In this review, we will be comparing two different type of speakers . Monitor Audio Bronze C150 is a Center Channel speaker whereas the Q550 is a Floor-standing speaker.
Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Monitor Audio Bronze C150 and KEF Q550 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 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 )
Bronze C150 and Q550 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 Q550 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 Q550 |
| Near-field |
Poor |
Bad |
| Small Room |
Average |
Poor |
| Mid-size Room |
Good |
Good |
| Large Room |
Average |
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 Monitor Audio Bronze C150 and KEF Q550 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 Q550 are 2-way speakers.
| Driver |
Monitor Audio Bronze C150 |
KEF Q550 |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
1 x 5.25-inch
|
2 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 Q550 features a 1" vented aluminum Dome Tweeter and 2 x 5.25" Aluminum Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 2500Hz.
Frequency Response
Bronze C150 has a frequency range of 66-30k Hz whereas Q550 has a frequency range of 58-28k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 58Hz, the Q550 can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the Bronze C150's min frequency of 66Hz.
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 Q550 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 Q550's is at 87 dB. This 1 dB difference makes the Monitor Audio Bronze C150 a more sensitive speaker compared to KEF Q550, 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 130 watts RMS from the amp the whereas Bronze C150 has a max power handling value of 120 watts RMS , 10 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
Bronze C150 features Binding post type posts and Q550 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 Q550'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 Q550 has external dimensions of 894.0 x 296.0 x 313.0mm ( 35-3/16 x 11-5/8 x 12-5/16inch) .
Monitor Audio Bronze C150 is 727mm shorter and 85mm less deeper than KEF Q550 but it is also 157mm 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 Monitor Audio Bronze C150 is approximately 1032.8cm2 / 160.1inch2 and base area of the KEF Q550 is approximately 926.5cm2 / 143.6inch2. The Bronze C150 requires 11% more surface area than the Q550 which gives it a small disadvantage on placement in tight spaces.
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 Q550?
Here are the items that come with the Q550:
Floorstanding loudspeaker2 Outrigger feet4 Spikes6 Screws6 Washers4 Rubber insertsHex-keyOwners ManualWarranty Information