Note that this is a discontinued product. You may want to visit the brand's page here to browse their newer products.
What reviewers think
Bloggers and YouTubers have tried this product—so we've summarized their strongest opinions below. Links to full reviews follow.
Product Strengths
- Wide soundstage and radiation pattern, both horizontally and vertically, contribute to an immersive listening experience
- Good mid-bass punch, with an elevated bump around 120Hz that gives the perception of more impact
- Neutral tonal balance, with a well-balanced sound that allows the music to shine
- Excellent dispersion characteristics make them suitable for modern spaces where acoustic treatments are limited
- Metamaterial Absorption Technology (MAT) absorbs unwanted sound behind the tweeter for clearer sound
Product Considerations
- Compression and strain in the upper midrange can occur at high output levels (above 90dB at 10 feet)
- Some cabinet resonance exists
- Some detail, clarity, or attack is lacking from the speaker
- Not ideal for high output
- A slight dip around 1-2kHz exists that some people may not like
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to the KEF Q350, the Q3 Meta has more body and weight in the bass regions, but the Q350 is slightly better and more lively sounding in the upper frequencies
- Compared to the Polk Audio Reserve R200, the Q3 Meta is more neutral
- Compared to the Paradigm Premier 100B, the Q3 Meta dispersion characteristics are better, so they do not need a sub
- Compared to the PSB Imagine B50, the B50 kept its composure better at much louder listening levels, and its tonal balance seemed somehow even more neutral
Takeaway: The KEF Q3 Meta is an enjoyable speaker with a wide soundstage and neutral sound that makes the music sound good. It's a great pick for aesthetics if one does not listen at dangerous sound levels.
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Manufacturer's details
- Design: Two-way bass reflex
- Drive units: Uni-Q Driver Array: HF: 25 mm (1 in.) vented aluminium dome with MAT, LF/MF: 165 mm (6.5 in.) aluminium cone
- Frequency range (-6dB): 42 Hz - 20 kHz
- Frequency response (±3dB): 49 Hz - 20 kHz
- Crossover frequency: 2.0 kHz
- Amplifier requirements: 15 - 150 W
- Sensitivity (2.83V/1m): 87 dB
- Harmonic distortion: <2% 110 Hz and above, <1% 135 Hz - 20 kHz
- Maximum output: 109 dB
- Impedance: 4 Ω (min. 3.2 Ω)
- Weight: 8.2 kg (18.1 lbs.)
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 357 x 210 x 305 mm (14.1 x 8.3 x 12.0 in.)
Brand highlights
We analyzed reviewers' thoughts of the brand's entire lineup—not just this product—and what stands out most is the following:
- KEF's designs prioritize a "Single Apparent Source" through coaxial driver technology, aiming for a coherent soundstage where frequencies appear to originate from a single point, enhancing realism and spatial accuracy.
- The brand incorporates "Metamaterial Absorption Technology (MAT)" into its drivers, utilizing a maze-like structure to absorb unwanted sound waves from the rear of the driver, resulting in cleaner and more defined output.
- They offer a wide range of streaming and connectivity options, with their powered loudspeakers responding to the proprietary KEF Connect app, which delivers multiple streaming services and facilitates setup and customization.
- KEF frequently collaborates with renowned industrial designers to create visually striking products that seamlessly blend into modern living spaces, balancing aesthetic appeal with acoustic performance.
Select products
Every KEF model is built around the Uni-Q driver, which puts the tweeter in the center of the woofer so sound leaves one point and the stereo image holds wherever you sit. The Q1 Meta has a 5.25 inch Uni-Q and fits a desk or small room. The Q Concerto Meta adds a separate 6.5 inch bass driver, so a medium room gets deeper bass while the midrange stays free for voices. The Muon, limited to 100 pair, has six 10 inch woofers that reach 20Hz in the largest rooms.
- Start here. If you want KEF's Uni-Q imaging in a small room or on a desk without spending much, the Q1 Meta is the compact entry.
- Sweet spot. The Q3 Meta gives a mid-size room a 6.5 inch Uni-Q with bass down to 49Hz, a step up in bass from the Q1 Meta, and the models above mostly add more bass drivers.
- All in. The Muon is a limited edition far beyond the Q Series in price, and for a listener with a very large room its extra bass drivers deliver much deeper, more powerful bass than any Q model.
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Used
KEF
What if you spend more?
Even though the S400 MKII shares the same appearances as its predecessor, the speakers are actually quite a different experience when you listen to them. If we are to put this experience into words, it could be something like...
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Our summary
Product Strengths
- Surprisingly deep and controlled bass for its size, extending down to 33Hz, is delivered thanks to its passive radiator
- A sweet, smooth, detailed, airy, and intimate sound with a natural midrange that presents human voices remarkably well, is produced
- A wide and deep soundstage, excelling particularly in creating a three-dimensional listening experience with a strong front-to-back depth, is offered
- High-quality components in its crossover, including air core inductors and film capacitors, are used
- Exemplary off-axis performance due to the CDC waveguide, leading to evenly distributed in-room frequency response, excellent imaging, bigger soundstage, and improved transparency, is presented
Product Considerations
- A bit bright in the top end, particularly on-axis and even slightly off-axis, depending on the room acoustics, may be heard; sidewall absorption or equalization may be needed
- Vertical placement is temperamental; listeners should ensure their ears are aligned with the reference point between the waveguide and midwoofer
- A capable amplifier, ideally one with high output power and a high damping factor, is required to properly control the bass
- At high volumes, the speaker can experience compression and distortion, particularly in the higher frequencies and lower frequencies
- The direct sales model means there are no physical stores to demo the speakers
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs KEF LS50 Meta: The S400 Mark II sounds bigger and more potent, although the LS50 Meta is more transparent and has higher clarity
- Vs Dynaudio Heritage Special: The S400 MkII offers comparable midrange and equal bass, while the Dynaudio has more sizzle on top and a little more of a plumper mid
- Vs Emotiva B2 Plus: The S400 Mark II has more refined treble and midrange, but the Emotiva is better for rock and metal music
- Vs Dynaudio Special 40: The S400 MkII is sweeter, more open, more spacious sounding, and has a more transparent midrange
- Vs Klipsch The7s: The S400 MKII has a wider soundstage radiation
Takeaway: The S400 Mark II is a great-sounding speaker with impressive bass for its size and is easy to listen to for hours. It is a good option for those looking for a high-fidelity listening experience.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Product Strengths
- Secure imaging, believable vocal and instrumental timbres, and a superb sense of atmosphere and presence
- The speaker does a 'small-box disappearing act supremely well,' not drawing attention to itself and letting the music spill forth
- Provides tight, tuneful, convincing, and properly focused bass that securely underpins the music
- Emphasizes detail and resolution, and has one of the best detail/resolution figures that one reviewer has heard in the price range
- Has a wide sound dispersion, allowing listeners to sit anywhere in the room and still have a great sound
Product Considerations
- Can get sharp—shouty—harsh at high listening volumes
- Bass may not be sufficient for those looking for a lot of bass, and a subwoofer is recommended
- Soundstage is fairly intimate
- The treble can be a bit too hard, and some reviewers wished for a treble cut switch
- One reviewer disliked the cartoonishly large binding posts, and dangling leads can contact the passive radiator
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Buchardt S400: The Argon3S sounds more neutral and mid-centric, has a sweeter voicing, and a sharper treble
- Vs KLH Model Five: The midrange is slightly cleaner on the Argon3S, but it sounds very focused in comparison
- Vs SVS Prime Wireless PRO: The baseline clarity is considerably better for the pricier Argon3S, but the soundstage is far more holographic on SVS Prime Wireless PRO
- Vs ATC SCM 11 Version 2: Similar frame of mind, but the Amphion Argon 3S is more expressive and colorful
Takeaway: The Argon 3S is a compact speaker with a focus on detail and clarity, perfect for those who enjoy analyzing their music, especially at low to moderate volumes. Its design ensures it sounds great in various placements, making it a versatile addition to any audiophile's setup.
Video review
Our take on the brand
For those who dream of big sound but not big speakers Silverback 1 is a new member of the award-winning Silverback family. It's made for music lovers who dream of great music and sound experiences without having big speakers in the living room. Silverback 1 is the size of a sheet of A4 paper when viewed from the front. That's how small it is. The sound (on the other hand) fills the entire room.
We'll get back to that. Because the most striking thing about Silverback 1 is how incredibly discreet it is, although the amazing sound quality will probably surprise you the most. The sculptural design is created to fit into your home, without demanding too much attention.
Can be placed anywhere Hang it on the wall (with one screw) or place it on a shelf. A power cord is all it needs to become part of a wireless music system or home theater.
Amazing sound experiences have been enjoyed by those who have been willing to buy an expensive music system with exotic equipment and plenty of wires that are difficult to live with.
Award-winning sound and user-friendliness We've revolutionized that with Silverback. It's a family of wireless speakers that requires nothing more than a small digital control unit and a smartphone to deliver first class audio experiences. And it's easy to use. You only need two speakers, a small control unit and a smartphone. That's all. You don't need any equipment or plenty of wires.
The international trade press has named Silverback the world's best wireless speakers four times, and for good reason. You can connect your TV, turntable, computer, CD and games console to the control unit and integrate them into the wireless universe. Your music system can be exactly as simple or complex as you want.
Uses the laws of acoustics to its advantage Silverback 1 is made for placement near a wall. There are special acoustic conditions near walls and speakers need to be built for that location to sound perfect. Silverback 1 uses the laws of acoustics and digital technology to its advantage and achieves a perfectly balanced soundstage when placed near a wall.
And the sound… The first thing people notice about Silverback 1 is the amazing and pleasant bass. The sound is rich and warm, even when playing at low volume. This is due to the specially designed woofers and their perfect match with the built-in amplifiers. It sounds like a much bigger speaker and we're especially proud of its inviting musicality.
What surprises many music lovers next is the speaker's ability to bring vocals to life and how the sound of any instrument becomes clear and detailed. Silverback 1 is a 100% digital speaker built without the use of passive components that can make the sound unclear and muddy in regular speakers. Therefore, it creates a different and immersive experience.
The tweeter's patented acoustic lens covers the living room with sound, so you hear all the nuances of the sound, no matter where you are in the room. It can play surprisingly loud considering how small it is. But the built-in digital processors monitor and protect the speaker from overload, so you only have to think about what song you want to hear next.
Product Strengths
- Compact dimensions make them suitable for smaller rooms and wall mounting
- Delivers a big sound despite its small size
- Impressive dynamic capabilities
- Good bass performance considering the speaker size
- Clean and purposeful look in either sleek white or black satin finishes
Product Considerations
- Magnets holding the grilles in place aren't very strong
- Soundstage depth is limited, projecting sound forward of the speaker plane
- May exhibit some dynamic compression during complex musical passages
- The SA Cockpit app can be flaky and exhibit strange behavior
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The Q Active 200 created a deeper and higher soundstage, while the Silverback 1 had better-defined lower notes, and dynamics were more compressed on the Q Active 200
Takeaway: The Silverback 1 system is a great option for those with limited space who don't want to compromise on sound quality, offering impressive performance in a compact and aesthetically pleasing package. They are designed to blend into a domestic space rather than dominate it.
Video review
Our take on the brand
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Our summary
Product Strengths
- Clean, effortless, and neutral sound
- Outstanding clarity
- Handles music with beefy bass in a powerful but neutral manner
- Can play loudly, cleanly, and effortlessly
Product Considerations
- Lacks that sense of a three-dimensional acoustic space, sounding thinner and more compressed, compared to The Greatest
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Revel Performa3 F206: Both reproduce tight, powerful lows, but the Revels dig deeper and sound fuller
- Vs Revel Performa3 F206: Both portray a clear soundstage with real senses of depth and width
- Vs Revel Performa3 F206: Axiom M5HP conceded little to them in midrange reproduction
Takeaway: The Axiom Audio M5HP is a high-quality speaker that competes with far more expensive options and is made in North America. It provides incredible sound, superb engineering—and fantastic build quality at a reasonable price.
Video review
Our take on the brand
What competes at this price?
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- The Q1 Meta delivers detail and realism exceeding its price point
- Metamaterial technology noticeably improves sound quality compared to previous models like the Q350, LS50, and R3
- It handles loud volumes without breaking up, with one reviewer noting they experienced peaks of 100dB with an Arcam amplifier
- Detail retrieval capabilities showcase the differences between various amplifiers, providing flexibility in system building
- The speaker does exactly what it advertises, and is considered remarkable
Product Considerations
- The aluminum dome tweeter produces a metallic sheen in the high frequencies, which may not be preferred by all listeners
- It requires bass support from a subwoofer for optimal performance, as it only goes down to 51Hz
- The reviewer felt vibrations on the speaker when playing loud, suggesting damping could be improved
- While it sounds shockingly good in the location, putting it on open back bookshelf speakers near a corner can be less than ideal
- The Decware Zen Triode (2.3 watts) does not drive the speaker well, and it sounds thin
Takeaway: The Q1 Meta is an affordable speaker that delivers impressive detail and clarity, thanks to its innovative metamaterial technology. With the right amplifier and potentially a subwoofer, it offers a high-quality listening experience that can be enjoyed for a long time.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Available in multiple vibrant colors, breaking the monotony of typical speaker designs
- Produces a surprisingly big and wide sound despite their compact size
- The MHEX woofer reacts very fast and sounds like paper
- Soundstage stretches from speaker to speaker
Product Considerations
- Sound profile shows a dip in mid-range and roll-off in high frequencies, potentially requiring EQ adjustments
- High frequencies roll off around 8k or so
- Limited bass response, which may need a subwoofer for rock music or larger rooms
- Not linear frequency response, which may impact sound clarity
- Overall sensitivity is about 83.4 dB, which is below manufacturer's specs
Takeaway: The KIN ONE speakers are small but can create a big sound with multiple color options. Though they may benefit from EQ and a sub, they can be a good option for smaller rooms.
Video review
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- The tapered cabinet design eliminates internal resonance, making it lightweight and rigid
- It uses a custom-designed Vortex port that provides more volume in less space
- A unique design allows the woofer to roll off naturally at 2.2kHz, eliminating the need for a low-cost crossover component that could degrade audio signal quality
- Offers a neutral and realistic midrange, providing a natural and realistic sound
- Clarity and resolution, particularly in the midrange area, is well-received
Product Considerations
- Minute gaps were found in the seams of the custom vinyl finish under scrutiny
- Since it is a rear port, some room will need to be left for the speaker to breathe
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to the KEF Q1, the M3 had clearer differentiation and separation of choir and orchestra, and French horns had much more balance and presence
Takeaway: The Axiom M3 is a well-designed speaker that offers excellent value and performs above expectations. It could be a great choice for anyone wanting a clean, neutral sound with great dynamics for casual listening.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Durable build with corrosion-resistant materials and IPX5 water resistance rating makes it suitable for outdoor use in various weather conditions
- Flexible placement since it can be mounted horizontally or vertically
- Good separation of lows, mids, and highs with bright highs
- Requires an amplifier to function
- White color option is prone to collecting dust when used outdoors, black is recommended for outdoor use
- Proper wire management is crucial for a clean installation
Product Considerations
- Does not have the low-end bass of a dedicated subwoofer
Takeaway: The Magnet Symbol X is a durable and versatile speaker suitable for both indoor and outdoor use, especially for those looking for a permanent audio solution with a clean setup. With a proper amplifier, clear and loud sound can be enjoyed in any space.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- The M2's are the least colored speakers in its group, offering neutrality
- Impressively involving and capable of delivering music well
- Can reach substantial volume levels before showing signs of harshness
- Exceptional imaging, great precision through the midrange, and a wall-to-wall soundstage
Product Considerations
- A subwoofer is needed to complete the sonic picture, as it lacks deep-bass reproduction
- Fit and finish is adequate but not particularly impressive
Takeaway: The M2 is a neutral and musical speaker that performs well and can be used in a budget or high-end system with a subwoofer. It delivers clear and precise sound.
Video review
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