SpeakerDecision
  • SPEAKERS by TYPE
    • Passive Bookshelf Speakers
    • Passive Floor-standing Speakers
    • Passive Center Channel Speakers
    • Passive In-wall Speakers
    • All Passive Speakers
    • Powered Subwoofers
    • Powered Stereo Speakers
  • AMPLIFIERS
  • SMART FIND

KEF Q550 vs KEF Q150 Comparison

x
Speaker to replace
Change

KEF Q550

Passive Floor-standing | 58-28k Hz

KEF Q550
CHECK PRICE
Change
    
KEF Q150

Passive Bookshelf | 51-28k Hz

KEF Q150
CHECK PRICE
KEF Q550 KEF Q550
See at AMAZON
KEF Q150 KEF Q150
See at AMAZON
KEF Q550
See at AMAZON
KEF Q150
See at AMAZON
KEF Q550 vs KEF Q150 Speaker Comparison

In this review, we will be comparing two different type of speakers by KEF. KEF Q550 is a Floor-standing speaker whereas the Q150 is a Bookshelf speaker.

Let's have a brief look at the main features of KEF Q550 and KEF Q150 first before getting into our more detailed comparison.

KEF Q550 Key Specs

  • 2-way Design
  • 11th Generation Uni-Q Driver
  • 1" Dome Tweeter
  • 2 x 5.25" Aluminum Woofer
  • 58-28k Hz Frequency Response
  • 87 dB Sensitivity
  • Impedance: 8ohms
  • Power Range:15-130watts
  • Weight:14.55kg
  • Dimensions (H x W x D): 894.0" x 11-5/8" x 12-5/16"( 894.0 x 296.0 x 313.0mm )

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 )

Q550 and Q150 are members of KEF's Q series of speakers. Below you can find the loudspeakers from this series.

KEF Q Series History
Model Body Frequency SensitivityImpedance Woofer
KEF Q150
Bookshelf 51-28k Hz 86 dB8Ω 1 x 5.25"
KEF Q350
  
Bookshelf 63-28k Hz 87 dB8Ω 1 x 6.5"
KEF Q950
  
Floor-standing 44-28k Hz 91 dB8Ω 2 x 8.0"
KEF Q750
  
Floor-standing 48-28k Hz 88 dB8Ω 2 x 6.5"
KEF Q550
Floor-standing 58-28k Hz 87 dB8Ω 2 x 5.25"
KEF Q650c
  
Center Channel 64-28k Hz 87 dB8Ω 2 x 6.5"
KEF Q250c
  
Center Channel 68-28k Hz 87 dB8Ω 1 x 5.25"

What size room are the KEF Q550 and KEF Q150 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 Q550 KEF Q150
Near-field Bad Average
Small Room Poor Good
Mid-size Room Good Average
Large Room Good Poor
Very Large Room Poor Bad

(* 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 Q550 and KEF Q150 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 Q550 and Q150 are 2-way speakers.

Driver KEF Q550 KEF Q150
Driver Setup 2-way 2-way
Tweeter 1-inch 1-inch
Midrange - -
Woofer 2 x 5.25-inch 1 x 5.25-inch

Q550 features a 1" vented aluminum Dome Tweeter and 2 x 5.25" Aluminum Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 2500Hz. On the other hand, the Q150 features a 1" vented aluminum Dome Tweeter and 1 x 5.25" Aluminum Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 2500Hz.

Frequency Response

Q550 has a frequency range of 58-28k Hz whereas Q150 has a frequency range of 51-28k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 51Hz, the Q150 can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the Q550's min frequency of 58Hz.

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 Floor-standing class in our database.

Low Frequency

Floor-standing Speakers

Q550
Q150
Min
Average
Max
High Frequency

Floor-standing Speakers

KEF Q550
KEF Q150
Min
Average
Max

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

Q550 and Q150 have the same Impedance of 8 ohms but where they differ is the sensitivity levels. Q550 sensitivity is rated at 87 dB and the Q150's is at 86 dB. This 1 dB difference makes the KEF Q550 a more sensitive speaker compared to KEF Q150, hence will play louder with the same amount of watts.

Sensitivity

Floor-standing Speakers

Q550
Q150
Min
Average
Max

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.

Q550 can handle a max power of 130 watts RMS from the amp the whereas Q150 has a max power handling value of 100 watts RMS, 30 watts less than the Q550.

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

Q550 features Post type posts and Q150 has a Post type posts. None of these speakers feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.

KEF Q150 Terminals
KEF Q150's Post terminals

Cabinet Type and Port Position

Q550 has a front firing port whereas Q150 has a rear firing ports. KEF Q550's front-firing port gives more flexibility in placement in regards to proximity to walls compared to KEF Q150 with its rear-firing port.

KEF Q150  Port
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 Q550's and KEF Q150's external dimensions. KEF Q550 has external dimensions of 894.0 x 296.0 x 313.0mm ( 35-3/16 x 11-5/8 x 12-5/16inch) whereas KEF Q150 has external dimensions of 303.0 x 180.0 x 278.0mm ( 11.9 x 7.0 x 10.9inch) .

KEF Q550 is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 116mm wider, 591mm taller and 35mm 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 Q550 is approximately 926.5cm2 / 143.6inch2 and base area of the KEF Q150 is approximately 500.4cm2 / 77.6inch2. The Q550 requires 85% more surface area than the Q150 which gives it a small disadvantage on placement in tight spaces.

What's in the Box of KEF Q550?

Here are the items that are included inside the box of Q550:
  • Floorstanding loudspeaker
  • 2 Outrigger feet
  • 4 Spikes
  • 6 Screws
  • 6 Washers
  • 4 Rubber inserts
  • Hex-key
  • Owners Manual
  • Warranty Information
  • What's in the Box of KEF Q150?

    Here are the items that come with the Q150:
  • 2 Bookshelf loudspeakers
  • 2 Foam port plugs
  • 8 Self-adhesive rubber feet
  • Owner's Manual
  • Warranty Registration Card

  • Reasons to choose KEF Q550 over KEF Q150
    Max Input Power 130 watts vs 100 watts Handle more power from your amplifier
    Sensitivity 87 dB vs 86 dB Play louder with same amount of amplification power
    Number of Woofers 2 vs 1 More woofers
    Port Position Front vs Rear Gives more flexibility placing close to walls
    Passive Radiator 2 x 5.25-inch vs None Increases the bass performance
    Dolby Atmos Drivers Optional vs No Dolby Atmos Compatibility

    Reasons to choose KEF Q150 over KEF Q550

    Minimum Impedance 3.7 ohms vs 3.5 ohms Very low impedance levels puts more pressure on amplifier
    Low Frequency Response 51 Hz vs 58 Hz Generates deeper bass
    Height 303mm vs 894mm Easier to fit in smaller spaces
    Base Surface Area 500cm2 vs 926cm2 Takes less floor space
    Price per pair* 600USD vs 1400USD costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time)
    KEF Q550 vs KEF Q150 Specs Table
    Detailed comparison of specifications
    General KEF Q550 KEF Q150
    Brand KEF KEF
    Speaker Type Floor-standing speaker Bookshelf speakers
    Power Range 15-130 watts 10-100 watts
    Sensitivity 87 dB 86 dB
    Impedance 8 ohms 8 ohms
    Impedance 3.5 ohms 3.7 ohms
    Frequency Response 58-28k Hz 51-28k Hz
    Drivers
    Woofer Quantity 2 1
    Woofer Size 5.25" 5.25"
    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
    Firing Direction front rear
    Physical Specs
    Height 894.0mm (35.2") 303.0mm (11.9")
    Width 296.0mm (11.7") 180.0mm (7.1")
    Depth 313.0mm (12.3") 278.0mm (10.9")
    Weight 14.55kg (32lbs) 5.60kg (12.3lbs)
    Enclosure Passive Radiator Bass Reflex
    Finish MDF/Wood-grain vinyl MDF/Vinyl-wrapped
    Available Colors Walnut Black, Walnut, White
    Mounting Bracket No No
    Recommended Stand Height n/a 18-24"
    Grille n/a Yes
    Moisture Resistancy No No
    Connections
    Biamp Inputs No No
    Other
    Parts Warranty 5 Years 5 Years
    Labor Warranty 5 Years 5 Years

    Most Popular Speakers
    Klipsch Reference R-51M
    Klipsch R-51M
    2-way | 93 dB | 8 ohms
    Wharfedale Elysian 2
    Wharfedale Elysian 2
    3-way | 89 dB | 4 ohms
    ELAC Debut 2.0 B6.2
    ELAC Debut 2.0 B6.2
    2-way | 87 dB | 6 ohms
    Bowers & Wilkins 606 S2 Anniversary Edition
    B&W 606 S2
    2-way | 88 dB | 8 ohms
    KEF Q150
    KEF Q150
    2-way | 86 dB | 8 ohms
    Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-500M
    Klipsch RP-500M
    2-way | 93 dB | 8 ohms
    Wharfedale EVO4.1
    Wharfedale EVO4.1
    2-way | 87 dB | 8 ohms
    Bowers & Wilkins 606
    B&W 606
    2-way | 88 dB | 8 ohms
    Copyright © 2025 by SpeakerDecision
    About Privacy Contact US Camera Decision

    Report a Correction