In this review, we will be comparing Q Acoustics 5090 and Q650c, two Passive Center Channel speakers from Q Acoustics and KEF. Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Q Acoustics 5090 and KEF Q650c first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
What size room are the Q Acoustics 5090 and KEF Q650c 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 Q Acoustics 5090 and KEF Q650c 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 Q Acoustics 5090 and Q650c are 2-way speakers.
| Driver |
Q Acoustics 5090 |
KEF Q650c |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
2 x 4.5-inch
|
2 x 6.5-inch
|
Q Acoustics 5090 features a 1" Soft-dome Tweeter and 2 x 4.5" Continuous Curved Cone Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 2100 Hz. On the other hand, the Q650c features a 1" vented aluminum Dome Tweeter and 2 x 6.5" aluminum Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 2500Hz.
Frequency Response
Q Acoustics 5090 has a frequency range of 57-30k Hz whereas Q650c has a frequency range of 64-28k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 57Hz, the Q Acoustics 5090 can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the Q650c's min frequency of 64Hz.
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
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
Q Acoustics 5090 is a 6 ohms speaker compared to the Q650c which has a nominal impedance of 8 ohms.
These two speakers also have different sensitivity levels. Q Acoustics 5090 sensitivity is rated at 90.5 dB and the Q650c's is rated at 87 dB. This 4 dB difference makes the Q Acoustics 5090 a more sensitive speaker compared to KEF Q650c, 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.
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
Q Acoustics 5090 features Binding post type posts and Q650c has a Binding post type posts. None of these speakers feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
Q Acoustics 5090's Binding post terminals
KEF Q650c'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 Q Acoustics 5090's and KEF Q650c's external dimensions. Q Acoustics 5090 has external dimensions of 166.0 x 431.0 x 245.0mm ( 6-1/2inch x 16-15/16inch x 9-5/8inch ) whereas KEF Q650c has external dimensions of 212.0 x 631.0 x 304.0mm ( 8-5/16 x 24-13/16 x 11-15/16inch) .
KEF Q650c is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 200mm wider, 46mm taller and 59mm deeper than Q Acoustics 5090.
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 5090 is approximately 1056.0cm2 / 163.7inch2 and base area of the KEF Q650c is approximately 1918.2cm2 / 297.3inch2. The Q Acoustics 5090 requires 45% less surface area than the Q650c 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 Q Acoustics 5090 weighs 8.50kg / 18.7lbs and the KEF Q650c weighs 13.64kg / 30lbs. This makes the Q650c 60% heavier than the Q Acoustics 5090.
Here is a comparison of how Q Acoustics 5090 and Q650c's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Passive Center Channel class.
Weight
All Center Channel Speakers
What's in the Box of Q Acoustics 5090?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of Q Acoustics 5090:
1x 5090 loudspeaker 1x Owners manual 2x Foam bung
What's in the Box of KEF Q650c?
Here are the items that come with the Q650c:
Center-channel loudspeaker 4 Self-adhesive rubber feet Owners Manual Warranty Information
 Sensitivity |
91 dB
vs
87 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
 Low Frequency Response |
57 Hz
vs
64 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
30k Hz
vs
28k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Height |
166mm
vs
212mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
1056cm2 (431x245mm)
vs
1918cm2 (631x304mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
 Price per pair* |
599USD
vs
750USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
 Nominal Impedance |
8 ohms
vs
6 ohms
|
Less selective with amplifiers |
 Minimum Impedance |
4.2 ohms
vs
3.2 ohms
|
Very low impedance levels puts more pressure on amplifier |
| Woofer Size |
6.5 inches
vs
4.5 inches
|
Larger woofer |
| Passive Radiator |
one 6.5-inch
vs
None
|
Increases the bass performance |
| General |
Q Acoustics 5090 |
KEF Q650c |
| Brand |
Q Acoustics |
KEF |
| Speaker Type |
Center channel speaker |
Center channel speaker |
| Power Range |
25-150 watts |
15-150 watts |
| Sensitivity |
90.5 dB |
87 dB |
| Impedance |
6 ohms |
8 ohms |
| Impedance |
3.2 ohms |
4.2 ohms |
| Frequency Response |
57-30k Hz |
64-28k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
2 |
2 |
| Woofer Size |
4.5" |
6.5" |
| Woofer Composition |
Continuous Curved Cone |
aluminum |
| Woofer Surround Material |
Rubber |
Rubber |
| Tweeter Size |
1" |
1" |
| Tweeter Type |
Soft-dome |
Dome |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Crossover Frequency |
2100 Hz |
2500Hz |
| Firing Direction |
rear |
n/a |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
166.0mm (6.5") |
212.0mm (8.3") |
| Width |
431.0mm (17") |
631.0mm (24.8") |
| Depth |
245.0mm (9.6") |
304.0mm (12") |
| Weight |
8.50kg (18.7lbs) |
13.64kg (30lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Relfex |
Passive Radiator |
| Finish |
MDF |
n/a |
| Available Colors |
Holme Oak,Satin Black,Satin White,Santos Rosewood |
Satin White, Satin Black, Walnut |
| Grille |
Yes |
optional |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
| Biamp Inputs |
No |
n/a |
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
5 years |
5 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
5 years |
5 Years |