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AE300 vs KEF Q150 Comparison

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AE300

Passive Bookshelf | 45Hz - 30kHz

Acoustic Energy AE300
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KEF Q150

Passive Bookshelf | 51-28k Hz

KEF Q150
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AE300 AE300
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KEF Q150 KEF Q150
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AE300
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KEF Q150
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AE300 vs KEF Q150 Speaker Comparison

In this review, we will be comparing AE300 and Q150, two Passive Bookshelf speakers from Acoustic Energy and KEF.

Let's have a brief look at the main features of AE300 and KEF Q150 first before getting into our more detailed comparison.

AE300 Key Specs

  • 2-way Design
  • 1.1" dome with waveguide Tweeter
  • 5.2" ceramic aluminium sandwich Woofer
  • 45Hz - 30kHz Frequency Response
  • 86 dB Sensitivity
  • Impedance: 6ohms
  • Power Range:up to 100watts
  • Weight:6.50kg
  • Dimensions (H x W x D): 300.0" x 6.9" x 10.2"( 300.0 x 175.0 x 260.0mm )

KEF Q150 Key Specs

  • 2-way Design
  • 11th Generation Uni-Q Driver
  • 1" Dome Tweeter
  • 5.25" Aluminum Woofer
  • 51-28k Hz Frequency Response
  • 86 dB Sensitivity
  • Impedance: 8ohms
  • Power Range:10-100watts
  • Weight:5.60kg
  • Dimensions (H x W x D): 303.0" x 7.0" x 10.9"( 303.0 x 180.0 x 278.0mm )

What size room are the AE300 and KEF Q150 speakers good for?

The size of the room in which you are planning to use these loudspeakers is an important decision factor. Here we have compared their suitability to various sizes of environments considering their size and max power parameters:

Listening Environment* AE300 KEF Q150
Near-field Average Average
Small Room Good Good
Mid-size Room Average Average
Large Room Poor Poor
Very Large Room Bad Bad

(* Approximate Room sizes: Small < 100sq. ft / 9 m2, Mid-size: 100-220 sq. ft / 9-20 m2, Large 220-400 sq. ft / 20-36 m2, Very Large: > 400 sq. ft / 36 m2. Average Floor Height: 9" / 2.7m. Typical room sizes differ from country to country, and the actual listening experience changes depending on floor height, room shape, surface materials, listening position, speaker locations, etc.)

In the following sections, we will get into more detail in order to better understand how the AE300 and KEF Q150 compare and hopefully end up with enough arguments to decide which one of these loudspeakers is the better choice for you.


**This post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking through my links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.


Drivers

Both AE300 and Q150 are 2-way speakers.

Driver AE300 KEF Q150
Driver Setup 2-way 2-way
Tweeter 1.1-inch 1-inch
Midrange - -
Woofer 1 x 5.2-inch 1 x 5.25-inch

AE300 features a 1.1" aluminium dome with waveguide Tweeter and 1 x 5.2" ceramic aluminium sandwich Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 2800Hz. On the other hand, the Q150 features a 1" vented aluminum Dome Tweeter and 1 x 5.25" Aluminum Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 2500Hz.

Frequency Response

AE300 has a frequency range of 45Hz - 30kHz whereas Q150 has a frequency range of 51-28k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 45Hz, the AE300 can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the Q150's min frequency of 51Hz.

Below graphs depict how these two speakers compare with the max, min and average values of the Min and Max Frequencies of other speakers in the Bookshelf class in our database.

Low Frequency

Bookshelf Speakers

AE300
Q150
Min
Average
Max
High Frequency

Bookshelf Speakers

AE300
KEF Q150
Min
Average
Max

None of these speakers achieves full range experience which is commonly agreed as 20Hz-20kHz. In order to achieve lower lows / deeper bass, we recommend you pair these with a subwoofer. Visit our Powered Subwoofers section to find out more about the available options.

Impedance and Sensitivity

AE300 is a 6 ohms speaker compared to the Q150 which has a nominal impedance of 8 ohms.

On the other hand, they have the same sensitivity of 86 dBdB.

Sensitivity

Bookshelf Speakers

AE300
Q150
Min
Average
Max

Power Range

Power range is the range of input power in watts RMS that a loudspeaker is designed to handle. While using an amplifier within this range ensures the nominal performance , inputting a power that is higher than the max wattage can result in a damaged speaker.

Keep in mind that a higher max power handling value doesn't necessarily make that a louder speaker compared to a lower max handling speaker. Loudness or the sound level is also impacted by parameters such as Impedance, sensitivity and system efficiencies.

Cabinet Type and Port Position

Both AE300 and Q150 have rear firing ports. Rear ported speakers generally need more room between the backside of the speaker and the wall compared to sealed and front/bottom ported speakers. Placing the speakers too close to the walls may cause the bass to sound boomy.

If you are limited in space and can't get the speakers away from the backwall, check our Speakers with Front Firing Ports page.

KEF Q150  Port
KEF Q150 Port

Physical Specs

Size of a speaker can sometimes become an important decision factor due to space constraints or in some cases purely for esthetic reasons. In this section, we are going to compare AE300's and KEF Q150's external dimensions. AE300 has external dimensions of 300.0 x 175.0 x 260.0mm ( 11.4 x 6.9 x 10.2inch) whereas KEF Q150 has external dimensions of 303.0 x 180.0 x 278.0mm ( 11.9 x 7.0 x 10.9inch) .

KEF Q150 is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 5mm wider, 3mm taller and 18mm deeper than AE300.

Base Surface Area Comparison
Base surface area of a loudspeaker may become a determining factor when the space in your room or desk is limited. The base surface area of the AE300 is approximately 455.0cm2 / 70.5inch2 and base area of the KEF Q150 is approximately 500.4cm2 / 77.6inch2. The AE300 requires 9% less surface area than the Q150 which gives it a small advantage on placement in tight spaces.

Weight Comparison

The weight of a loudspeaker can become an important factor if you need to move and reposition the unit often. Weight of a speaker can also "sometimes" be an indicator of the rigidity of the enclosure and the quality of the internal components used. The AE300 weighs 6.50kg / 14.3lbs and the KEF Q150 weighs 5.60kg / 12.3lbs. This makes the AE300 16% heavier than the Q150.

Here is a comparison of how AE300 and Q150's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Passive Bookshelf class.

Weight
All Bookshelf Speakers
AE300
KEF Q150
Min
Average
Max

What's in the Box of KEF Q150?

Here are the items that come with the Q150:
  • 2 Bookshelf loudspeakers
  • 2 Foam port plugs
  • 8 Self-adhesive rubber feet
  • Owner's Manual
  • Warranty Registration Card

  • Reasons to choose Acoustic Energy AE300 over KEF Q150
    Low Frequency Response 45 Hz vs 51 Hz Generates deeper bass
    High Frequency Response 30k Hz vs 28k Hz Generates higher frequency
    Height 300mm vs 303mm Easier to fit in smaller spaces
    Base Surface Area 455cm2 vs 500cm2 Takes less floor space

    Reasons to choose KEF Q150 over Acoustic Energy AE300

    Nominal Impedance 8 ohms vs 6 ohms Less selective with amplifiers
    Woofer Size 5.25 inches vs 5.2 inches Larger woofer
    Price per pair* 600USD vs 1099USD costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time)
    AE300 vs KEF Q150 Specs Table
    Detailed comparison of specifications
    General Acoustic Energy AE300 KEF Q150
    Brand Acoustic Energy KEF
    Speaker Type Bookshelf speakers Bookshelf speakers
    Power Range up to 100 watts 10-100 watts
    Sensitivity 86 dB 86 dB
    Impedance 6 ohms 8 ohms
    Impedance n/a 3.7 ohms
    Frequency Response 45Hz - 30kHz 51-28k Hz
    Drivers
    Woofer Quantity 1 1
    Woofer Size 5.2" 5.25"
    Woofer Composition ceramic aluminium sandwich Aluminum
    Woofer Surround Material n/a Rubber
    Tweeter Size 1.1" 1"
    Tweeter Type dome with waveguide Dome
    Aimable Tweeter No No
    Midrange Driver No No
    Crossover Frequency 2800Hz 2500Hz
    Firing Direction rear rear
    Physical Specs
    Height 300.0mm (11.8") 303.0mm (11.9")
    Width 175.0mm (6.9") 180.0mm (7.1")
    Depth 260.0mm (10.2") 278.0mm (10.9")
    Weight 6.50kg (14.3lbs) 5.60kg (12.3lbs)
    Enclosure Bass Reflex Bass Reflex
    Finish high density MDF MDF/Vinyl-wrapped
    Available Colors Piano Gloss White, Piano Gloss Black, Real Walnut wood veneer Black, Walnut, White
    Mounting Bracket No
    Recommended Stand Height n/a 18-24"
    Grille Yes Yes
    Moisture Resistancy No No
    Connections
    Biamp Inputs n/a No
    Other
    Parts Warranty 5 Years
    Labor Warranty 5 Years

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