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  1. Home
  2. KEF Speakers
  3. Passive Surround Speakers
  4. KEF Q4 Meta
KEF Q4 Meta Review
KEF Q4 Meta - Front View

Compare To

Main Features

  • 12th Generation Uni-Q Driver
  • 1" Hard-dome Tweeter
  • 5.25" Aluminum Woofer
  • 65-20k Hz Frequency Response
  • 86 dB Sensitivity
  • Impedance: 4ohms
  • Power Range: Up to 150 watts
  • Weight: 12.60 lbs / 5.73 kg
  • Dimensions(HxWxD): 15.7"x9.8"x5.6" / 400 x 250 x 142 mm
MSRP: $1,000 (list price)
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KEF Q4 Meta Review
KEF Q4 Meta KEF Q4 Meta
Check price atAmazon›

Made by KEF · United Kingdom · since 1961 · sold through dealers

KEF Q4 Meta is a 2-way Passive Bass Reflex Surround speaker by KEF. It was released in September 2024. It features a 1" Hard-dome Tweeter and 1 x 5.25" Aluminum Woofer. The speaker has a frequency range of 65-20k Hz and a sensitivity of 86 dB. KEF Q4 Meta has an MSRP of 1000$ per pair.

Room Size Suitability

The size of the room where you plan to use the KEF Q4 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 Q4 Meta  Lifestyle
KEF Q4 Meta Lifestyle

KEF's Q Meta Series of Loudspeakers

Q4 Meta is a member of KEF's Q Meta series of Passive speakers. Q Meta is the latest generation of KEF's Q Series, adding the Metamaterial Absorption Technology tweeter. Below you can see the main specs of these speakers.

See all 8 KEF Q Meta models compared »

KEF Q Meta Series Speakers
Model Frequency SensitivityImpedance Woofer
KEF Q1 Meta
Compare
51-20k Hz 86 dB4Ω 1 x 5.25"
KEF Q Concerto Meta
Compare
48-20k Hz 85 dB4Ω 1 x 6.5"
KEF Q3 Meta
Compare
49-20k Hz 87 dB4Ω 1 x 6.5"
KEF Q11 Meta
Compare
44-20k Hz 89 dB4Ω 3 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
65-20k Hz 86 dB4Ω 1 x 5.25"
KEF Q8 Meta
Compare
105-20k Hz 86 dB4Ω 1 x 5.25"
KEF Q Meta Series Speakers
KEF Q Meta Series Speakers

Frequency Response of the KEF Q4 Meta Speaker

KEF Q4 Meta has a Frequency response range of 65-20k Hz and Power Range of Up to 150 watts. With a minimum frequency of 65 Hz, it is hard to expect a strong bass response from Q4 Meta so depending on your use case, using a subwoofer will significantly help to widen the response range.

Here we have a comparison of how Q4 Meta's Low frequency value compares with the average, max and min Low frequency values in its class.
Low Frequency
Surround Speakers
KEF Q4 Meta
Min
Average
Median
Thinking about a subwoofer for the KEF Q4 Meta?
  • Work out the crossover setting - it follows from this speaker's 65 Hz low end
  • Powered subwoofers under $1,000 - a similar price range to these speakers
  • Every powered subwoofer we cover, whatever the budget

Crossover frequency of the KEF Q4 Meta?

The crossover frequency of the Q4 Meta is set to 1.8 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.

KEF Q4 Meta driver frequency bands65-1.8kWoofer 5.25"1.8k-20kTweeter 1"20501002005001k2k5k10k20k40kHz, log scale

Impedance and Sensitivity

KEF Q4 Meta's nominal impedance level is 4 ohms but can go down to as low as 3.2 ohms, and has a sensitivity of 86 dB.

Sensitivity
Surround Speakers
KEF Q4 Meta
Min
Average
Median

Nominal Impedance of the 4 Ohms means that the KEF Q4 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 Q4 Meta with an AVR but use an Integrated Amplifier instead.

Sensitivity

With a sensitivity level of only 86 dB, KEF Q4 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. Work out how loud the KEF Q4 Meta plays in your room →

Running more than one pair from a single amplifier? Check the load it would present →

Minimum Impedance of the KEF Q4 Meta

Even though the nominal impedance of the Q4 Meta is 4 ohms, the minimum impedance level of this speaker according to KEF is 3.2 ohms KEF Q4 Meta so while choosing an amplifier, you should ideally check if the unit you are considering can provide this impedance level.

What amplifier does the KEF Q4 Meta need?

At normal listening levels in a medium room, about 38–150 W per channel into 4 ohms. Set your own conditions and we will rank every amplifier we cover.

We check power, impedance safety and current delivery - not just watts.

Prefer to browse? Integrated amplifiers under $1,000, or every amplifier we cover.

Input Type

Q4 Meta features Binding Post type connectors.

Work out what gauge speaker cable this run needs →

KEF Q4 Meta Back View
KEF Q4 Meta Back View

KEF Q4 Meta External Dimensions and Weight

KEF Q4 Meta has external dimensions of (Height x Width x Depth) 15.7 x 9.8 x 5.6 in. (400 x 250 x 142 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 Q4 Meta is approximately 355.0cm2 / 55.0inch2.

Find speakers that fit your shelf or alcove →

Weight

The KEF Q4 Meta weighs 5.73kg / 12.6lbs per piece. Here is a comparison of how Q4 Meta's weight compares with the average, max and min weights in its class.

Weight
All Surround Speakers
KEF Q4 Meta
Min
Average
Median
Weight
Surround Speakers under $1000
KEF Q4 Meta
Min
Average
Max

Cabinet type and Materials

KEF Q4 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 Q4 Meta is a side-firing port speaker.

Available colors

KEF Q4 Meta is available in Satin Black, Satin White and Walnut.

Does the KEF Q4 Meta come with a Grille?

Q4 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 Q4 Meta is magnetic type, it is very easy to put it on and off.

What's in the Box of KEF Q4 Meta?

Here are the items that are included inside the box of Q4 Meta:
  • Q4 Meta
  • 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 Q4 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 are our favorite isolators but you may find 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.

User's Manual

For more information about how to setup, use and maintain the KEF Q4 Meta, use the direct link below to download the official manual document:
Download User Manual for KEF Q4 Meta

Official Brochure

Here is a link to download the official brochure for the KEF Q4 Meta speaker:
Official Brochure for KEF Q4 Meta

Official Product Page

Official manufacturer's product page for the KEF Q4 Meta speaker can be found below:
Official Product Page for KEF Q4 Meta

Warranty

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

Related Videos

KEF Q4 Meta  Lifestyle
KEF Q4 Meta Lifestyle

KEF Q4 Meta Alternatives in Passive Surround Speakers
Model Type Sensitivity Impedance Frequency
KEF Q1 Meta
Compare
2-way 86 dB 4 ohms 51-20k Hz
KEF Q3 Meta
Compare
2-way 87 dB 4 ohms 49-20k Hz
KEF Q6 Meta
Compare
3-way 86 dB 4 ohms 63-20k Hz
KEF Q Concerto Meta
Compare
3-way 85 dB 4 ohms 48-20k Hz
DALI Opticon LCR II
Compare
3-way 89 dB 4 ohms 70-30k Hz
KEF Q7 Meta
Compare
3-way 87 dB 4 ohms 46-20k Hz
KEF Q11 Meta
Compare
3-way 89 dB 4 ohms 44-20k Hz
ELAC Debut 2.0 B6.2
Compare
2-way 87 dB 6 ohms 44-35k Hz
Frequently Asked Questions about KEF Q4 Meta

What amplifier do you need for the KEF Q4 Meta?

KEF rates the KEF Q4 Meta for Up to 150 watts of amplifier power. It is a 4-ohm speaker, a demanding load that wants an amplifier rated to drive 4 ohms - many budget receivers are not.

Is the KEF Q4 Meta easy to drive?

The KEF Q4 Meta has a sensitivity of 86 dB. That is on the low side, so it needs more amplifier power than average to reach the same volume.

Does the KEF Q4 Meta need a subwoofer?

The KEF Q4 Meta reaches down to 65Hz (full range 65-20k Hz). That leaves the lowest octaves out, so a subwoofer will make a clear difference for films and bass-heavy music.

What drivers does the KEF Q4 Meta use?

The KEF Q4 Meta is a 2-way design using a 1" Hard-dome tweeter and a 5.25" Aluminum woofer.

Is the KEF Q4 Meta sealed or ported?

The KEF Q4 Meta uses a Ported enclosure. A ported design uses a tuned vent to get more low-end output from the same driver, but it wants some breathing room behind it.

Does the KEF Q4 Meta come with grilles?

Yes. The KEF Q4 Meta comes with removable grilles.

How big and heavy is the KEF Q4 Meta?

The KEF Q4 Meta weighs 5.73kg / 12.6lbs each and measures 15.7 x 9.8 x 5.6 in. (HxWxD).

How much does the KEF Q4 Meta cost?

The KEF Q4 Meta has a manufacturer's list price (MSRP) of $1,000 per pair.


KEF Q4 Meta Detailed Specifications

General
BrandKEF
Full Model NameKEF Q4 Meta
Speaker Type2-way Surround
Power RangeUp to 150 watts
Sensitivity86 dB
Impedance4 ohms
Frequency Response65-20k Hz
Release DateSeptember 2024
DRIVERS
Woofer Size5.25-inch
Woofer CompositionAluminum
Woofer SurroundRubber
Tweeter Size1-inch
Tweeter TypeHard-dome
Crossover freq1.8 kHz
Port Positionside

CONNECTIONS
Connector TypeBinding Post
Port Positionside
PHYSICAL SPECS
Height400.0mm ( 15.7-inch)
Width250.0mm ( 9.8-inch)
Depth142.0mm ( 5.6-inch)
Height400.0mm ( 15.7-inch)
Weight5.73 kg (12.6 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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