In this review, we will be comparing two different type of speakers by KEF. KEF Q150 is a Bookshelf speaker whereas the Q250c is a Center Channel speaker.
Let's have a brief look at the main features
of KEF Q150 and KEF Q250c 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 )
KEF Q250c Key Specs
- 2-way Design
- 11th Generation Uni-Q Driver
- 1" Dome Tweeter
- 5.25" aluminum Woofer
- 68-28k Hz Frequency Response
- 87 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 8ohms
- Power Range:10-100watts
- Weight:7.50kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 181.0" x 20-11/16" x 8-1/2"( 181.0 x 526.0 x 216.0mm )
Q150 and Q250c are members of KEF's Q series of speakers. Below you can find the loudspeakers from this series.
What size room are the KEF Q150 and KEF Q250c 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 |
KEF Q250c |
| 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 KEF Q150 and KEF Q250c 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 Q150 and Q250c are 2-way speakers.
| Driver |
KEF Q150 |
KEF Q250c |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
1 x 5.25-inch
|
1 x 5.25-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 Q250c features a 1" vented aluminum Dome Tweeter and 1 x 5.25" aluminum Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 2500Hz.
Frequency Response
Q150 has a frequency range of 51-28k Hz whereas Q250c has a frequency range of 68-28k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 51Hz, the Q150 can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the Q250c's min frequency of 68Hz.
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
Q150 and Q250c have the same Impedance of 8 ohms but where they differ is the sensitivity levels. Q150 sensitivity is rated at 86 dB and the Q250c's is at 87 dB. This 1 dB difference makes the KEF Q250c a more sensitive speaker compared to KEF Q150, hence will play louder with the same amount of watts.
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.
Q150 and Q250c has the same power range of 10-100 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
Q150 features Binding post type posts and Q250c has a Binding post type posts. None of these speakers feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
KEF Q150's Post terminals
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 KEF Q250c'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 KEF Q250c has external dimensions of 181.0 x 526.0 x 216.0mm ( 7-1/8 x 20-11/16 x 8-1/2inch) .
KEF Q250c is 122mm shorter and 62mm less deeper than KEF Q150 but it is also 346mm wider.
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 KEF Q250c is approximately 1136.2cm2 / 176.1inch2. The Q150 requires 56% less surface area than the Q250c which gives it a small advantage on placement in tight spaces.
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 KEF Q250c?
Here are the items that come with the Q250c:
Center-channel loudspeaker 4 Self-adhesive rubber feet Owners Manual Warranty Information
Minimum Impedance 
Low Frequency Response 
Base Surface Area 
Sensitivity 
Height