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KEF Q550 Review
KEF Q550

Main Features

  • 11th Generation Uni-Q Driver
  • 1" Dome Tweeter
  • 2 x 5.25" Aluminum Woofer
  • 2 x 5.25-inch Passive Radiators
  • 58-28k Hz Frequency Response
  • 87 dB Sensitivity
  • Impedance: 8ohms
  • Power Range:15-130watts
  • Weight:32.00 lbs
  • Dimensions (H x W x D): 35-3/16" x 11-5/8" x 12-5/16"
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KEF Q550 Review

KEF Q550 is a 2-way Passive Passive Radiator Floor-standing speaker by KEF. It features a 1" Dome Tweeter and 2 x 5.25" Aluminum Woofer. Q550 also employs 2 x 5.25-inch passive radiators. The speaker has a frequency range of 58-28k Hz and a sensitivity of 87 dB. KEF Q550 has an MSRP of 1400$ per pair. Q550 also gives the user optional Dolby Atmos capability by equipping the unit with upward-firing Dolby Atmos drivers.

What size of room is the KEF Q550 speaker good for?

The size of the room that you are planning to use the KEF Q550 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-fieldBad
Small RoomPoor
Mid-size RoomGood
Large RoomGood
Very Large RoomPoor
KEF Q550 Speaker Structure
KEF Q550 Speaker Structure

What are the speakers in KEF's Q Series?

Q550 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
Compare
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
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 Q550 speaker?

KEF Q550 has a Frequency response range of 58-28k Hz at ±3dB (45Hz-50kHz at -6dB) and Power Range of 15-130 watts. At a minimum frequency of 58 Hz, Q550 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 Q550, check the Powered Subwoofers under $1500. Alternatively, find the Full list of Powered Subwoofers regardless from the price.
Here we have a comparison of how Q550's Low and High frequency values compared with the average, max and min Low and High frequency values in its class.
Low Frequency
Floor-standing Speakers
KEF Q550
Min
Average
Max
High Frequency
Floor-standing Speakers
KEF Q550
Min
Average
Max
KEF Q550 Woofer
KEF Q550's Aluminum Woofer

Among the speakers in our database with a max MSRP price of 1500$ (Pair), these are the 5 Passive Floor-standing speakers that have the deeper bass levels than the KEF Q550's 58Hz:

  • Polk S60 with Low Frequency of 26 Hz (Compare w/ Q550)
  • Definitive BP-9020 with Low Frequency of 28 Hz (Compare w/ Q550)
  • KLH Concord with Low Frequency of 28 Hz (Compare w/ Q550)
  • SVS Prime Tower with Low Frequency of 30 Hz (Compare w/ Q550)
  • Klipsch RP-280F with Low Frequency of 32 Hz (Compare w/ Q550)


KEF Q550 Tweeter
KEF Q550's vented aluminum Dome Tweeter

What is the Crossover frequency of KEF Q550?

Crossover frequency of the Q550 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 Q550? Is it an easy to drive speaker?

KEF Q550's nominal impedance level is 8 ohms but can go down to as low as 3.5 ohms, and has a sensitivity of 87 dB.

Sensitivity
Floor-standing Speakers
KEF Q550
Min
Average
Max

8 Ohms is pretty much the standard nominal impedance amongst stereo speakers and amplifiers so KEF Q550 is not considered a difficult to drive speaker from nominal Impedance perspective.

Sensitivity

With a sensitivity level of only 87 dB, KEF Q550 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 Q550

Even though the nominal impedance of the Q550 is 8 ohms, the minimum impedance level of this speaker according to KEF is 3.5 ohms KEF Q550 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 Q550.

Input Type

Q550 features Binding post type connectors. Bi-amping and Bi-wiring is not possible.

KEF Q550 External Dimensions and Weight

KEF Q550 has external dimensions of (Height x Width x Depth) 35-3/16 x 11-5/8 x 12-5/16inch (894.0 x 296.0 x 313.0mm ).

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 Q550 is approximately 926.5cm2 / 143.6inch2.

Weight

The KEF Q550 weighs 14.55kg / 32lbs (per piece). Here is a comparison of how Q550's weight compared with the average, max and min weights in its class.

Weight
All Floor-standing Speakers
KEF Q550
Min
Average
Max
Weight
Floor-standing Speakers under $1500
KEF Q550
Min
Average
Max

How does the KEF Q550 compare to the KEF Q750?

One of the natural alternative to the KEF Q550 is the Q750 which is located one step higher in KEF's Passive Floor-standing selection.

Check the Detailed Comparison of KEF Q550 vs Q750 for more details.

Cabinet type and Materials

KEF Q550 has a Passive Radiator type cabinet and MDF/Wood-grain vinyl finish.

Speaker Feet

KEF Q550 comes with the parts below which you can use to secure your loudspeaker on the surface that you are putting on:
  • 2 Outrigger feet
  • 4 Spikes
  • 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 Q550 is a front-firing port speaker which gives you more flexibility compared to rear firing speakers when you need to place it close against a wall or other surfaces.

    Available colors

    KEF Q550 is available in Walnut.

    KEF Q550  with Grille
    KEF Q550 with Grille

    What's in the Box of KEF Q550?

    Here are the items that are included inside the box of Q550:
  • Floorstanding loudspeaker
  • 2 Outrigger feet
  • 4 Spikes
  • 6 Screws
  • 6 Washers
  • 4 Rubber inserts
  • Hex-key
  • Owners Manual
  • Warranty Information
  • User's Manual

    For more information about how to setup, use and maintain the KEF Q550, use the direct link below to download the official manual document:
    Download User Manual for KEF Q550

    Official Brochure

    Here is a link to download the official brochure for the KEF Q550 speaker:
    Official Brochure for KEF Q550

    Official Product Page

    Official manufacturer's product page for the KEF Q550 speaker can be found below:
    Official Product Page for KEF Q550

    Warranty

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

    KEF Q550 Alternatives in Passive Floor-standing Speakers
    Model Type Sensitivity Impedance Frequency
    Klipsch R-620F
    Compare
    2-way 96 dB 8 ohms 38-21k Hz
    Triangle Borea BR07
    Compare
    3-way 91 dB 8 ohms 44 - 22k Hz
    Polk S60
    Compare
    2-way 90 dB 8 ohms 26-40k Hz
    Klipsch R-820F
    Compare
    2-way 97 dB 8 ohms 35-21k Hz
    Klipsch R-625FA
    Compare
    2-way 96 dB 8 ohms 38-21k Hz
    Klipsch RP-8000F II
    Compare
    2-way 98 dB 8 ohms 32-25k Hz
    Klipsch R-610F
    Compare
    2-way 94 dB 8 ohms 45-21k Hz
    Klipsch RP-6000F
    Compare
    2-way 97 dB 8 ohms 34-25k Hz
    Triangle Borea BR09
    Compare
    3-way 92.5 dB 8 ohms 35 - 22k Hz
    Jamo C 95 II
    Compare
    2-way 89 dB 6 ohms 37-24k Hz
    Frequently Asked Questions about KEF Q550
    What is the External Dimensions of KEF Q550
    What is the Speaker Sensitivity of KEF Q550
    is the KEF Q550 an easy to drive speaker?


    KEF Q550 Detailed Specifications

    General
    BrandKEF
    Full Model NameKEF Q550
    Speaker Type2-way Floor-standing
    Power Range15-130 watts
    Sensitivity87 dB
    Impedance8 ohms
    Max SPL110 dB
    Frequency Response58-28k Hz
    DRIVERS
    Woofer Size5.25-inch
    Woofer CompositionAluminum
    Woofer SurroundRubber
    Tweeter Size1-inch
    Tweeter TypeDome
    Crossover freq2500Hz
    Port Positionfront

    CONNECTIONS
    Connector TypeBinding post
    Biamp InputsNo
    Port Positionfront
    PHYSICAL SPECS
    Height894.0mm ( 35-3/16-inch)
    Width296.0mm ( 11-5/8-inch)
    Depth313.0mm ( 12-5/16-inch)
    Height894.0mm ( 35-3/16-inch)
    Weight14.55kg ( 32.00 lbs)
    EnclosurePassive Radiator
    FinishMDF/Wood-grain vinyl
    Available ColorsWalnut
    Mounting BracketNo
    Moisture ResistanceNo
    OTHER
    Handheld RemoteNo
    Parts Warranty5 Years
    Labor Warranty5 Years
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