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Q Acoustics 3030i vs KEF Q150 Comparison

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Q Acoustics 3030i

Passive Bookshelf | 46-30k Hz

Q Acoustics 3030i
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KEF Q150

Passive Bookshelf | 51-28k Hz

KEF Q150
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Q Acoustics 3030i Q Acoustics 3030i
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KEF Q150 KEF Q150
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Q Acoustics 3030i
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KEF Q150
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Q Acoustics 3030i vs KEF Q150 Speaker Comparison

In this review, we will be comparing 3030i and Q150, two Passive Bookshelf speakers from Q Acoustics and KEF.

Let's have a brief look at the main features of Q Acoustics 3030i and KEF Q150 first before getting into our more detailed comparison.

Q Acoustics 3030i Key Specs

  • 2-way Design
  • 1" decoupled Tweeter
  • 6.5" Coated paper Woofer
  • 46-30k Hz Frequency Response
  • 88 dB Sensitivity
  • Impedance: 6ohms
  • Power Range:25-75watts
  • Weight:6.20kg
  • Dimensions (H x W x D): 325.0" x 7.8" x 12.9"( 325.0 x 200.0 x 329.0mm )

KEF Q150 Key Specs

  • 2-way Design
  • 11th Generation Uni-Q Driver
  • 1" Dome Tweeter
  • 5.25" Aluminum Woofer
  • 51-28k Hz Frequency Response
  • 86 dB Sensitivity
  • Impedance: 8ohms
  • Power Range:10-100watts
  • Weight:5.60kg
  • Dimensions (H x W x D): 303.0" x 7.0" x 10.9"( 303.0 x 180.0 x 278.0mm )

What size room are the Q Acoustics 3030i 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:

Listening Environment* Q Acoustics 3030i KEF Q150
Near-field Good Average
Small Room Good Good
Mid-size Room Average Average
Large Room Poor Poor
Very Large Room No way 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 Q Acoustics 3030i and KEF Q150 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 3030i and Q150 are 2-way speakers.

Driver Q Acoustics 3030i KEF Q150
Driver Setup 2-way 2-way
Tweeter 1-inch 1-inch
Midrange - -
Woofer 1 x 6.5-inch 1 x 5.25-inch

3030i features a 1" decoupled Tweeter and 1 x 6.5" Coated paper Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 2400Hz. 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

3030i has a frequency range of 46-30k Hz whereas Q150 has a frequency range of 51-28k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 46Hz, the 3030i can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to 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

3030i
Q150
Min
Average
Max
High Frequency

Bookshelf Speakers

Q Acoustics 3030i
KEF Q150
Min
Average
Max

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

3030i is a 6 ohms speaker compared to the Q150 which has a nominal impedance of 8 ohms.

These two speakers also have different sensitivity levels. 3030i sensitivity is rated at 88 dB and the Q150's is rated at 86 dB. This 2 dB difference makes the Q Acoustics 3030i a more sensitive speaker compared to KEF Q150, hence will play louder with the same amount of watts.

Sensitivity

Bookshelf Speakers

3030i
Q150
Min
Average
Max

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.

3030i can handle a max power of 100 watts RMS from the amp the whereas 3030i has a max power handling value of 75 watts RMS , 25 watts less than the Q150.

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

3030i features Post type posts and Q150 has a Post type posts. None of these speakers feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.

KEF Q150 Terminals
KEF Q150's Post terminals

Cabinet Type and Port Position

Both 3030i and Q150 have rear firing ports. Rear ported speakers generally need more room between the backside of the speaker and the wall compared to sealed and front/bottom ported speakers. Placing the speakers too close to the walls may cause the bass to sound boomy.

If you are limited in space and can't get the speakers away from the backwall, check our Speakers with Front Firing Ports page.

KEF Q150  Port
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 Q Acoustics 3030i's and KEF Q150's external dimensions. Q Acoustics 3030i has external dimensions of 325.0 x 200.0 x 329.0mm ( 12.7 x 7.8 x 12.9inch) whereas KEF Q150 has external dimensions of 303.0 x 180.0 x 278.0mm ( 11.9 x 7.0 x 10.9inch) .

Q Acoustics 3030i is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 20mm wider, 22mm taller and 51mm deeper than KEF Q150.

Below you can see the front view size comparison of Q Acoustics 3030i and KEF Q150 in scale.

Q Acoustics 3030i vs KEF Q150 Size Comparison - Front View
Comparison image of Q Acoustics 3030i and KEF Q150 Size and External Dimensions

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 Q Acoustics 3030i is approximately 658.0cm2 / 102.0inch2 and base area of the KEF Q150 is approximately 500.4cm2 / 77.6inch2. The 3030i requires 31% more surface area than the Q150 which gives it a small disadvantage on placement in tight spaces.

Here is an another comparison that shows both speakers on a BDI Octave Media Cabinet, next to a standard size amplifier and turntable in scale:

Q Acoustics 3030i vs KEF Q150 Size Comparison on a Media Console
Size Comparison image of Q Acoustics 3030i and KEF Q150 on a Media Console
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 Q Acoustics 3030i weighs 6.20kg / 13.6lbs and the KEF Q150 weighs 5.60kg / 12.3lbs. This makes the 3030i 11% heavier than the Q150.

Here is a comparison of how 3030i and Q150's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Passive Bookshelf class.

Weight
All Bookshelf Speakers
Q Acoustics 3030i
KEF Q150
Min
Average
Max

What's in the Box of Q Acoustics 3030i?

Here are the items that are included inside the box of 3030i:
  • 2 x 3030i bookshelf speakers
  • 2 x Speaker Grilles
  • 2 x Foam Bungs
  • 1 x User Manual
  • 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

  • Reasons to choose Q Acoustics 3030i over KEF Q150
    Sensitivity 88 dB vs 86 dB Play louder with same amount of amplification power
    Minimum Impedance 4 ohms vs 3.7 ohms Very low impedance levels puts more pressure on amplifier
    Woofer Size 6.5 inches vs 5.25 inches Larger woofer
    Low Frequency Response 46 Hz vs 51 Hz Generates deeper bass
    High Frequency Response 30k Hz vs 28k Hz Generates higher frequency
    Price per pair* 499USD vs 600USD costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time)

    Reasons to choose KEF Q150 over Q Acoustics 3030i

    Max Input Power 100 watts vs 75 watts Handle more power from your amplifier
    Nominal Impedance 8 ohms vs 6 ohms Less selective with amplifiers
    Height 303mm vs 325mm Easier to fit in smaller spaces
    Base Surface Area 500cm2 vs 658cm2 Takes less floor space
    Q Acoustics 3030i vs KEF Q150 Specs Table
    Detailed comparison of specifications
    General Q Acoustics 3030i KEF Q150
    Brand Q Acoustics KEF
    Speaker Type Bookshelf speakers Bookshelf speakers
    Power Range 25-75 watts 10-100 watts
    Sensitivity 88 dB 86 dB
    Impedance 6 ohms 8 ohms
    Impedance 4 ohms 3.7 ohms
    Frequency Response 46-30k Hz 51-28k Hz
    Drivers
    Woofer Quantity 1 1
    Woofer Size 6.5" 5.25"
    Woofer Composition Coated paper Aluminum
    Woofer Surround Material Rubber Rubber
    Tweeter Size 1" 1"
    Tweeter Type decoupled Dome
    Aimable Tweeter No No
    Midrange Driver No No
    Crossover Frequency 2400Hz 2500Hz
    Firing Direction rear rear
    Physical Specs
    Height 325.0mm (12.8") 303.0mm (11.9")
    Width 200.0mm (7.9") 180.0mm (7.1")
    Depth 329.0mm (13") 278.0mm (10.9")
    Weight 6.20kg (13.6lbs) 5.60kg (12.3lbs)
    Enclosure Bass Reflex Bass Reflex
    Finish n/a MDF/Vinyl-wrapped
    Available Colors Walnut, Black, White Black, Walnut, White
    Mounting Bracket No No
    Recommended Stand Height n/a 18-24"
    Grille Yes Yes
    Moisture Resistancy No No
    Connections
    Biamp Inputs No No
    Other
    Parts Warranty 4 Years 5 Years
    Labor Warranty 4 Years 5 Years

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