In this review, we will be comparing Q250c and Q650c, two Passive Center Channel speakers by KEF
Let's have a brief look at the main features
of KEF Q250c and KEF Q650c first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
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 )
KEF Q650c Key Specs
- 2-way Design
- 11th Generation Uni-Q Driver
- 1" Dome Tweeter
- 2 x 6.5" aluminum Woofer
- 64-28k Hz Frequency Response
- 87 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 8ohms
- Power Range:15-150watts
- Weight:13.64kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 212.0" x 24-13/16" x 11-15/16"( 212.0 x 631.0 x 304.0mm )
Q250c and Q650c are members of KEF's Q series of speakers. Below you can find the loudspeakers from this series.
What size room are the KEF Q250c and KEF Q650c 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 Q250c |
KEF Q650c |
| 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 Q250c and KEF Q650c 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 Q250c and Q650c are 2-way speakers.
| Driver |
KEF Q250c |
KEF Q650c |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
1 x 5.25-inch
|
2 x 6.5-inch
|
Q250c 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 Q650c features a 1" vented aluminum Dome Tweeter and 2 x 6.5" aluminum Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 2500Hz.
Frequency Response
Q250c has a frequency range of 68-28k Hz whereas Q650c has a frequency range of 64-28k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 64Hz, the Q650c can go slightly deeper then 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 Center Channel class in our database.
Low Frequency
Center Channel Speakers
High Frequency
Center Channel 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
Q250c and Q650c have the same Impedance of 8 ohms and their sensitivity is also same at 87 dB.
Sensitivity
Center Channel 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.
Q250c can handle a max power of 150 watts RMS from the amp the whereas Q250c has a max power handling value of 100 watts RMS , 50 watts less than the Q650c.
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
Q250c features Binding post type posts and Q650c has a Binding post type posts. None of these speakers feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
KEF Q650c's Binding post terminals
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 Q250c's and KEF Q650c's external dimensions. 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) whereas KEF Q650c has external dimensions of 212.0 x 631.0 x 304.0mm ( 8-5/16 x 24-13/16 x 11-15/16inch) .
KEF Q650c is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 105mm wider, 31mm taller and 88mm deeper than KEF Q250c.
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 Q250c is approximately 1136.2cm2 / 176.1inch2 and base area of the KEF Q650c is approximately 1918.2cm2 / 297.3inch2. The Q250c requires 41% less surface area than the Q650c 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 Q250c weighs 7.50kg / 16.5lbs and the KEF Q650c weighs 13.64kg / 30lbs. This makes the Q650c 82% heavier than the Q250c.
Here is a comparison of how Q250c and Q650c's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Passive Center Channel class.
Weight
All Center Channel Speakers
What's in the Box of KEF Q250c?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of Q250c:
Center-channel loudspeaker 4 Self-adhesive rubber feet Owners Manual Warranty Information
What's in the Box of KEF Q650c?
Here are the items that come with the Q650c:
Center-channel loudspeaker 4 Self-adhesive rubber feet Owners Manual Warranty Information
 Height |
181mm
vs
212mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
1136cm2
vs
1918cm2
|
Takes less floor space |
 Price per pair* |
600USD
vs
750USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
 Max Input Power |
150 watts
vs
100 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
 Minimum Impedance |
4.2 ohms
vs
3.4 ohms
|
Very low impedance levels puts more pressure on amplifier |
 Woofer Size |
6.5 inches
vs
5.25 inches
|
Larger woofer |
|
Number of Woofers |
2
vs
1
|
More woofers |
|
Low Frequency Response |
64 Hz
vs
68 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
| General |
KEF Q250c |
KEF Q650c |
| Brand |
KEF |
KEF |
| Speaker Type |
Center channel speaker |
Center channel speaker |
| Power Range |
10-100 watts |
15-150 watts |
| Sensitivity |
87 dB |
87 dB |
| Impedance |
8 ohms |
8 ohms |
| Impedance |
3.4 ohms |
4.2 ohms |
| Frequency Response |
68-28k Hz |
64-28k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
2 |
| Woofer Size |
5.25" |
6.5" |
| Woofer Composition |
aluminum |
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 |
2500Hz |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
181.0mm (7.1") |
212.0mm (8.3") |
| Width |
526.0mm (20.7") |
631.0mm (24.8") |
| Depth |
216.0mm (8.5") |
304.0mm (12") |
| Weight |
7.50kg (16.5lbs) |
13.64kg (30lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Passive Radiator |
Passive Radiator |
| Available Colors |
Satin White, Satin Black, Walnut |
Satin White, Satin Black, Walnut |
| Grille |
optional |
optional |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |