In this review, we will be comparing Q150 and M16, two Passive Bookshelf speakers from KEF and Revel.
Let's have a brief look at the main features
of KEF Q150 and Revel M16 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 )
Revel M16 Key Specs
- 2-way Design
- 1" Dome Tweeter
- 6.5" Anodized aluminum Woofer
- 55- Hz Frequency Response
- 86 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 6ohms
- Power Range:50-120watts
- Weight:7.27kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 378.0" x 8-11/16" x 11"( 378.0 x 221.0 x 280.0mm )
What size room are the KEF Q150 and Revel M16 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 |
Revel M16 |
| 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 Revel M16 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 M16 are 2-way speakers.
| Driver |
KEF Q150 |
Revel M16 |
|
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 M16 features a 1" aluminum Dome Tweeter and 1 x 6.5" Anodized aluminum Woofer .
Frequency Response
Q150 has a frequency range of 51-28k Hz whereas M16 has a frequency range of 55- Hz. With a minimum frequency of 51Hz, the Q150 can go slightly deeper then the M16's min frequency of 55Hz.
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 is a 8 ohms speaker compared to the M16 which has a nominal impedance of 6 ohms.
On the other hand, they have the same sensitivity of 86 dBdB.
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 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 M16.
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 5-way post type posts and M16 has a 5-way post type posts. None of these speakers feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
KEF Q150's Post terminals
Cabinet Type and Port Position
Both Q150 and M16 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
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 Revel M16'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 Revel M16 has external dimensions of 378.0 x 221.0 x 280.0mm ( 14-7/8 x 8-11/16 x 11inch) .
Revel M16 is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 41mm wider, 75mm taller and 2mm 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 Revel M16 is approximately 618.8cm2 / 95.9inch2. The Q150 requires 19% less surface area than the M16 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 Revel M16 weighs 7.27kg / 16lbs. This makes the M16 30% heavier than the Q150.
Here is a comparison of how Q150 and M16'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 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 Revel M16?
Here are the items that come with the M16:
Bookshelf loudspeakerGrilleOwners Manual
 Nominal Impedance |
8 ohms
vs
6 ohms
|
Less selective with amplifiers |
 Low Frequency Response |
51 Hz
vs
55 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
28k Hz
vs
20k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Height |
303mm
vs
378mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
500cm2
vs
618cm2
|
Takes less floor space |
 Price per pair* |
600USD
vs
990USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
 Max Input Power |
120 watts
vs
100 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
|
Woofer Size |
6.5 inches
vs
5.25 inches
|
Larger woofer |
| General |
KEF Q150 |
Revel Concerta2 M16 |
| Brand |
KEF |
Revel |
| Speaker Type |
Bookshelf speakers |
Bookshelf speakers |
| Power Range |
10-100 watts |
50-120 watts |
| Sensitivity |
86 dB |
86 dB |
| Impedance |
8 ohms |
6 ohms |
| Impedance |
3.7 ohms |
n/a |
| Frequency Response |
51-28k Hz |
55- Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
5.25" |
6.5" |
| Woofer Composition |
Aluminum |
Anodized aluminum |
| Woofer Surround Material |
Rubber |
Rubber |
| Tweeter Size |
1" |
1" |
| Tweeter Type |
Dome |
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") |
378.0mm (14.9") |
| Width |
180.0mm (7.1") |
221.0mm (8.7") |
| Depth |
278.0mm (10.9") |
280.0mm (11") |
| Weight |
5.60kg (12.3lbs) |
7.27kg (16lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
| Finish |
MDF/Vinyl-wrapped |
Wood/Lacquer |
| Available Colors |
Black, Walnut, White |
Gloss Black,Gloss White |
| Mounting Bracket |
No |
No |
| Recommended Stand Height |
18-24" |
24-28" |
| Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
| Biamp Inputs |
No |
No |
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |