair of Q150s for $300 plus two ELAC SUB1010s for $130 each (maybe a bit more) for $560 would compare to other $600 options. Recent results from a couple of independent test sites show the distortion profiles of the Q150 and original LS50 were virtually identical at 86 and 96 dB SPL. Taking the bass load off the Q150s should help, right?
KEF LS50/meta are extremely overhyped. They have a rabid following and conversely, LOTS on the used market. WHY? There is a metallic tinge to the tweeter. Doesn't sound natural to me.
i sold my Q-350 and bought a set of Q-150 speakers for my very small appartment here in the Netherlands.
less bass but for me much more clear sound.
Nice vid.
There are a number of speaker brands that do that. The smaller model will be clearer with better driver integration. The larger models sacrifice that for a larger sound and more bass. That's why I opt for the smaller model and mate to a sub.
Been a KEF guy since 1979 when I first got into Hi-Fi. I've owned the Corelli, C40, Reference 101, Reference 105.2 and still own the Reference 104.2. The 104.2 and 105.2 are floor standers. KEF has been around since 1961.
No doubt a great brand. Hard to find a dealer to audition KEF here in corn and soybean country..
As an engineer who has designed audio gear in my distant past, I will offer to you that the reasons for the coaxial driver are for i) time alignment, as you mentioned in your video, but also for ii) the lack of vertical lobing, like the typical lack of horizontal lobing, which is to say there will be no dips in response due to cancellations as you move your head up and down a good deal. You'll see this in the dispersion plots that some review tests reveal (ie: compare the vertical result to the horizontal --> they're similar with the coaxial driver approach).
Thanks for that explanation!
Are these the right speakers for meeeeeee?
I have them with a sub and i use a valve amp, they do work in a big room, try turning up the volume, i had loads of expensive speakers in the past, and the kef are right up there, even better, also they are used with home kef cinema setups and sounds great
The price reflects the driver design, well im very pleased with them!
The LS50 cabinet is substantially smaller, yet it will produce more (and tighter) bass if you push them. Both speakers dip to low 3 ohms and are 85-86dB (LS 50 85 and 86 for Q150) sensitivity. Both speakers can stay clean and punch tight bass at 100 watts (I think even more for the LS50s), but not on a 100 watt amp. I have both and know how well they can perform on my JC1 mono block system. KEF is now rating most of their speakers at 4ohms, because they always were 4ohm speakers. I think they didn't want to scare away perspective buyers, because they still perform quite well at lower wattage. Both speakers need big amps to shine their best. Both are very balanced and accurate, but they will suck most amps dry if you push them on amps that can't handle the difficult load. When those little drivers get sloppy in the bass, everything will get muddy.
Both are pretty much neutral speakers, so if you have a bright front end, they will sound a bit harsh. Parasound amps are a great match for KEF speakers. Some people think KEF speakers are too forward, but that only happens when the speakers are too close to the wall. The further you move the LS50s or Q150s out from the wall, the deeper the sound stage and vocals move back to the wall (no matter how loud you go). The speakers disappear and you get a 3 dimensional sound stage that go wider than the speakers are placed.
Love the KEF range. Superb bookshelf and floorstand speakers.
I would love to audition some of their floor standers, however there isn’t anywhere close enough that stocks them. I will probably start going to some audio shows in the future.
What about the elephant in the room Elephant in the room Macintosh?
Just ordered the q350s, along with an SVS sb-1000 pro Sub and Cambridge CXA81 Stereo Amp. I too have never heard any Kef speakers before, but the LS50 has been on my wishlist for over a decade and this setup seems close enough without completely breaking the bank.
Just got back into Hifi this month when I got a Sonos Arc/Era 300/Gen3 Sub Atmos system .. Spatial audio is just breathtaking on Sonos. Truly magical. Stereo sounds fun too, but I figure a dedicated stereo system will run circles even around a high end sound bar system. Best of both worlds, without taking up much extra space.
I found it funny that people say it’s not worth 600$ but then proceeds to say it’s almost as good as an LS50 that is 1200$. 😂
Yes. I have found this to be strange as well. Not worth half a $1200 speaker, but great as a quarter of a $1200 speaker. Who buys the LS50? 😂😢😅
The big gripe is lack of bass. The LS50 also lacks bass
@@CADClicker yeah I ended up with Buchardt
Well that must indicate the LS50s are definitely not worth the price.
I got back into HiFi with the q150s in my bed room recently. Love them so much that I went for the q950 for my living/dining room.
How does the Q950 compare?
can't go wrong with the KEF brand
So far I’m very impressed
I have had the Kef KC62 sub for over a year now & for a mini sub it kicks ass + so easy to integrate with any speakers.
Good honest review, thank you.
Thanks for watching
Elephant in the room, KRELL!
For $1500 it better knock your socks off.
What a trip - I just ordered a pair of the walnut KEF Q150 speakers to go with my beloved Yamaha CR-820. I can't wait to pair them up.
They are awesome speakers for the money
@@TheBoomerConsumer I've seen some reviews that suggested a subwoofer, but my speakers will be very near field, on the ends of my desk/long table. I just can't wait to hook them up to my Yamaha CR-820!
Great Vlog Bruce! BTW - your natural personality and delivery out does a "teleprompter" every time!
Thanks so much and Merry Christmas 🎁
@@TheBoomerConsumer - back at you Bruce!
I have heard the Kef q550, they have tesame Uni-Q driver and they sound very good. Good imaging, deep base and very good, clean highs. Very good for the price.
Any speaker bar PA speakers would sound laidback compared to the Klipsch. And as you move back without spreading the speakers further apart, you are moving out of the equilateral triangle, nearly any speaker's imaging would collapse.
Thanks, Bruce
Great video I love the fact of yourself that's what makes your work great.
Hope you have a Merry Christmas
Merry Christmas to you too!
Recommend bookshelf speakers under $500 that deliver:
- Balanced sound with crystal clarity and warm signature.
- Unfatiguing sound signature for extended listening
- Layered, lively, and nuanced vocals with depth and dimensionality
- Taut and nuanced bass response with subtle textural details and low-frequency extension
- Immersive sonic landscape
- forgiving to not so well recorded songs.
Prioritize precision, fidelity, and listening comfort in your suggestion:
I really like kef but I certainly wouldn't say they're forgiving to badly recorded music.
By the way, I appreciate and much prefer your natural presentation over the use of prompt cards. Merry Christmas, Bruce!
Thanks!
I have these for a while and i agree with your review but i was wondering: for under a grand, what would you buy? What would be an upgrade under $1000? Thank you
If to compare KEF Q150 with Klipsch KD-400 , what do you think ? Please give your opinion , sir. Thank you in advance.
Merry Christmas & Happy New Year to you and the Queen Bruce!
Same to you!
Hi there, great review. I just picked up a set of these. But wanted to ask, the manual stated use stands anywhere from 18" - 24", just wondering if you had any input on this? thank you
The Q150's are BETTER than the LS50's, in one key area: simply more fun to listen to!
Been running KEF for a decade and I'm not a fan of any of their 2-way designs (including LS50). They all have IMD distortion issues at higher volumes with any moderately bass heavy songs. I wish they introduced a 3-way Q series bookshelf. In the end they're forcing people to spend more money on a subwoofer which doesn't really solve the IMD issue unless you're running a HPF.
i was looking at a pair of speakers for a 3.1 home cinema system i was first looking at the fyne audio f500 left and rights and a f500c centre probably around £750, but i am thinking about going for 3 q150s as my left right and centre for £450 thoughts?
ps i will add a sub too.
Hi, what’s your opinion on Randy that heap audio man?
I had a pair of q150s and regret selling them. I think when it comes to bass, many times people want bass that’s deeper than the way it was recorded on what they’re playing. I leave my tone controls flat most of the time and felt they had plenty of bass.
I am a little confused. "You get 80% of the sound for 25% of the price of the LS50 Meta, but the Q150 are not worth $600" you said, which is still 50% less than the Metas?
I have never heard the LS50’s. Based on the overall sound of these speakers which is good, I believe you can find something more dynamic, better bass, possibly better made in that 600 price range. But that’s my opinion.
@@TheBoomerConsumer I wonder how a pair of Q150s for $300 plus two ELAC SUB1010s for $130 each (maybe a bit more) for $560 would compare to other $600 options. Recent results from a couple of independent test sites show the distortion profiles of the Q150 and original LS50 were virtually identical at 86 and 96 dB SPL. Taking the bass load off the Q150s should help, right?
@@TheBoomerConsumerGive some examples please.
Sir nice review will recommend me this metal music like iron maiden o judas priest ?
Can´t decide between these or the Emovitvas B1 Airmotiv...
Tough decision!😁
What are the dimensions of your room and how far away are you sitting from the speakers
Approx 14x12
@@TheBoomerConsumer That's a small room for those Lintons.
Im using them for height speakers
That’s an interesting way to use them
What up boomer nice review,have you listened to the triangle bro 2
Not yet but I intend t get them next year
R3 and 2 subs all the way.
I have electrostatic speakers ,for female vocals💯😎
I would love to audition some Maggie’s. What do you have?
Acoustat I bought them at the thrift store 15 years ago their about 8 feet tall powered by a emotiva ta 100
I'm anti subwoofer
I would prefer not to, but I really think these need one
KEF LS50/meta are extremely overhyped. They have a rabid following and conversely, LOTS on the used market. WHY? There is a metallic tinge to the tweeter. Doesn't sound natural to me.