In this review, we will be comparing Q3 Meta and L52 Classic, two Passive Bookshelf speakers from KEF and JBL. Let's have a brief look at the main features
of KEF Q3 Meta and JBL L52 Classic first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
What size room are the KEF Q3 Meta and JBL L52 Classic 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:
In the following sections, we will get into more detail in order to better understand how the KEF Q3 Meta and JBL L52 Classic 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 Q3 Meta and L52 Classic are 2-way speakers.
| Driver |
KEF Q3 Meta |
JBL L52 Classic |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
0.75-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
1 x 6.5-inch
|
1 x 5.25-inch
|
Q3 Meta features a 1" vented aluminum dome with MAT absorber Hard dome Tweeter and 1 x 6.5" Aluminum Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 2.0 kHz. On the other hand, the L52 Classic features a 0.75" Titanium Dome Tweeter and 1 x 5.25" Pulp Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 2800Hz.
Frequency Response
Q3 Meta has a frequency range of 49-20k Hz whereas L52 Classic has a frequency range of 47-24k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 47Hz, the L52 Classic can go slightly deeper then the Q3 Meta's min frequency of 49Hz.
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
Q3 Meta and L52 Classic have the same Impedance of 4 ohms but where they differ is the sensitivity levels. Q3 Meta sensitivity is rated at 87 dB and the L52 Classic's is at 85 dB. This 2 dB difference makes the KEF Q3 Meta a more sensitive speaker compared to JBL L52 Classic, hence will play louder with the same amount of watts.
One thing to keep in mind that the lower impedance speakers, especially the ones that are rated at 4 ohms may put more pressure on the amplifier unit comared to higher impedance speakers especially at high volume levels, so make sure the amp you pair with the Q3 Meta and the Q3 Meta can provide this impedance level.
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.
Q3 Meta can handle a max power of 150 watts RMS from the amp the whereas L52 Classic has a max power handling value of 75 watts RMS, 75 watts less than the Q3 Meta.
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
Q3 Meta features Five-way gold-plated binding posts type posts and L52 Classic has a Five-way gold-plated binding posts type posts. None of these speakers feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
JBL L52 Classic's Five-way gold-plated binding posts terminals
Cabinet Type and Port Position
Q3 Meta has a rear firing port whereas L52 Classic has a front firing ports. JBL L52 Classic's front-firing port gives more flexibility in placement in regards to proximity to walls compared to KEF Q3 Meta with its rear-firing 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 Q3 Meta's and JBL L52 Classic's external dimensions. KEF Q3 Meta has external dimensions of 357 x 210 x 305 mm ( 14.1 x 8.3 x 12.0 in.) whereas JBL L52 Classic has external dimensions of 332.0 x 199.0 x 221.0mm ( 13-1/16 x 7-13/16 x 8-11/16inch) .
KEF Q3 Meta is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 11mm wider, 25mm taller and 84mm deeper than JBL L52 Classic.
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 Q3 Meta is approximately 640.5cm2 / 99.3inch2 and base area of the JBL L52 Classic is approximately 439.8cm2 / 68.2inch2. The Q3 Meta requires 46% more surface area than the L52 Classic which gives it a small disadvantage 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 Q3 Meta weighs 8.23kg / 18.1lbs and the JBL L52 Classic weighs 5.00kg / 11lbs. This makes the Q3 Meta 65% heavier than the L52 Classic.
Here is a comparison of how Q3 Meta and L52 Classic'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 Q3 Meta?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of Q3 Meta:
Q3 Meta (pair) Magnetic grilles (pair) Rubber feet Port bungs User manual and warranty information
What's in the Box of JBL L52 Classic?
Here are the items that come with the L52 Classic:
2 Bookshelf loudspeakers2 GrillesOwners Manual
 Max Input Power |
150 watts
vs
75 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
 Sensitivity |
87 dB
vs
85 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
 Woofer Size |
6.5 inches
vs
5.25 inches
|
Larger woofer |
 Price per pair* |
800USD
vs
1000USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
| Low Frequency Response |
47 Hz
vs
49 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
24k Hz
vs
20k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Port Position |
Front
vs
Rear
|
Gives more flexibility placing close to walls |
 Height |
332mm
vs
357mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
439cm2 (199x221mm)
vs
640cm2 (210x305mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
| General |
KEF Q3 Meta |
JBL L52 Classic |
| Brand |
KEF |
JBL |
| Speaker Type |
Bookshelf speakers |
Bookshelf speakers |
| Power Range |
Up to 150 watts |
10-75 watts |
| Sensitivity |
87 dB |
85 dB |
| Impedance |
4 ohms |
4 ohms |
| Impedance |
3.2 ohms |
n/a |
| Frequency Response |
49-20k Hz |
47-24k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
6.5" |
5.25" |
| Woofer Composition |
Aluminum |
Pulp |
| Woofer Surround Material |
Rubber |
Rubber |
| Tweeter Size |
1" |
0.75" |
| Tweeter Type |
Hard dome |
Dome |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
N/A" |
No |
| Crossover Frequency |
2.0 kHz |
2800Hz |
| Firing Direction |
rear |
front |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
357.0mm (14.1") |
332.0mm (13.1") |
| Width |
210.0mm (8.3") |
199.0mm (7.8") |
| Depth |
305.0mm (12") |
221.0mm (8.7") |
| Weight |
8.23kg (18.1lbs) |
5.00kg (11lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
| Finish |
n/a |
MDF/Wood veneer |
| Available Colors |
Satin Black,Satin White,Walnut |
Walnut |
| Mounting Bracket |
|
No |
| Recommended Stand Height |
n/a |
22-26" |
| Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
| Biamp Inputs |
n/a |
No |
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |