In this review, we will be comparing Q1 Meta and Q3 Meta, two Passive Bookshelf speakers by KEF Let's have a brief look at the main features
of KEF Q1 Meta and KEF Q3 Meta first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
Q1 Meta and Q3 Meta are members of KEF's Q Meta series of speakers. Below you can find the loudspeakers from this series.
KEF Q Meta Series History
What size room are the KEF Q1 Meta and KEF Q3 Meta 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:
In the following sections, we will get into more detail in order to better understand how the KEF Q1 Meta and KEF Q3 Meta 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 Q1 Meta and Q3 Meta are 2-way speakers.
| Driver |
KEF Q1 Meta |
KEF Q3 Meta |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
1 x 5.25-inch
|
1 x 6.5-inch
|
Q1 Meta features a 1" vented aluminum dome with MAT absorber Hard dome Tweeter and 1 x 5.25" Aluminum Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 2.1 kHz. On the other hand, the Q3 Meta features a 1" vented aluminum dome with MAT absorber Hard dome Tweeter and 1 x 6.5" Aluminum Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 2.0 kHz.
Frequency Response
Q1 Meta has a frequency range of 51-20k Hz whereas Q3 Meta has a frequency range of 49-20k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 49Hz, the Q3 Meta can go slightly deeper then the Q1 Meta'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
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.
Impedance and Sensitivity
Q1 Meta and Q3 Meta have the same Impedance of 4 ohms but where they differ is the sensitivity levels. Q1 Meta sensitivity is rated at 86 dB and the Q3 Meta's is at 87 dB. This 1 dB difference makes the KEF Q3 Meta a more sensitive speaker compared to KEF Q1 Meta, hence will play louder with the same amount of watts.
One thing to keep in mind that the lower impedance speakers, especially the ones that are rated at 4 ohms may put more pressure on the amplifier unit comared to higher impedance speakers especially at high volume levels, so make sure the amp you pair with the Q1 Meta and the Q1 Meta can provide this impedance level.
Sensitivity
Bookshelf Speakers
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.
Q1 Meta and Q3 Meta has the same power range of Up to 150 watts.
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.
Input Type and Bi-Amping / Bi-Wiring
Q1 Meta features Binding Post type posts and Q3 Meta has a Binding Post type posts. None of these speakers feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
KEF Q1 Meta's Binding Post terminals
Cabinet Type and Port Position
Both Q1 Meta and Q3 Meta 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.
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 Q1 Meta's and KEF Q3 Meta's external dimensions. KEF Q1 Meta has external dimensions of 302 x 180 x 277 mm ( 11.9 x 7.1 x 10.9 in.) whereas KEF Q3 Meta has external dimensions of 357 x 210 x 305 mm ( 14.1 x 8.3 x 12.0 in.) .
KEF Q3 Meta is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 30mm wider, 55mm taller and 28mm deeper than KEF Q1 Meta.
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 Q1 Meta is approximately 498.6cm2 / 77.3inch2 and base area of the KEF Q3 Meta is approximately 640.5cm2 / 99.3inch2. The Q1 Meta requires 22% less surface area than the Q3 Meta 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 Q1 Meta weighs 6.09kg / 13.4lbs and the KEF Q3 Meta weighs 8.23kg / 18.1lbs. This makes the Q3 Meta 35% heavier than the Q1 Meta.
Here is a comparison of how Q1 Meta and Q3 Meta's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Passive Bookshelf class.
Weight
All Bookshelf Speakers
What's in the Box of KEF Q1 Meta?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of Q1 Meta:
Q1 Meta (pair) Magnetic grilles (pair) Rubber feet Port bungs User manual and warranty information
What's in the Box of KEF Q3 Meta?
Here are the items that come with the Q3 Meta:
Q3 Meta (pair) Magnetic grilles (pair) Rubber feet Port bungs User manual and warranty information
 Height |
302mm
vs
357mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
498cm2 (180x277mm)
vs
640cm2 (210x305mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
 Price per pair* |
600USD
vs
800USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
 Sensitivity |
87 dB
vs
86 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
 Woofer Size |
6.5 inches
vs
5.25 inches
|
Larger woofer |
| Low Frequency Response |
49 Hz
vs
51 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
| General |
KEF Q1 Meta |
KEF Q3 Meta |
| Brand |
KEF |
KEF |
| Speaker Type |
Bookshelf speakers |
Bookshelf speakers |
| Power Range |
Up to 150 watts |
Up to 150 watts |
| Sensitivity |
86 dB |
87 dB |
| Impedance |
4 ohms |
4 ohms |
| Impedance |
3.2 ohms |
3.2 ohms |
| Frequency Response |
51-20k Hz |
49-20k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
5.25" |
6.5" |
| Woofer Composition |
Aluminum |
Aluminum |
| Woofer Surround Material |
Rubber |
Rubber |
| Tweeter Size |
1" |
1" |
| Tweeter Type |
Hard dome |
Hard dome |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
N/A" |
N/A" |
| Crossover Frequency |
2.1 kHz |
2.0 kHz |
| Firing Direction |
rear |
rear |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
302.0mm (11.9") |
357.0mm (14.1") |
| Width |
180.0mm (7.1") |
210.0mm (8.3") |
| Depth |
277.0mm (10.9") |
305.0mm (12") |
| Weight |
6.09kg (13.4lbs) |
8.23kg (18.1lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
| Available Colors |
Satin Black,Satin White,Walnut |
Satin Black,Satin White,Walnut |
| Mounting Bracket |
|
|
| Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |