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
- Proper soundstage and good timbres generate well-controlled sound throughout the listening room
- Impressive clarity and subtlety for the price range unearths nuances in music with composure and precision
- Clear and characterful voices, with seamless integration between the midrange and treble
- Big, deep, and broad stereo image presents an excellent sense of depth and space in decent recordings
- Clean and modern design and a sturdy build quality
Product Considerations
- Some punch and drive are lacking, especially at low volumes, and may sound too refined for some listeners
- Noticeable cabinet vibration
- Grills are optional and sold separately
- Rear port placement requires adequate space from the wall
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The Q350 displays a level of clarity and subtlety that the Dynaudio Emit M20 does not, has the ability to fill a room even more easily than the Dynaudio Emit M20, and voices sound clear and characterful, with seamless integration between midrange and treble
- Low-end bass definition and a more neutral midrange are ahead of the Klipsch RP-160M's
Takeaway: The KEF Q350 is a versatile speaker that sounds bigger and more expensive than it is with a likable sound. It is a good option for those looking for well-rounded sound quality across different music genres.
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Manufacturer details
- Weight: 7.6kg (16.8lbs)
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 14.09 x 8.26 x 12.04 in (358 x 210 x 306 mm)
- Design: 2-way bass reflex
- Sensitivity: 87dB (2.83V/1m)
- Frequency Range Free Field: 42Hz (-6dB)
- Frequency Response: 63Hz-28kHz (±3dB)
- Maximum Output: 110dB
- Amplifier Requirements: 15-120W
- Nominal Impedance: 8 Ohms (min.3.7 Ohms)
- Drive Units: 165mm (6.5in.) aluminium Uni-Q, 25mm (1in.) vented aluminium dome HF
- Crossover Frequencies: 2.5kHz
Brand highlights
Taking a step back to look at reviewers' thoughts of the brand's entire lineup—not just this product—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
T Series
- Positioning: The ultra-slim speaker line, designed to complement modern flat-screen TVs with a minimal footprint.
- Description: While delivering a sleek aesthetic, the flat diaphragm driver maintains rigidity and minimizes resonance, providing clean and accurate sound. However, compared to other KEF lines like the Q or R Series, it may offer less depth in bass response due to its slim design.
Q Series
- Positioning: The entry-level range offers versatile speakers suitable for both stereo and home theater setups.
- Description: Features Metamaterial Absorption Technology (MAT) and the 12th generation Uni-Q driver array, delivering detailed and natural sound. While it provides excellent value, it lacks some of the advanced damping and driver technologies found in the higher-end R and Reference Series, which offer more refined sound reproduction.
R Series
- Positioning: Bridges the gap between the entry-level Q Series and the high-end Reference Series, incorporating technologies from the latter to enhance performance.
- Description: Equipped with Metamaterial Absorption Technology (MAT) and the 12th generation Uni-Q driver array, delivers precise and immersive sound. Unlike the Q Series, it includes Shadow Flare technology to reduce cabinet diffraction, resulting in clearer high frequencies.
The Reference
- Positioning: As KEF's high-end line, sets the benchmark for audiophile-grade sound reproduction.
- Description: Incorporating Metamaterial Absorption Technology (MAT) and a 12th generation Uni-Q driver array, offers exceptional clarity and detail. It also features advanced cabinet construction and flexible port technology for cleaner bass compared to the R Series. However, it doesn't achieve the Single Apparent Source configuration found in the Blade Series, which provides even more precise imaging.
Blade Series
- Positioning: Represents KEF's innovative approach to speaker design, featuring the world's first Single Apparent Source loudspeakers.
- Description: With Metamaterial Absorption Technology (MAT) and the 12th generation Uni-Q driver array, delivers coherent and precise sound. Its unique cabinet design minimizes resonances and diffraction, surpassing the traditional enclosures of The Reference Series.
MUON
- Positioning: Stands as KEF's flagship speaker, combining cutting-edge acoustic engineering with avant-garde industrial design.
- Description: Crafted from super-formed aluminum, the rigid structure minimizes vibrations, delivering ultra-wide bandwidth and immersive sound. While it shares the Uni-Q driver array with other KEF models, its exclusive design and limited production make it a collector's item.
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Our summary
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.
Video review
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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
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Wharfedale’s new EVO4 has grown out of the extensive research and development that produced the ELYSIAN flagship loudspeakers and borrows much of the technology involved in ELYSIAN.
Our summary
Product Strengths
- Excellent focus and separation, with the speakers 'disappearing' to create a natural soundstage
- Impressive low-end performance, adding authority to the music
- Cohesive driver integration, with no perceivable handover between the AMT tweeter, midrange dome, and woofer
- Remarkable neutrality in the midrange, with a detailed yet smooth treble—avoiding harshness even at higher volumes
- Clear and detailed sound reproduction, extracting nuances and levels of information outstanding for its price
Product Considerations
- Vertical off-axis performance of the AMT tweeter is not good, so correct speaker height and toe-in are important
- Soundstage is not super wide, with the presentation mostly between the speakers
- Some reviewers found the aesthetics or proportions to be awkward or not to suit all tastes
- Bass may be a bit polite for some listeners wanting subwoofer-type rumble
- The midrange can be fatiguing if the listener's ear is at the midrange driver level
Takeaway: The Evo4.2 is a well-rounded speaker that delivers excellent sound quality with impressive imaging, detail, and tonal balance. It is capable of providing an audiophile experience at an affordable price.
Video review
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Our summary
Product Strengths
- Attractive design with rounded cabinet edges and multiple finish options (Satin Black, Satin White, Santos Rosewood, Holme Oak)
- Good midrange reproduction—clean and uncolored—especially for the price
- Clear and detailed sound with good separation of instruments
- Taut and agile bass performance
- Internal bracing (P2P) stiffens the cabinet, reducing vibrations and improving stereo image
- Connectivity options such as binding posts
Product Considerations
- Can tend towards brightness, potentially causing fatigue during longer listening sessions—especially with the wrong equipment pairing
- Cabinet size is relatively large for a bookshelf speaker
- Bass response is somewhat subdued
- Some reviewers noted imaging issues, with vocals lacking a firm presence in the center
- Grilles muddle the sound
Takeaway: The Q Acoustics 5020 is a great-looking speaker that offers a rich and musical sound, making it a very entertaining listen for the price. With its ability to reveal details from recordings, it's a wise choice for those looking for a well-built and sonically pleasing speaker.
Video review
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What competes at this price?
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Effortlessly detailed and balanced sound
- Excellent stereo imaging and dynamics
- High-quality Bluetooth streaming
- Simple setup and control
- Multiple connection options, including subwoofer output, digital input for TV, and analog inputs
Product Considerations
- No HDMI ARC for seamless control with TV remote
- No dedicated app for adjusting settings
- Bass output may be lacking for some listeners, potentially requiring a subwoofer
- Grilles are non-removable
- Speakers power down after 20 minutes at rest, requiring manual Bluetooth pairing each time
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to Ruark Audio MR1 Mk2, the Q Acoustics M20 sounds fuller, louder and less compressed
Takeaway: The Q Acoustics M20 HD speakers offer detailed, balanced sound and are easy to set up with various devices. They're a versatile audio solution for upgrading sound, whether for music, movies, or gaming.
Video review
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Good ability to get loud, clean sound without distortion or compression issues above 80 Hz when paired with a subwoofer
- Really good build quality cabinet
- Very clear, immediate, vivid sounding speaker
- Ultra-focused sounding, clean, and nicely balanced vocals
- A lot of treble liveliness combined with quality clarity and crispness
Product Considerations
- Treble is a little bit bright
- Not the most neutral speaker
- Leaner sound in terms of bass delivery
- Very tight, tuneful, and on-point bass, but the perceived amount of bass is less substantial than other speakers reviewed
- Some port noise or chuffing can be heard when setting the speakers to deliver as much bass as the Klipsch RP600M
Takeaway: The SVS Prime bookshelf is a sweet little speaker that delivers clear and vivid sound and has great build quality. It's also versatile, as it can be used in a stereo setup or as part of a home theater system.
Video review
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Delivers stereo sound, unlike the Sonos One, due to angled tweeters
- Has a larger woofer, resulting in deeper bass
- Features Bluetooth connectivity, in addition to Wi-Fi and AirPlay 2, offering more flexibility
- Easy to set up and use with the Sonos app, which integrates many music sources
- Includes Trueplay room tuning, now available for Android users, which optimizes the speaker's sound based on its placement in the room, and adjustable EQ
Product Considerations
- The Apple HomePod 2 provides more natural warmth of human voices
- A separate adapter is needed for a wired connection, and it's not included in the box
- Lacks Google Assistant support
- Android users may find the Quick Tuning feature is not as capable as the iOS version
- Isn't designed for outdoor use
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Era 100 has better sound quality with cleaner bass and can playback stereo content without downmixing to mono, compared to Sonos One/One SL
- Era 100 is more affordable and compact but lacks Dolby Atmos support, compared to Sonos Era 300
- Era 100 is cheaper but doesn't have a built-in battery for portability, compared to Sonos Move 2
Takeaway: The Sonos Era 100 is a versatile wireless speaker with great sound, enhanced bass, and easy integration with streaming services. It's a solid choice for anyone seeking a compact, all-in-one speaker that delivers both convenience and quality audio for an immersive listening experience.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Every design element of the SVS Ultra Bookshelf speakers was scrutinized to achieve cost-no-object audio performance and build quality to create a groundbreaking bookshelf loudspeaker. Countless design innovations and world-class build materials result in reference sound quality and stunning dynamics normally reserved for the world’s most expensive speakers.
Whether handling the warm and engaging sound of vinyl or the demanding, multi-layered soundtrack of an action movie, the Ultra Bookshelf speakers deliver a powerful and convincing audio experience and are among the top audio investments available at any price.
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Nice cabinets
- Fluid and captivating articulation in the mids, with warmth and clarity to voices
- The bass is good enough that one could conceivably get away without ever having a subwoofer
- Excellent clarity and tonal balance
- Able to use so much high-performance technology in products that cost so little
Product Considerations
- Has aluminum wiring
- Lacks a little bit of detail at the very top—kicks, punches, and gunshots do not quite have enough "snap" to them
- Rated at 8 ohms, but in reality, they are 4 ohm speakers
- Do not have magnetic grills, they have a pin-and-cup grill retention system
- Tendency to sound bright with modern pop and electronic music
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to the SVS Prime Bookshelf Speaker, it is a noticeable step up in linearity
- The Ultra Towers' performance is beaten by perhaps only one or two other models in the same price range
- The SVS's more laid-back character and natural response remains composed compared to the JBLs, where the JBLs start to lose control and break up
Takeaway: The Ultra speakers are a good value because of their high-quality sound and build that offer performance often found in more expensive speakers. One can enjoy great sound without breaking the bank.
Video review
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Clear and natural dialogue projection for movies
- Impressive bass performance, especially in small to medium-sized rooms
- Good imaging, with elements well-placed in the mix
- Durable finish on the cabinet that is scratch resistant
- Engaging sound quality for the price
Product Considerations
- Treble can sound a bit two-dimensional
- The tweeter can be a bit harsh at louder volumes
- Bass is not very refined
- Simplistic box design
- They are heavier than expected
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Cerwin-Vega LA-165s, the tweeter on the Cerwin-Vegas is better, but midrange driver from the XT20 is nicer
- Vs Sony SS-CS5, Polk gives nicer bass than Sony
Takeaway: The Polk Monitor XT20 is an affordable speaker that offers good sound quality, especially with its bass performance and clear dialogue, making it a great option to put smiles on people's faces when listening to music or watching movies. Its durable build and engaging sound make it a worthwhile consideration for those starting their audio journey.
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