In this review, we will be comparing LSX II and Active 200, two Powered Bookshelf speakers from KEF and Q Acoustics. Being Powered speakers, they both have built-in amplifiers so you don't need an external power amp or an integrated amp to power them.
Let's have a brief look at the main features
of KEF LSX II and Q Acoustics Q Active 200 first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
KEF LSX II Key Specs
- 2-way Design
- 200-watt RMS Integrated Amplifier
- 11th Generation Uni-Q Driver
- 0.75" Hard-Dome Tweeter
- 4.5" Magnesium/Aluminium alloy Woofer
- 54-28k Hz Frequency Response
- 24-bit Max Depth / 384 kHz Max Sample Rate
- Built-in 4.2 Bluetooth
- App Control Feature
- Weight:3.60kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 240.0" x 6.1" x 7.1"( 240 × 155 × 180 mm )
Q Acoustics Q Active 200 Key Specs
- 2-way Design
- 100-watt RMS( 280-watt Peak) Integrated Amplifier
- " Tweeter
- 2-1/4" Midrange
- 4.5" Woofer
- 2-1/4" Midrange
- 46-20k Hz Frequency Response
- 24-bit Max Depth / 96 kHz Max Sample Rate
- Built-in 4.1 Bluetooth
- App Control Feature
- Weight:7.50kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 285.0" x 6-3/4" x 11-7/16"( 285.0 x 172.0 x 291.0mm )
In the following sections, we will get into more detail in order to better understand how the KEF LSX II and Q Acoustics Q Active 200 compare and hopefully end up with enough arguments to decide which one of these loudspeakers is the better choice for you.
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Drivers
Both LSX II and Active 200 are 2-way speakers.
| Driver |
KEF LSX II |
Q Acoustics Q Active 200 |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
0.75-inch
|
-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
2 x 2-1/4-inch |
|
Woofer
|
1 x 4.5-inch
|
1 x 4.5-inch
|
LSX II features a 0.75" Aluminum Hard-Dome Tweeter and 1 x 4.5" Magnesium/Aluminium alloy Woofer . On the other hand, the Active 200 features a " Tweeter , a 2-1/4" Midrange and 1 x 4.5" Woofer .
Frequency Response
LSX II has a frequency range of 54-28k Hz whereas Active 200 has a frequency range of 46-20k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 46Hz, the Active 200 can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the LSX II's min frequency of 54Hz.
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
High Frequency
Bookshelf Speakers
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.
Cabinet Type and Port Position
Both LSX II and Active 200 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 LSX II 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 KEF LSX II's and Q Acoustics Q Active 200's external dimensions. KEF LSX II has external dimensions of 240 × 155 × 180 mm ( 9.5 × 6.1 × 7.1 inch) whereas Q Acoustics Q Active 200 has external dimensions of 285.0 x 172.0 x 291.0mm ( 11-3/16 x 6-3/4 x 11-7/16inch) .
Q Acoustics Q Active 200 is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 17mm wider, 45mm taller and 111mm deeper than KEF LSX II.
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 KEF LSX II is approximately 279.0cm2 / 43.2inch2 and base area of the Q Acoustics Q Active 200 is approximately 500.5cm2 / 77.6inch2. The LSX II requires 44% less surface area than the Active 200 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 KEF LSX II weighs 3.60kg / 7.9lbs and the Q Acoustics Q Active 200 weighs 7.50kg / 16.5lbs. This makes the Active 200 108% heavier than the LSX II.
Here is a comparison of how LSX II and Active 200's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Powered Bookshelf class.
Weight
All Bookshelf Speakers
What's in the Box of KEF LSX II?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of LSX II:
2 Wireless powered speakersTwo 6.5-feet AC power cords10-feet Cat-6 interconnect speaker cableRemote control2 AAA batteries Quick Start Guide Important Safety Information Warranty Information Maintenance Guide
What's in the Box of Q Acoustics Q Active 200?
Here are the items that come with the Active 200:
2 Powered speakers Two 6-feet AC power cords 2 Foam port plugs Important Safety Informtion and Warnings Wireless hub USB/AC power adapter with US connector EU/UK/AU AC adapter plugs 40-inch USB-C to USB-A cable 5-inch HDMI cable Remote control 2 AAA batteries Quick Start Guide
 High Frequency Response |
28k Hz
vs
20k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Height |
240mm
vs
285mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
279cm2
vs
500cm2
|
Takes less floor space |
 Price per pair* |
1299USD
vs
1499USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
 3.5mm Connection |
Yes
vs
No
|
Connection via 3.5mm AUX input |
 Low Frequency Response |
46 Hz
vs
54 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 Phono Input |
Yes
vs
No
|
Connect your turntable directly |
| General |
KEF LSX II |
Q Acoustics Q Active 200 System |
| Brand |
KEF |
Q Acoustics |
| Speaker Type |
Powered Stereo Speakers |
Powered stereo speakers |
| Frequency Response |
54-28k Hz |
46-20k Hz |
Amplifier |
|
|
| Watts RMS (Continuous) |
200-watt RMS |
100-watt RMS |
| Watts Peak (Max) |
n/a |
280-watt RMS |
| Max Bit Depth |
24-bit |
24-bit |
| Max Sample Rate |
384 kHz |
96 kHz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
4.5" |
4.5" |
| Woofer Composition |
Magnesium/Aluminium alloy |
|
| Woofer Surround Material |
Rubber |
n/a |
| Tweeter Size |
0.75" |
- |
| Tweeter Type |
Hard-Dome |
n/a |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
2-1/4" |
| Firing Direction |
rear |
rear |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
240.0mm (9.4") |
285.0mm (11.2") |
| Width |
155.0mm (6.1") |
172.0mm (6.8") |
| Depth |
180.0mm (7.1") |
291.0mm (11.5") |
| Weight |
3.60kg (7.9lbs) |
7.50kg (16.5lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
| Available Colors |
Carbon Black, Mineral White, Cobalt Blue, Lava Red, and Soundwave |
Black, White |
| Mounting Bracket |
No |
No |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
| Aux Inputs |
3.5mm |
No |
| USB Port |
USB-C (connects to your computer) |
Update only |
| Phone Input |
No |
Yes |
| Subwoofer Output |
Wired |
mono-RCA |
| Digital Input |
Optical |
Optical |
| HDMI Input |
ARC |
ARC |
| Headphone Jack |
No |
No |
| Ethernet Port |
Yes |
Yes |
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
1 Year |
2 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
1 Year |
2 Years |