In this review, we will be comparing Bronze C150 and Q250c, two Passive Center Channel speakers from Monitor Audio and KEF.
Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Monitor Audio Bronze C150 and KEF Q250c first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
Monitor Audio Bronze C150 Key Specs
- 2-way Design
- 1" vented dome with waveguide Tweeter
- 5.25" aluminum Woofer
- 66-30k Hz Frequency Response
- 88 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 8ohms
- Power Range:30-120watts
- Weight:7.01kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 167.0" x 17-13/16" x 8-15/16"( 167.0 x 453.0 x 228.0mm )
KEF Q250c Key Specs
- 2-way Design
- 11th Generation Uni-Q Driver
- 1" Dome Tweeter
- 5.25" aluminum Woofer
- 68-28k Hz Frequency Response
- 87 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 8ohms
- Power Range:10-100watts
- Weight:7.50kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 181.0" x 20-11/16" x 8-1/2"( 181.0 x 526.0 x 216.0mm )
Bronze C150 and Q250c are members of KEF's Q series of speakers. Below you can find the loudspeakers from this series.
Monitor Audio Q Series
History
What size room are the Monitor Audio Bronze C150 and KEF Q250c 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* |
Monitor Audio Bronze C150 |
KEF Q250c |
| Near-field |
Poor |
Average |
| Small Room |
Average |
Good |
| Mid-size Room |
Good |
Average |
| Large Room |
Average |
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 Monitor Audio Bronze C150 and KEF Q250c 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 Bronze C150 and Q250c are 2-way speakers.
| Driver |
Monitor Audio Bronze C150 |
KEF Q250c |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
1 x 5.25-inch
|
1 x 5.25-inch
|
Bronze C150 features a 1" aluminum vented dome with waveguide Tweeter and 1 x 5.25" aluminum Woofer . On the other hand, the Q250c features a 1" vented aluminum Dome Tweeter and 1 x 5.25" aluminum Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 2500Hz.
Frequency Response
Bronze C150 has a frequency range of 66-30k Hz whereas Q250c has a frequency range of 68-28k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 66Hz, the Bronze C150 can go slightly deeper then the Q250c's min frequency of 68Hz.
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
Monitor Audio Bronze C150
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
Bronze C150 and Q250c have the same Impedance of 8 ohms but where they differ is the sensitivity levels. Bronze C150 sensitivity is rated at 88 dB and the Q250c's is at 87 dB. This 1 dB difference makes the Monitor Audio Bronze C150 a more sensitive speaker compared to KEF Q250c, 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.
Bronze C150 can handle a max power of 120 watts RMS from the amp the whereas Q250c has a max power handling value of 100 watts RMS, 20 watts less than the Bronze C150.
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
Bronze C150 features Binding post type posts and Q250c has a Binding post type posts. None of these speakers feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
Monitor Audio Bronze C150's Binding post terminals
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 Monitor Audio Bronze C150's and KEF Q250c's external dimensions. Monitor Audio Bronze C150 has external dimensions of 167.0 x 453.0 x 228.0mm ( 6-9/16 x 17-13/16 x 8-15/16inch) whereas KEF Q250c has external dimensions of 181.0 x 526.0 x 216.0mm ( 7-1/8 x 20-11/16 x 8-1/2inch) .
Monitor Audio Bronze C150 is 73mm narrower and 14mm shorter than KEF Q250c but it is also 12mm 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 Monitor Audio Bronze C150 is approximately 1032.8cm2 / 160.1inch2 and base area of the KEF Q250c is approximately 1136.2cm2 / 176.1inch2. The Bronze C150 requires 9% less surface area than the Q250c 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 Monitor Audio Bronze C150 weighs 7.01kg / 15.4lbs and the KEF Q250c weighs 7.50kg / 16.5lbs. This makes the Q250c 7% heavier than the Bronze C150.
Here is a comparison of how Bronze C150 and Q250c's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Passive Center Channel class.
Weight
All Center Channel Speakers
Monitor Audio Bronze C150
What's in the Box of Monitor Audio Bronze C150?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of Bronze C150:
Center-channel loudspeakerGrille2 Terminal-jumpers (pre-installed)4 Self-adhesive rubber feetHex-keyQuick Start GuideImportant Safety Instructions
What's in the Box of KEF Q250c?
Here are the items that come with the Q250c:
Center-channel loudspeaker 4 Self-adhesive rubber feet Owners Manual Warranty Information
 Max Input Power |
120 watts
vs
100 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
 Sensitivity |
88 dB
vs
87 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
 Low Frequency Response |
66 Hz
vs
68 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
30k Hz
vs
28k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Height |
167mm
vs
181mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
1032cm2
vs
1136cm2
|
Takes less floor space |
 Price per pair* |
395USD
vs
600USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
 Passive Radiator |
one 6.5-inch
vs
None
|
Increases the bass performance |
| General |
Monitor Audio Bronze C150 |
KEF Q250c |
| Brand |
Monitor Audio |
KEF |
| Speaker Type |
Center channel speaker |
Center channel speaker |
| Power Range |
30-120 watts |
10-100 watts |
| Sensitivity |
88 dB |
87 dB |
| Impedance |
8 ohms |
8 ohms |
| Impedance |
n/a |
3.4 ohms |
| Frequency Response |
66-30k Hz |
68-28k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
5.25" |
5.25" |
| Woofer Composition |
aluminum |
aluminum |
| Woofer Surround Material |
n/a |
Rubber |
| Tweeter Size |
1" |
1" |
| Tweeter Type |
vented dome with waveguide |
Dome |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Crossover Frequency |
n/a |
2500Hz |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
167.0mm (6.6") |
181.0mm (7.1") |
| Width |
453.0mm (17.8") |
526.0mm (20.7") |
| Depth |
228.0mm (9") |
216.0mm (8.5") |
| Weight |
7.01kg (15.4lbs) |
7.50kg (16.5lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Acoustic Suspension |
Passive Radiator |
| Available Colors |
Walnut |
Satin White, Satin Black, Walnut |
| Grille |
Yes |
optional |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |