In this review, we will be comparing Nero MB5 and Q150, two Passive Bookshelf speakers from OSD and KEF. Let's have a brief look at the main features
of OSD Nero MB5 and KEF Q150 first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
What size room are the OSD Nero MB5 and KEF Q150 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 OSD Nero MB5 and KEF Q150 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 Nero MB5 and Q150 are 2-way speakers.
| Driver |
OSD Nero MB5 |
KEF Q150 |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
1 x 5.25-inch
|
1 x 5.25-inch
|
Nero MB5 features a 1" Soft-Dome Tweeter and 1 x 5.25" Fiberglass Woofer . On the other hand, the Q150 features a 1" vented aluminum Dome Tweeter and 1 x 5.25" Aluminum Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 2500Hz.
Frequency Response
Nero MB5 has a frequency range of 50-30k Hz whereas Q150 has a frequency range of 51-28k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 50Hz, the Nero MB5 can go slightly deeper then the Q150's min frequency of 51Hz.
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 Bookshelf class in our database.
Low Frequency
Bookshelf Speakers
High Frequency
Bookshelf 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
Nero MB5 is a 4 ohms speaker compared to the Q150 which has a nominal impedance of 8 ohms. Lower impedance speakers, especially the ones that are rated at 4 ohms may put more pressure on the amplifier unit especially when played at high volume levels, so make sure the amp you pair with the Nero MB5 can provide this impedance level.
These two speakers also have different sensitivity levels. Nero MB5 sensitivity is rated at 90 dB and the Q150's is rated at 86 dB. This 4 dB difference makes the OSD Nero MB5 a more sensitive speaker compared to KEF Q150, hence will play louder with the same amount of watts.
Sensitivity
Bookshelf 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.
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
Nero MB5 features Post type posts and Q150 has a Post type posts. None of these speakers feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
KEF Q150's Post terminals
KEF Q150 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 OSD Nero MB5's and KEF Q150's external dimensions. OSD Nero MB5 has external dimensions of 304.0 x 177.8 x 245.0mm ( 11-15/16inch x 7-5/16inch x 9-5/8inch ) whereas KEF Q150 has external dimensions of 303.0 x 180.0 x 278.0mm ( 11.9 x 7.0 x 10.9inch) .
OSD Nero MB5 is 2.2mm narrower and 33mm less deeper than KEF Q150 but it is also 1mm 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 OSD Nero MB5 is approximately 435.6cm2 / 67.5inch2 and base area of the KEF Q150 is approximately 500.4cm2 / 77.6inch2. The Nero MB5 requires 13% less surface area than the Q150 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 OSD Nero MB5 weighs 5.45kg / 12lbs and the KEF Q150 weighs 5.60kg / 12.3lbs. This makes the Q150 3% heavier than the Nero MB5.
Here is a comparison of how Nero MB5 and Q150's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Passive Bookshelf class.
Weight
All Bookshelf Speakers
What's in the Box of OSD Nero MB5?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of Nero MB5:
2 Bookshelf loudspeakers2 Grilles
What's in the Box of KEF Q150?
Here are the items that come with the Q150:
2 Bookshelf loudspeakers 2 Foam port plugs 8 Self-adhesive rubber feet Owner's Manual Warranty Registration Card
 Sensitivity |
90 dB
vs
86 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
 Low Frequency Response |
50 Hz
vs
51 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
30k Hz
vs
28k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Base Surface Area |
435cm2 (177x245mm)
vs
500cm2 (180x278mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
 Nominal Impedance |
8 ohms
vs
4 ohms
|
Less selective with amplifiers |
 Height |
303mm
vs
304mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
| General |
OSD Nero MB5 |
KEF Q150 |
| Brand |
OSD |
KEF |
| Speaker Type |
Bookshelf speakers |
Bookshelf speakers |
| Power Range |
100 watts |
10-100 watts |
| Sensitivity |
90 dB |
86 dB |
| Impedance |
4 ohms |
8 ohms |
| Impedance |
n/a |
3.7 ohms |
| Frequency Response |
50-30k Hz |
51-28k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
5.25" |
5.25" |
| Woofer Composition |
Fiberglass |
Aluminum |
| Woofer Surround Material |
--- |
Rubber |
| Tweeter Size |
1" |
1" |
| Tweeter Type |
Soft-Dome |
Dome |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Crossover Frequency |
n/a |
2500Hz |
| Firing Direction |
n/a |
rear |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
304.0mm (12") |
303.0mm (11.9") |
| Width |
177.8mm (7") |
180.0mm (7.1") |
| Depth |
245.0mm (9.6") |
278.0mm (10.9") |
| Weight |
5.45kg (12lbs) |
5.60kg (12.3lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
| Finish |
--- |
MDF/Vinyl-wrapped |
| Available Colors |
Black |
Black, Walnut, White |
| Mounting Bracket |
|
No |
| Recommended Stand Height |
---" |
18-24" |
| Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
| Biamp Inputs |
--- |
No |
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |