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KEF Q3 Meta Review
KEF Q3 Meta

Main Features

  • 12th Generation Uni-Q Driver
  • 1" Hard dome Tweeter
  • 6.5" Aluminum Woofer
  • 49-20k Hz Frequency Response
  • 87 dB Sensitivity
  • Impedance: 4ohms
  • Power Range: Up to 150watts
  • Weight:18.10 lbs / 8.23 kg
  • Dimensions(HxWxD): 14.1"x8.3"x12" / 357 x 210 x 305 mm
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KEF Q3 Meta Review
KEF Q3 Meta KEF Q3 Meta
See at AMAZON

KEF Q3 Meta is a 2-way Passive Bass Reflex Bookshelf speaker by KEF. It features a 1" Hard dome Tweeter and 1 x 6.5" Aluminum Woofer. The speaker has a frequency range of 49-20k Hz and a sensitivity of 87 dB. KEF Q3 Meta has an MSRP of 800$ per pair.

Room Size Suitability

The size of the room where you plan to use the KEF Q3 Meta is a crucial factor in your decision. We have assessed its suitability for various room sizes based on its dimensions and maximum power output:

Listening Environment* Suitability
Near-fieldPoor
Small RoomAverage
Mid-size RoomGood
Large RoomAverage
Very Large RoomPoor

(* 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.)

KEF Q3 Meta  Lifestyle
KEF Q3 Meta Lifestyle

KEF's Q Meta Series of Loudspeakers

Q3 Meta is a member of KEF's Q Meta series of Passive speakers. Below you can see the main specs of these speakers.

KEF Q Meta Series Speakers
Model Frequency SensitivityImpedance Woofer
KEF Q Concerto Meta
Compare
48-20k Hz 85 dB4Ω 1 x 6.5"
KEF Q11 Meta
Compare
44-20k Hz 89 dB4Ω 3 x 6.5"
KEF Q1 Meta
Compare
51-20k Hz 86 dB4Ω 1 x 5.25"
KEF Q3 Meta
49-20k Hz 87 dB4Ω 1 x 6.5"
KEF Q7 Meta
Compare
46-20k Hz 87 dB4Ω 2 x 6.5"
KEF Q6 Meta
Compare
63-20k Hz 86 dB4Ω 2 x 6.5"
KEF Q4 Meta
Compare
65-20k Hz 86 dB4Ω 1 x 5.25"
KEF Q Meta Series Speakers
KEF Q Meta 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.

Frequency Response of the KEF Q3 Meta Speaker

KEF Q3 Meta has a Frequency response range of 49-20k Hz at ±3dB and Power Range of Up to 150 watts. With a minimum frequency of 49 Hz, Q3 Meta delivers moderate bass depth so depending on your use case, you might want to consider adding a subwoofer to your system.

To focus on the subwoofers that are in a similar price range with KEF Q3 Meta, check out the Powered Subwoofers under $1000. Alternatively, find the Full list of Powered Subwoofers regardless of the price.
Here we have a comparison of how Q3 Meta's Low and High frequency values compare with the average, max and min Low and High frequency values in its class.
Low Frequency
Bookshelf Speakers
KEF Q3 Meta
Min
Average
Max
High Frequency
Bookshelf Speakers
KEF Q3 Meta
Min
Average
Max

Crossover frequency of the KEF Q3 Meta?

The Crossover frequency of the Q3 Meta is set to 2.0 kHz. 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.

Impedance and Sensitivity

KEF Q3 Meta's nominal impedance level is 4 ohms but can go down to as low as 3.2 ohms, and has a sensitivity of 87 dB.

Sensitivity
Bookshelf Speakers
KEF Q3 Meta
Min
Average
Max

Nominal Impedance of the 4 Ohms means that the KEF Q3 Meta is a difficult to drive speaker from nominal Impedance perspective, make sure that you choose an amplifier than can provide 4 Ohms for this speaker.
Many AVRs (audio/video receiver) in the market may have difficulty when the speakers dip below the 4 Ohms levels (this may cause clipping or even physical damage), so we recommend to not pair the KEF Q3 Meta with an AVR but use an Integrated Amplifier instead.

Sensitivity

With a sensitivity level of only 87 dB, KEF Q3 Meta is a difficult to drive speaker from Sensitivity perspective, make sure to choose an amplifier with a high output if you like listening to your music at high volume levels. You may especially have a hard time using Tube amplifiers which are traditionally very low power compared to Class A/B or Class D amps.

Minimum Impedance of the KEF Q3 Meta

Even though the nominal impedance of the Q3 Meta is 4 ohms, the minimum impedance level of this speaker according to KEF is 3.2 ohms KEF Q3 Meta so while choosing an amplifier, you should ideally check if the unit you are considering can provide this impedance level.

Check the amplifiers that are in a similar price range to the KEF Q3 Meta:

  • Integrated Amps under 750 USD
  • Integrated Amps under 1000 USD
  • Integrated Amps under 1500 USD
  • All Integrated Amplifiers

Input Type

Q3 Meta features Binding Post type connectors. Bi-amping and Bi-wiring are not possible.

KEF Q3 Meta External Dimensions and Weight

KEF Q3 Meta has external dimensions of (Height x Width x Depth) 14.1 x 8.3 x 12.0 in. (357 x 210 x 305 mm ).

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 Q3 Meta is approximately 640.5cm2 / 99.3inch2.

Weight

The KEF Q3 Meta weighs 8.23kg / 18.1lbs per piece. Here is a comparison of how Q3 Meta's weight compares with the average, max and min weights in its class.

Weight
All Bookshelf Speakers
KEF Q3 Meta
Min
Average
Max
Weight
Bookshelf Speakers under $1000
KEF Q3 Meta
Min
Average
Max
KEF Q3 Meta  on a Stand
KEF Q3 Meta on a Stand

How does the KEF Q3 Meta compare to the KEF Q Concerto Meta?

One of the natural alternative to the KEF Q3 Meta is the Q Concerto Meta which is located one step higher in KEF's Passive Bookshelf selection.

Check the Detailed Comparison of KEF Q3 Meta vs Q Concerto Meta for more details.

Cabinet type and Materials

KEF Q3 Meta has a Bass Reflex type cabinet. 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.

Port Position

KEF Q3 Meta 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.

Available colors

KEF Q3 Meta is available in Satin Black, Satin White and Walnut.

Wall Mounting

Q3 Meta doesn't sport any built-in mounting bracket, so you need an external structure to mount it on walls.

Does the KEF Q3 Meta come with a Grille?

Q3 Meta comes with magnetic grilles. The purpose of the grille is to protect the delicate driver elements from external impacts while still allowing the sound to pass as clearly as possible. Since the included grille of the Q3 Meta is magnetic type, it is very easy to put it on and off.

What's in the Box of KEF Q3 Meta?

Here are the items that are included inside the box of Q3 Meta:
  • Q3 Meta (pair)
  • Magnetic grilles (pair)
  • Rubber feet
  • Port bungs
  • User manual and warranty information​
  • Recommended Accessories

    Here is a list of accessories that we think you may need for the KEF Q3 Meta.

    • Speaker Cable and Connectors
      • Speaker Cables with Banana Plugs: If you know the lenght of the cable you need, this is the easier option to connect your speakers with your amp.
      • Speaker Cables without Connectors: If you are not sure about the lenght or need longer than standard cables with plugs, choose this option.
      • Banana Connectors and Plugs: If you chose the cables without connectors option or already have some cable around, pick the banana plugs separately.
    • Vibration Isolators: IsoAcoustics isolators more affordable options too.
    • Acoustic Panels and Treatments: Your room is as important as your stereo equipment so acoustic treatments goes a long way in improving the overall performance.
    • Speaker Stands: Stands bring your bookshelf speakers to ideal height (rule of thumb is to have the tweeter level with your ear in your listening position), helps stability and acoustical isolation.

    User's Manual

    For more information about how to setup, use and maintain the KEF Q3 Meta, use the direct link below to download the official manual document:
    Download User Manual for KEF Q3 Meta

    Official Brochure

    Here is a link to download the official brochure for the KEF Q3 Meta speaker:
    Official Brochure for KEF Q3 Meta

    Official Product Page

    Official manufacturer's product page for the KEF Q3 Meta speaker can be found below:
    Official Product Page for KEF Q3 Meta

    Warranty

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

    Related Videos

    KEF Q3 Meta Alternatives in Passive Bookshelf Speakers
    Model Type Sensitivity Impedance Frequency
    KEF Q350
    Compare
    2-way 87 dB 8 ohms 63-28k Hz
    KEF Q1 Meta
    Compare
    2-way 86 dB 4 ohms 51-20k Hz
    Wharfedale Denton 85
    Compare
    2-way 88 dB 4 ohms 45-20k Hz
    KEF Q Concerto Meta
    Compare
    3-way 85 dB 4 ohms 48-20k Hz
    KEF Q7 Meta
    Compare
    3-way 87 dB 4 ohms 46-20k Hz
    KEF Q6 Meta
    Compare
    3-way 86 dB 4 ohms 63-20k Hz
    KEF Q11 Meta
    Compare
    3-way 89 dB 4 ohms 44-20k Hz
    KEF Q4 Meta
    Compare
    2-way 86 dB 4 ohms 65-20k Hz
    Frequently Asked Questions about KEF Q3 Meta
    What is the External Dimensions of KEF Q3 Meta
    What is the Speaker Sensitivity of KEF Q3 Meta
    is the KEF Q3 Meta an easy to drive speaker?

    KEF Q3 Meta Detailed Specifications

    General
    BrandKEF
    Full Model NameKEF Q3 Meta
    Speaker Type2-way Bookshelf
    Power RangeUp to 150 watts
    Sensitivity87 dB
    Impedance4 ohms
    Frequency Response49-20k Hz
    DRIVERS
    Woofer Size6.5-inch
    Woofer CompositionAluminum
    Woofer SurroundRubber
    Tweeter Size1-inch
    Tweeter TypeHard dome
    Midrange SizeN/A-inch
    Crossover freq2.0 kHz
    Port Positionrear

    CONNECTIONS
    Connector TypeBinding Post
    Port Positionrear
    PHYSICAL SPECS
    Height357.0mm ( 14.1-inch)
    Width210.0mm ( 8.3-inch)
    Depth305.0mm ( 12-inch)
    Height357.0mm ( 14.1-inch)
    Weight8.23kg ( 18.10 lbs)
    EnclosureBass Reflex
    Available ColorsSatin Black,Satin White,Walnut
    GrilleYes
    Moisture ResistanceNo
    OTHER
    Handheld RemoteNo
    Parts Warranty5 Years
    Labor Warranty5 Years
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