In this review, we will be comparing Q650c and LS50C Meta, two Passive Center Channel speakers by KEF Let's have a brief look at the main features
of KEF Q650c and KEF LS50C Meta first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
What size room are the KEF Q650c and KEF LS50C Meta 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 Q650c and KEF LS50C Meta 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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through my links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Drivers
Both Q650c and LS50C Meta are 2-way speakers.
| Driver |
KEF Q650c |
KEF LS50C Meta |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
2 x 6.5-inch
|
1 x 5.25-inch
|
Q650c features a 1" vented aluminum Dome Tweeter and 2 x 6.5" aluminum Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 2500Hz. On the other hand, the LS50C Meta features a 1" Aluminum Vented dome Tweeter and 1 x 5.25" aluminum Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 2100Hz.
Frequency Response
Q650c has a frequency range of 64-28k Hz whereas LS50C Meta has a frequency range of 79-28k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 64Hz, the Q650c can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the LS50C Meta's min frequency of 79Hz.
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
Q650c and LS50C Meta have the same Impedance of 8 ohms but where they differ is the sensitivity levels. Q650c sensitivity is rated at 87 dB and the LS50C Meta's is at 85 dB. This 2 dB difference makes the KEF Q650c a more sensitive speaker compared to KEF LS50C Meta, 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.
Q650c can handle a max power of 150 watts RMS from the amp the whereas LS50C Meta has a max power handling value of 100 watts RMS, 50 watts less than the Q650c.
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
Q650c features Binding post type posts and LS50C Meta has a Binding post type posts. None of these speakers feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
KEF Q650c's Binding post terminals
KEF LS50C Meta's Binding post terminals
KEF LS50C Meta off-set flexible 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 Q650c's and KEF LS50C Meta's external dimensions. KEF Q650c has external dimensions of 212.0 x 631.0 x 304.0mm ( 8-5/16 x 24-13/16 x 11-15/16inch) whereas KEF LS50C Meta has external dimensions of 301.0 x 201.0 x 281.0mm ( 11-13/16 x 7-7/8 x 11-1/16inch) .
KEF LS50C Meta is 430mm narrower and 23mm less deeper than KEF Q650c but it is also 89mm taller.
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 Q650c is approximately 1918.2cm2 / 297.3inch2 and base area of the KEF LS50C Meta is approximately 564.8cm2 / 87.5inch2. The Q650c requires 240% more surface area than the LS50C Meta 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 Q650c weighs 13.64kg / 30lbs and the KEF LS50C Meta weighs 7.82kg / 17.2lbs. This makes the Q650c 74% heavier than the LS50C Meta.
Here is a comparison of how Q650c and LS50C Meta's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Passive Center Channel class.
Weight
All Center Channel Speakers
What's in the Box of KEF Q650c?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of Q650c:
Center-channel loudspeaker 4 Self-adhesive rubber feet Owners Manual Warranty Information
What's in the Box of KEF LS50C Meta?
Here are the items that come with the LS50C Meta:
Center-channel loudspeakerFoam port plug4 Self-adhesive rubber feetOwners ManualWarranty Registration Card
 Max Input Power |
150 watts
vs
100 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
 Sensitivity |
87 dB
vs
85 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
 Minimum Impedance |
4.2 ohms
vs
3.5 ohms
|
Very low impedance levels puts more pressure on amplifier |
 Woofer Size |
6.5 inches
vs
5.25 inches
|
Larger woofer |
| Number of Woofers |
2
vs
1
|
More woofers |
| Low Frequency Response |
64 Hz
vs
79 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
| Passive Radiator |
one 6.5-inch
vs
None
|
Increases the bass performance |
 Height |
212mm
vs
301mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Price per pair* |
750USD
vs
900USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
| Uni-Q Driver |
12th Generation
vs
11th Generation
|
Newer generation Driver |
 Base Surface Area |
564cm2 (201x281mm)
vs
1918cm2 (631x304mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
| General |
KEF Q650c |
KEF LS50C Meta |
| Brand |
KEF |
KEF |
| Speaker Type |
Center channel speaker |
Center channel speaker |
| Power Range |
15-150 watts |
40-100 watts |
| Sensitivity |
87 dB |
85 dB |
| Impedance |
8 ohms |
8 ohms |
| Impedance |
4.2 ohms |
3.5 ohms |
| Frequency Response |
64-28k Hz |
79-28k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
2 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
6.5" |
5.25" |
| Woofer Composition |
aluminum |
aluminum |
| Woofer Surround Material |
Rubber |
Rubber |
| Tweeter Size |
1" |
1" |
| Tweeter Type |
Dome |
Vented dome |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Crossover Frequency |
2500Hz |
2100Hz |
| Firing Direction |
n/a |
rear |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
212.0mm (8.3") |
301.0mm (11.9") |
| Width |
631.0mm (24.8") |
201.0mm (7.9") |
| Depth |
304.0mm (12") |
281.0mm (11.1") |
| Weight |
13.64kg (30lbs) |
7.82kg (17.2lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Passive Radiator |
Bass Reflex |
| Available Colors |
Satin White, Satin Black, Walnut |
Grey |
| Grille |
optional |
n/a |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |