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KEF Q150 Review
KEF Q150

Main Features

  • 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:12.32 lbs
  • Dimensions (H x W x D): 11.9" x 7.0" x 10.9"
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KEF Q150 Review

KEF Q150 is a 2-way Passive Bass Reflex Bookshelf speaker by KEF. It features a 1" Dome Tweeter and 1 x 5.25" Aluminum Woofer.

Q150 features KEF's Uni-Q technology where its 1inch tweeter is placed in the acoustic center of the 5-1/4inch woofer. With the help of this unique design, sound comes from a single point of source making the ideal listening position (aka sweet spot) of this speaker much larger. The speaker has a frequency range of 51-28k Hz and a sensitivity of 86 dB. KEF Q150 has an MSRP of 600$ per pair but can often be found around 300$ per pair.

What size of room is the KEF Q150 speaker good for?

The size of the room that you are planning to use the KEF Q150 is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated its suitability to various size of environments considering its size and max power parameters:

Listening Environment Suitability
Near-fieldAverage
Small RoomGood
Mid-size RoomAverage
Large RoomPoor
Very Large RoomBad

What are the speakers in KEF's Q Series?

Q150 is a member of KEF's Q series of Passive speakers. Below you can see the main specs of these speakers.

KEF Q Series Speakers
Model Frequency SensitivityImpedance Woofer
KEF Q150
51-28k Hz 86 dB8Ω 1 x 5.25"
KEF Q350
Compare
63-28k Hz 87 dB8Ω 1 x 6.5"
KEF Q950
Compare
44-28k Hz 91 dB8Ω 2 x 8.0"
KEF Q550
Compare
58-28k Hz 87 dB8Ω 2 x 5.25"
KEF Q750
Compare
48-28k Hz 88 dB8Ω 2 x 6.5"
KEF Q650c
Compare
64-28k Hz 87 dB8Ω 2 x 6.5"
KEF Q250c
Compare
68-28k Hz 87 dB8Ω 1 x 5.25"
KEF Q Series Speakers
KEF Q Series Speakers


**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.

What is the Frequency Response of the KEF Q150 speaker?

KEF Q150 has a Frequency response range of 51-28k Hz at ±3dB (47Hz-50kHz at -6dB) and Power Range of 10-100 watts. At a minimum frequency of 51 Hz, Q150 will provide an average bass depth so depending on your use case, you may consider supplementing your system with a subwoofer.

To focus on the subwoofers that are in a similar price range with KEF Q150, check the Powered Subwoofers under $750. Alternatively, find the Full list of Powered Subwoofers regardless from the price.
Here we have a comparison of how Q150's Low and High frequency values compared with the average, max and min Low and High frequency values in its class.
Low Frequency
Bookshelf Speakers
KEF Q150
Min
Average
Max
High Frequency
Bookshelf Speakers
KEF Q150
Min
Average
Max
KEF Q150 Woofer
KEF Q150's Aluminum Woofer

Among the speakers in our database with a max MSRP price of 750$ (Pair), these are the 5 Passive Bookshelf speakers that have the deeper bass levels than the KEF Q150's 51Hz:

  • Monitor Audio Bronze 100 with Low Frequency of 37 Hz (Compare w/ Q150)
  • Polk XT20 with Low Frequency of 38 Hz (Compare w/ Q150)
  • Monitor Audio Bronze 50 with Low Frequency of 40 Hz (Compare w/ Q150)
  • Emotiva Airmotiv B2+ with Low Frequency of 40 Hz (Compare w/ Q150)
  • Cambridge SX-60 with Low Frequency of 41 Hz (Compare w/ Q150)


KEF Q150 Tweeter
KEF Q150's vented aluminum Dome Tweeter

What is the Crossover frequency of KEF Q150?

Crossover frequency of the Q150 is set to 2500Hz. This is the threshold frequency where the higher frequency signals over this level are sent to the tweeter and the lower frequency signals are sent to the woofer by the crossover component.

What is the Impedance and Sensitivity of the KEF Q150? Is it an easy to drive speaker?

KEF Q150's nominal impedance level is 8 ohms but can go down to as low as 3.7 ohms, and has a sensitivity of 86 dB.

Sensitivity
Bookshelf Speakers
KEF Q150
Min
Average
Max

8 Ohms is pretty much the standard nominal impedance amongst stereo speakers and amplifiers so KEF Q150 is not considered a difficult to drive speaker from nominal Impedance perspective.

Sensitivity

With a sensitivity level of only 86 dB, KEF Q150 is a difficult to drive speaker from Sensitivity perspective, make sure to choose an amplifier with high output if you like listening your music at high volume levels. You may especially have hard time using Tube amplifiers which are traditionally very low power compared to Class A/B or Class D speakers.

Minimum Impedance of KEF Q150

Even though the nominal impedance of the Q150 is 8 ohms, the minimum impedance level of this speaker according to KEF is 3.7 ohms KEF Q150 so while choosing an amplifier, you should ideally check if the unit you are considering can provide this impedance level.

Check our Integrated Amplifiers page to find an amplifier to pair with the KEF Q150.

Input Type

Q150 features Post type connectors. Bi-amping and Bi-wiring is not possible.
KEF Q150 Back View
KEF Q150 Back View

KEF Q150 Terminals
KEF Q150's Post terminals

KEF Q150 External Dimensions and Weight

KEF Q150 has external dimensions of (Height x Width x Depth) 11.9 x 7.0 x 10.9inch (303.0 x 180.0 x 278.0mm ).

Base Surface Area
Base surface area of a loudspeaker may become a determining factor when the space in your room or desk is limited. The base area of KEF Q150 is approximately 500.4cm2 / 77.6inch2.

To have a better perspective on the real life size of KEF Q150, let's compare it with a standard size Compact Disc which has a diameter of 4.7inch (120mm).

KEF Q150 Real Life Body Size Comparison
KEF Q150 Speaker Size Compared to a Compact Disc

Here we place the KEF Q150 virtually next to a standard width amplifier and turntable on a BDI Octave Media Cabinet to get a better idea about the size.

KEF Q150 placed next to an amplifier and turntable
KEF Q150 Speaker next to an amplifier and turntable

Weight

The KEF Q150 weighs 5.60kg / 12.3lbs (per piece). Here is a comparison of how Q150's weight compared with the average, max and min weights in its class.

Weight
All Bookshelf Speakers
KEF Q150
Min
Average
Max
Weight
Bookshelf Speakers under $750
KEF Q150
Min
Average
Max
KEF Q150  on a Stand
KEF Q150 on a Stand

How does the KEF Q150 compare to the KEF Q350?

One of the natural alternative to the KEF Q150 is the Q350 which is located one step higher in KEF's Passive Bookshelf selection.

Here is a scaled size comparison of these two speakers to give you an idea how their external dimensions compare:

KEF Q150 vs KEF Q350 Size Comparison - Front View
Comparison image of KEF Q150 and KEF Q350 Size and External Dimensions

Check the Detailed Comparison of KEF Q150 vs Q350 for more details.

Cabinet type and Materials

KEF Q150 has a Bass Reflex type cabinet and MDF/Vinyl-wrapped finish. Bass Reflex type loudspeakers (aka Ported, Vented or Reflex Port) have enclosures that uses a port, hole or vent cut into the cabinet. Ported designs are generally more efficient than the Sealed designs.

Speaker Feet

KEF Q150 comes with 8 Self-adhesive rubber feet which you can use to secure your loudspeaker on the surface that you are putting on.

It is always recommended to use some kind of feet under all types of speakers. Besides limiting the movement of the speakers, it also compensates for non-flat surfaces and limits the contact surface area of the speaker. Rubber based feet also help isolating the vibrations within certain frequency ranges.

Port Position

KEF Q150 is a rear-firing port speaker so you have to make sure you leave enough space between the back of the speaker and wall or bookshelf so that it has room to breathe. Q150 comes with 2 Foam port plugs so if you don't have any choice but place the speakers too close to the walls or other surfaces, you can use these plugs in order to avoid boomy or too much bass.

KEF Q150  Port
KEF Q150 Port

Available colors

KEF Q150 is available in Black, Walnut and White.

Wall Mounting

Q150 doesn't sport any built-in mounting bracket so you need an external structure to mount on walls.

Does the KEF Q150 come with a Grille?

Q150 comes with magnetic grilles in Black color choices. The purpose of the grille is to protect the delicate driver elements from external impacts while still allowing the sound pass as clearly as possible. Since the included grille of the Q150 magnetic type, it is very easy to put it on and off.

KEF Q150  with Grille
KEF Q150 with Grille

What's in the Box of KEF Q150?

Here are the items that are included inside the box of Q150:
  • 2 Bookshelf loudspeakers
  • 2 Foam port plugs
  • 8 Self-adhesive rubber feet
  • Owner's Manual
  • Warranty Registration Card
  • User's Manual

    For more information about how to setup, use and maintain the KEF Q150, use the direct link below to download the official manual document:
    Download User Manual for KEF Q150

    Official Brochure

    Here is a link to download the official brochure for the KEF Q150 speaker:
    Official Brochure for KEF Q150

    Official Product Page

    Official manufacturer's product page for the KEF Q150 speaker can be found below:
    Official Product Page for KEF Q150

    Warranty

    5 Years of parts warranty and 5 Years of labor warranty is generally provided by the manufacturer.

    Related Videos

    KEF Q150  Lifestyle
    KEF Q150 Lifestyle

    KEF Q150 Alternatives in Passive Bookshelf Speakers
    Model Type Sensitivity Impedance Frequency
    Klipsch R-51M
    Compare
    2-way 93 dB 8 ohms 62-21k Hz
    B&W 606
    Compare
    2-way 88 dB 8 ohms 52-28k Hz
    ELAC Debut 2.0 B6.2
    Compare
    2-way 87 dB 6 ohms 44-35k Hz
    B&W 606 S2
    Compare
    2-way 88 dB 8 ohms 52-28k Hz
    Klipsch RP-500M
    Compare
    2-way 93 dB 8 ohms 48-25k Hz
    Wharfedale EVO4.1
    Compare
    2-way 87 dB 8 ohms 64-22k Hz
    Klipsch RP-400M
    Compare
    2-way 93 dB 8 ohms 52-25k Hz
    Klipsch RP-600M
    Compare
    2-way 96 dB 8 ohms 45-25k Hz
    Polk ES20
    Compare
    2-way 86 dB 8 ohms 41-40k Hz
    Emotiva Airmotiv B2+
    Compare
    2-way 86 dB 4 ohms 40-28k Hz
    Frequently Asked Questions about KEF Q150
    What is the External Dimensions of KEF Q150
    What is the Speaker Sensitivity of KEF Q150
    is the KEF Q150 an easy to drive speaker?


    KEF Q150 Detailed Specifications

    General
    BrandKEF
    Full Model NameKEF Q150
    Speaker Type2-way Bookshelf
    Power Range10-100 watts
    Sensitivity86 dB
    Impedance8 ohms
    Max SPL108 dB
    Frequency Response51-28k Hz
    DRIVERS
    Woofer Size5.25-inch
    Woofer CompositionAluminum
    Woofer SurroundRubber
    Tweeter Size1-inch
    Tweeter TypeDome
    Crossover freq2500Hz
    Port Positionrear

    CONNECTIONS
    Connector TypePost
    Biamp InputsNo
    Port Positionrear
    PHYSICAL SPECS
    Height303.0mm ( 11.9-inch)
    Width180.0mm ( 7.0-inch)
    Depth278.0mm ( 10.9-inch)
    Height303.0mm ( 11.9-inch)
    Weight5.60kg ( 12.32 lbs)
    EnclosureBass Reflex
    FinishMDF/Vinyl-wrapped
    Available ColorsBlack, Walnut, White
    Mounting BracketNo
    Recommended Stand Height18-24
    GrilleYes
    Moisture ResistanceNo
    OTHER
    Handheld RemoteNo
    Parts Warranty5 Years
    Labor Warranty5 Years
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