In this review, we will be comparing Q3 Meta and Ultra Evolution Bookshelf, two Passive Bookshelf speakers from KEF and SVS. Let's have a brief look at the main features
of KEF Q3 Meta and SVS Ultra Evolution Bookshelf first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
What size room are the KEF Q3 Meta and SVS Ultra Evolution Bookshelf 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 SVS Ultra Evolution Bookshelf 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 Q3 Meta and Ultra Evolution Bookshelf are 2-way speakers.
| Driver |
KEF Q3 Meta |
SVS Ultra Evolution Bookshelf |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
1 x 6.5-inch
|
1 x 6.5-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 Ultra Evolution Bookshelf features a 1" aluminum Dome Tweeter and 1 x 6.5" Composite glass-fiber Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 1800Hz.
Frequency Response
Q3 Meta has a frequency range of 49-20k Hz whereas Ultra Evolution Bookshelf has a frequency range of 40-40k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 40Hz, the Ultra Evolution Bookshelf can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to 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
Ultra Evolution Bookshelf
High Frequency
Bookshelf Speakers
SVS Ultra Evolution Bookshelf
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 is a 4 ohms speaker compared to the Ultra Evolution Bookshelf which has a nominal impedance of 6 ohms. Lower impedance speakers, especially the ones that are rated at 4 ohms may put more pressure on the amplifier unit especially when played at high volume levels, so make sure the amp you pair with the Q3 Meta can provide this impedance level.
On the other hand, they have the same sensitivity of 87 dBdB.
Sensitivity
Bookshelf Speakers
Ultra Evolution Bookshelf
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.
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
Ultra Evolution Bookshelf features Gold-plated 5-way posts which make bi-amping or bi-wiring possible. Q3 Meta has a Binding Post which doesn't feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
SVS Ultra Evolution Bookshelf's Gold-plated 5-way terminals allows Bi-amping or bi-wiring
Cabinet Type and Port Position
Both Q3 Meta and Ultra Evolution Bookshelf 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.
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 SVS Ultra Evolution Bookshelf'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 SVS Ultra Evolution Bookshelf has external dimensions of 382 x 220 x 295.6mm ( 11.14 x 8.66 x 11.64”) .
KEF Q3 Meta is 10mm narrower and 25mm shorter than SVS Ultra Evolution Bookshelf but it is also 9mm deeper.
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 SVS Ultra Evolution Bookshelf is approximately 651.2cm2 / 100.9inch2. The Q3 Meta requires 2% less surface area than the Ultra Evolution Bookshelf 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 Q3 Meta weighs 8.23kg / 18.1lbs and the SVS Ultra Evolution Bookshelf weighs 8.60kg / 18.9lbs. This makes the Ultra Evolution Bookshelf 4% heavier than the Q3 Meta.
Here is a comparison of how Q3 Meta and Ultra Evolution Bookshelf's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Passive Bookshelf class.
Weight
All Bookshelf Speakers
SVS Ultra Evolution Bookshelf
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
 Height |
357mm
vs
382mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
640cm2 (210x305mm)
vs
651cm2 (220x296mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
 Price per pair* |
800USD
vs
1198USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
 Nominal Impedance |
6 ohms
vs
4 ohms
|
Less selective with amplifiers |
 Low Frequency Response |
40 Hz
vs
49 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
40k Hz
vs
20k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
| General |
KEF Q3 Meta |
SVS Ultra Evolution Bookshelf |
| Brand |
KEF |
SVS |
| Speaker Type |
Bookshelf speakers |
Bookshelf speakers |
| Power Range |
Up to 150 watts |
20-150 watts |
| Sensitivity |
87 dB |
87 dB |
| Impedance |
4 ohms |
6 ohms |
| Impedance |
3.2 ohms |
n/a |
| Frequency Response |
49-20k Hz |
40-40k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
6.5" |
6.5" |
| Woofer Composition |
Aluminum |
Composite glass-fiber |
| Woofer Surround Material |
Rubber |
Rubber |
| Tweeter Size |
1" |
1" |
| Tweeter Type |
Hard dome |
Dome |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
N/A" |
No |
| Crossover Frequency |
2.0 kHz |
1800Hz |
| Firing Direction |
rear |
rear |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
357.0mm (14.1") |
382.0mm (15") |
| Width |
210.0mm (8.3") |
220.0mm (8.7") |
| Depth |
305.0mm (12") |
296.0mm (11.7") |
| Weight |
8.23kg (18.1lbs) |
8.60kg (18.9lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
| Available Colors |
Satin Black,Satin White,Walnut |
Piano Gloss Black,Piano Gloss White,Black Oak Veneer |
| Mounting Bracket |
|
No |
| Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
| Biamp Inputs |
n/a |
Yes |
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |