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KEF Q150 vs B&W 705 S2 Comparison

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KEF Q150

Passive Bookshelf | 51-28k Hz

KEF Q150
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B&W 705 S2

Passive Bookshelf | 50-28k Hz

Bowers & Wilkins 705 S2
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KEF Q150 KEF Q150
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B&W 705 S2 B&W 705 S2
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KEF Q150
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B&W 705 S2
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KEF Q150 vs B&W 705 S2 Speaker Comparison

In this review, we will be comparing Q150 and 705 S2, two Passive Bookshelf speakers from KEF and Bowers Wilkins.

Let's have a brief look at the main features of KEF Q150 and B&W 705 S2 first before getting into our more detailed comparison.

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 )

B&W 705 S2 Key Specs

  • 2-way Design
  • 1" Solid Body Soft-Dome Tweeter
  • 6.5" Continuum Woofer
  • 50-28k Hz Frequency Response
  • 88 dB Sensitivity
  • Impedance: 8ohms
  • Power Range:30-120watts
  • Weight:9.32kg
  • Dimensions (H x W x D): 407.0" x 7.8" x 11.9"( 407.0 x 200.0 x 301.0mm )

What size room are the KEF Q150 and B&W 705 S2 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* KEF Q150 B&W 705 S2
Near-field Average Poor
Small Room Good Average
Mid-size Room Average Good
Large Room Poor Average
Very Large Room Bad Poor

(* 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 KEF Q150 and B&W 705 S2 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 Q150 and 705 S2 are 2-way speakers.

Driver KEF Q150 B&W 705 S2
Driver Setup 2-way 2-way
Tweeter 1-inch 1-inch
Midrange - -
Woofer 1 x 5.25-inch 1 x 6.5-inch

Q150 features a 1" vented aluminum Dome Tweeter and 1 x 5.25" Aluminum Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 2500Hz. On the other hand, the 705 S2 features a 1" Solid Body Soft-Dome Tweeter and 1 x 6.5" Continuum Woofer .

Frequency Response

Q150 has a frequency range of 51-28k Hz whereas 705 S2 has a frequency range of 50-28k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 50Hz, the 705 S2 can go slightly deeper then 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

Q150
705 S2
Min
Average
Max
High Frequency

Bookshelf Speakers

KEF Q150
B&W 705 S2
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

Q150 and 705 S2 have the same Impedance of 8 ohms but where they differ is the sensitivity levels. Q150 sensitivity is rated at 86 dB and the 705 S2's is at 88 dB. This 2 dB difference makes the B&W 705 S2 a more sensitive speaker compared to KEF Q150, hence will play louder with the same amount of watts.

Sensitivity

Bookshelf Speakers

Q150
705 S2
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.

Q150 can handle a max power of 120 watts RMS from the amp the whereas Q150 has a max power handling value of 100 watts RMS , 20 watts less than the 705 S2.

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

705 S2 features Binding post posts which make bi-amping or bi-wiring possible. Q150 has a Post which doesn't feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.

KEF Q150 Terminals
KEF Q150's Post terminals

Cabinet Type and Port Position

Both Q150 and 705 S2 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 KEF Q150's and B&W 705 S2's external dimensions. KEF Q150 has external dimensions of 303.0 x 180.0 x 278.0mm ( 11.9 x 7.0 x 10.9inch) whereas B&W 705 S2 has external dimensions of 407.0 x 200.0 x 301.0mm ( 16-inch x 7.8-inch x 11.9-inch) .

B&W 705 S2 is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 20mm wider, 104mm taller and 23mm deeper than KEF Q150.

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 Q150 is approximately 500.4cm2 / 77.6inch2 and base area of the B&W 705 S2 is approximately 602.0cm2 / 93.3inch2. The Q150 requires 17% less surface area than the 705 S2 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 Q150 weighs 5.60kg / 12.3lbs and the B&W 705 S2 weighs 9.32kg / 20.5lbs. This makes the 705 S2 66% heavier than the Q150.

Here is a comparison of how Q150 and 705 S2's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Passive Bookshelf class.

Weight
All Bookshelf Speakers
KEF Q150
B&W 705 S2
Min
Average
Max

What's in the Box of KEF Q150?

Here are the items that are included inside the box of Q150:
  • 2 Bookshelf loudspeakers
  • 2 Foam port plugs
  • 8 Self-adhesive rubber feet
  • Owner's Manual
  • Warranty Registration Card
  • What's in the Box of B&W 705 S2?

    Here are the items that come with the 705 S2:
  • 2 Bookshelf loudspeakers
  • 2 Grilles
  • 2 Two-piece foam port plugs
  • 8 Self-adhesive rubber feet
  • 4 Jumper-straps
  • Manual
  • Bowers & Wilkins brochure
  • Warranty Information

  • Reasons to choose KEF Q150 over Bowers & Wilkins 705 S2
    Minimum Impedance 3.7 ohms vs 3.1 ohms Very low impedance levels puts more pressure on amplifier
    Height 303mm vs 407mm Easier to fit in smaller spaces
    Base Surface Area 500cm2 vs 602cm2 Takes less floor space
    Price per pair* 600USD vs 3299USD costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time)

    Reasons to choose Bowers & Wilkins 705 S2 over KEF Q150

    Max Input Power 120 watts vs 100 watts Handle more power from your amplifier
    Sensitivity 88 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 50 Hz vs 51 Hz Generates deeper bass
    Bi-Amping and Bi-Wiring Yes vs No Allows bi-amping and bi-wiring connections
    KEF Q150 vs B&W 705 S2 Specs Table
    Detailed comparison of specifications
    General KEF Q150 Bowers & Wilkins 705 S2
    Brand KEF Bowers Wilkins
    Speaker Type Bookshelf speakers Bookshelf speakers
    Power Range 10-100 watts 30-120 watts
    Sensitivity 86 dB 88 dB
    Impedance 8 ohms 8 ohms
    Impedance 3.7 ohms 3.1 ohms
    Frequency Response 51-28k Hz 50-28k Hz
    Drivers
    Woofer Quantity 1 1
    Woofer Size 5.25" 6.5"
    Woofer Composition Aluminum Continuum
    Woofer Surround Material Rubber Rubber
    Tweeter Size 1" 1"
    Tweeter Type Dome Solid Body Soft-Dome
    Aimable Tweeter No No
    Midrange Driver No No
    Crossover Frequency 2500Hz n/a
    Firing Direction rear rear
    Physical Specs
    Height 303.0mm (11.9") 407.0mm (16")
    Width 180.0mm (7.1") 200.0mm (7.9")
    Depth 278.0mm (10.9") 301.0mm (11.9")
    Weight 5.60kg (12.3lbs) 9.32kg (20.5lbs)
    Enclosure Bass Reflex Bass Reflex
    Finish MDF/Vinyl-wrapped MDF/Wood veneer
    Available Colors Black, Walnut, White Rosewood, Gloss Black, Satin White
    Mounting Bracket No No
    Recommended Stand Height 18-24" 24-26"
    Grille Yes Yes
    Moisture Resistancy No No
    Connections
    Biamp Inputs No Yes
    Other
    Parts Warranty 5 Years 5 Years
    Labor Warranty 5 Years 5 Years

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