In this review, we will be comparing two different types of speakers by KEF. KEF Q8 Meta is a Surround speaker whereas the Q3 Meta is a Bookshelf speaker.
Let's have a brief look at the main features
of KEF Q8 Meta and KEF Q3 Meta first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
| Key Specs | KEF Q8 Meta | KEF Q3 Meta |
|---|
| Brand | KEF
United Kingdom · founded 1961 | KEF
United Kingdom · founded 1961 |
|---|
| Design | 2-way | 2-way |
|---|
| Uni-Q driver | 12th Generation Uni-Q | 12th Generation Uni-Q |
|---|
| Tweeter | 1" Hard-Dome | 1" Hard dome |
|---|
| Woofer | 5.25" | 6.5" Aluminum |
|---|
| Frequency response | 105-20k Hz | 49-20k Hz |
|---|
| Sensitivity | 86 dB | 87 dB |
|---|
| Impedance | 4 ohms | 4 ohms |
|---|
| Power range | — | Up to 150 watts |
|---|
| Weight | 4.49kg / 9.9lbs | 8.23kg / 18.1lbs |
|---|
| Dimensions (H x W x D) | 6-15/16" x 7-1/8" x 10-1/4"
176.2 x 181.0 x 260.4mm | 14.1" x 8.3" x 12"
357 x 210 x 305 mm |
|---|
Q8 Meta and Q3 Meta are members of KEF's Q Meta series of speakers. Below you can find the loudspeakers from this series.
KEF Q Meta Series
History
The sections below take each area in turn: drivers, frequency response, physical size and what you get in the box.
Drivers
Both Q8 Meta and Q3 Meta are 2-way speakers.
KEF Q8 MetaKEF Q3 Meta
TweeterWoofer
Front view, drawn to scale - cabinets and drivers share one scale, so sizes are directly comparable. Hover a driver for its size.
| Driver |
KEF Q8 Meta |
KEF Q3 Meta |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
1 x 5.25-inch
|
1 x 6.5-inch
|
Q8 Meta features a 1" Hard-Dome Tweeter and 1 x 5.25" Woofer. On the other hand, the 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.
Frequency Response
Q8 Meta has a frequency range of 105-20k Hz whereas Q3 Meta has a frequency range of 49-20k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 49Hz, the Q3 Meta can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the Q8 Meta's min frequency of 105Hz.
The graph below depicts how these two speakers compare with the max, min and average Low Frequency values of other speakers in the Surround class in our database.
Low Frequency
Surround Speakers
Neither pair reaches down to 20Hz, the usual definition of full-range, which is normal for speakers of this size. If you want the bottom octave for movies or bass-heavy music, add a subwoofer to whichever you choose. Visit our Powered Subwoofers section to find out more about the available options.
Impedance and Sensitivity
Q8 Meta and Q3 Meta have the same Impedance of 4 ohms but where they differ is the sensitivity levels. Q8 Meta sensitivity is rated at 86 dB and the Q3 Meta's is at 87 dB. This 1 dB difference makes the KEF Q3 Meta a more sensitive speaker compared to KEF Q8 Meta, 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 Q8 Meta and the Q8 Meta can provide this impedance level.
Sensitivity
Surround Speakers
Which plays louder on your amplifier?
Starting with a popular amplifier - change it to the one you own, or any you are
considering, and watch both numbers move.
Input Type and Bi-Amping / Bi-Wiring
Q8 Meta features Binding Post type posts and Q3 Meta has a Binding Post type posts. None of these speakers feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
Physical Specs
The size of a speaker can sometimes be 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 Q8 Meta's and KEF Q3 Meta's external dimensions. KEF Q8 Meta has external dimensions of 176.2 x 181.0 x 260.4mm () whereas KEF Q3 Meta has external dimensions of 357 x 210 x 305 mm (14.1 x 8.3 x 12.0 in.).
KEF Q3 Meta is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 29mm wider, 180.8mm taller and 44.6mm deeper than KEF Q8 Meta.
Size, drawn to scale
Both speakers and both views share one scale, so everything here is directly comparable. Hover a box for its dimensions.
One scale for both, standing on the same surface and pushed back to the same wall, so the deeper one visibly sticks out further.
KEF Q3 Meta needs about 36% more floor or shelf area. KEF Q3 Meta is 45mm deeper, so it stands that much further out from the wall. KEF Q3 Meta is 181mm 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 Q8 Meta is approximately 471.3cm2 / 73.1inch2 and base area of the KEF Q3 Meta is approximately 640.5cm2 / 99.3inch2. The Q8 Meta requires 26% less surface area than the Q3 Meta which gives it a small advantage on placement in tight spaces.
What's in the Box of KEF Q3 Meta?
Here are the items that come with the Q3 Meta:
- Q3 Meta (pair)
- Magnetic grilles (pair)
- Rubber feet
- Port bungs
- User manual and warranty information