In this review, we will be comparing Q550 and RP-280F, two Passive Floor-standing speakers from KEF and Klipsch.
Let's have a brief look at the main features
of KEF Q550 and Klipsch RP-280F 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 )
Klipsch RP-280F Key Specs
- 2-way Design
- 1" Tractrix Horn Tweeter
- 2 x 8" Cerametallic Woofer
- 32-25k Hz Frequency Response
- 98 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 8ohms
- Power Range:up to 150watts
- Weight:28.41kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 1094.0" x 10-9/16" x 17-3/8"( 1094.0 x 269.0 x 442.0mm )
What size room are the KEF Q550 and Klipsch RP-280F 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 |
Klipsch RP-280F |
| Near-field |
Bad |
Bad |
| Small Room |
Poor |
Poor |
| Mid-size Room |
Good |
Good |
| Large Room |
Good |
Good |
| Very Large Room |
Poor |
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 Q550 and Klipsch RP-280F 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 Q550 and RP-280F are 2-way speakers.
| Driver |
KEF Q550 |
Klipsch RP-280F |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
2 x 5.25-inch
|
2 x 8-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 RP-280F features a 1" Tractrix Horn Tweeter and 2 x 8" Cerametallic Woofer .
Frequency Response
Q550 has a frequency range of 58-28k Hz whereas RP-280F has a frequency range of 32-25k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 32Hz, the RP-280F 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
High Frequency
Floor-standing 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
Q550 and RP-280F have the same Impedance of 8 ohms but where they differ is the sensitivity levels. Q550 sensitivity is rated at 87 dB and the RP-280F's is at 98 dB. This 11 dB difference makes the Klipsch RP-280F a more sensitive speaker compared to KEF Q550, hence will play louder with the same amount of watts.
Sensitivity
Floor-standing 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.
Q550 can handle a max power of 150 watts RMS from the amp the whereas Q550 has a max power handling value of 130 watts RMS , 20 watts less than the RP-280F.
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
RP-280F features Binding post posts which make bi-amping or bi-wiring possible. Q550 has a Binding post which doesn't feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
Klipsch RP-280F's Binding post terminals allows Bi-amping or bi-wiring
Cabinet Type and Port Position
Q550 has a front firing port whereas RP-280F has a rear firing ports. KEF Q550's front-firing port gives more flexibility in placement in regards to proximity to walls compared to Klipsch RP-280F 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 Q550's and Klipsch RP-280F'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 Klipsch RP-280F has external dimensions of 1094.0 x 269.0 x 442.0mm ( 43-1/16 x 10-9/16 x 17-3/8inch) .
KEF Q550 is 200mm shorter and 129mm less deeper than Klipsch RP-280F but it is also 27mm 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 Q550 is approximately 926.5cm2 / 143.6inch2 and base area of the Klipsch RP-280F is approximately 1189.0cm2 / 184.3inch2. The Q550 requires 22% less surface area than the RP-280F which gives it a small advantage on placement in tight spaces.