In this review, we will be comparing two different type of speakers by KEF. KEF Q250c is a Center Channel speaker whereas the Q950 is a Floor-standing speaker.
Let's have a brief look at the main features
of KEF Q250c and KEF Q950 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 Q950 Key Specs
- 2-way Design
- 11th Generation Uni-Q Driver
- 1.5" Dome Tweeter
- 2 x 8.0" Aluminum Woofer
- 44-28k Hz Frequency Response
- 91 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 8ohms
- Power Range:15-200watts
- Weight:20.68kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 1117.0" x 14-1/4" x 12-3/8"( 1117.0 x 362.0 x 315.0mm )
Q250c and Q950 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 Q950 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 Q950 |
| Near-field |
Average |
Bad |
| Small Room |
Good |
Poor |
| Mid-size Room |
Average |
Good |
| Large Room |
Poor |
Good |
| 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 Q950 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 Q250c and Q950 are 2-way speakers.
| Driver |
KEF Q250c |
KEF Q950 |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1.5-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
1 x 5.25-inch
|
2 x 8.0-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 Q950 features a 1.5" vented aluminum Dome Tweeter and 2 x 8.0" Aluminum Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 2200Hz.
Frequency Response
Q250c has a frequency range of 68-28k Hz whereas Q950 has a frequency range of 44-28k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 44Hz, the Q950 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 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 Q950 have the same Impedance of 8 ohms but where they differ is the sensitivity levels. Q250c sensitivity is rated at 87 dB and the Q950's is at 91 dB. This 4 dB difference makes the KEF Q950 a more sensitive speaker compared to KEF Q250c, hence will play louder with the same amount of watts.
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 200 watts RMS from the amp the whereas Q250c has a max power handling value of 100 watts RMS , 100 watts less than the Q950.
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 Q950 has a Binding post type posts. None of these speakers feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
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 Q950'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 Q950 has external dimensions of 1117.0 x 362.0 x 315.0mm ( 43-15/16 x 14-1/4 x 12-3/8inch) .
KEF Q250c is 936mm shorter and 99mm less deeper than KEF Q950 but it is also 164mm 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 Q250c is approximately 1136.2cm2 / 176.1inch2 and base area of the KEF Q950 is approximately 1140.3cm2 / 176.7inch2. The Q250c requires 0% less surface area than the Q950 which gives it a small advantage on placement in tight spaces.
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 Q950?
Here are the items that come with the Q950:
Floorstanding loudspeaker2 Outrigger feet4 Spikes6 Screws6 Washers4 Rubber insertsHex-keyOwners ManualWarranty Information
Minimum Impedance 
Height 
Base Surface Area 
Price per pair* 
Max Input Power 
Sensitivity 
Woofer Size 
Dolby Atmos Drivers