Want to invest in a bookshelf speaker that offers a wholesome stereo experience without overwhelming your space and breaking your bank?
In this KEF Q100 vs. Q150 comparison review, we will be discussing two of the most suitable bookshelf speaker options available in the market right now.
While KEF Q150 has the edge over Q100 for its streamlined and improved internal architecture, KEF Q100 also has its upsides.
Let this review begin to get an objective insight into both these KEF bookshelf speakers.
Page Contents
KEF Q100 vs. Q150: A Snapshot
KEF, the British sound accessory company that has been around for over 50 years, is best known for its speaker line. Hence, we have picked two of its bookshelf options for this comparison review piece.
KEF Q100 and Q150 belong to the same range of bookshelf speakers. Therefore, we will delve deep into their comparative reviews.
But before that face-to-face comparison, we would like to give a quick snapshot of both of them in terms of specs and pros & cons.
KEF Q100 vs. Q150: Specifications
|
Specifications |
KEF Q100
|
KEF Q150 
|
|
Type |
2-way |
2-way |
|
Drivers |
2 |
2 |
|
Maximum Output |
107 dB |
108dB |
|
Frequency Response |
49 Hz – 40 kHz |
51 Hz – 28 kHz |
|
Sensitivity |
86 dB |
86 dB |
|
Dimension |
7.1×10.7×11.81 in |
7.09×10.94×11.93 in |
|
Weight |
13.01 lb |
12.35 lb |
|
Impedance |
8 ohms |
8 ohms |
KEF Q100 Pros & Cons
Pros
- Features detachable grills
- Offers crisp and clear sound
- Simple yet elegant design
- Delivers reverberating lows with heavy bass
Cons
- The finishing could have been better
- Doesn’t offer wireless connectivity
KEF Q150 Pros & Cons
Pros
- A hardwearing bookshelf speaker option
- Captures all-acoustic details
- Boasts a more streamlined internal architecture
- Easy on the eyes and ideal for home décor
Cons
- The midrange sound quality is not that good
- A bit heavy on the pocket
KEF Q100 vs. Q150: Face to Face Comparison
The section above provides a quick comparative overview of the two bookshelf speakers we are discussing here. For an in-depth comparison, let’s compare various features of Q100 and Q150 in terms of hands-on use.
Sound Quality
Sound quality is the single most important feature for any audiophile in any Hi-Fi accessory. Therefore, we are starting our comparison by reviewing and comparing the sound quality of these KEF Q-line bookshelf speakers.
KEF Q100 stands out among other similar 100-watt bookshelf speakers for its patented Uni-Q driver arrays that use braced aluminum/magnesium alloy cone. As a listener, you will appreciate this distinctive feature of Q100 in the sound it produces.
When the speaker blasts off a track, it mimics the right, left, center, distant-left, and distant-right sound source of real-life stage experience. In other words, Q100 can envelop the given space with its 3D soundstage. If you want to appreciate the sound design of a movie or like to listen to your music in a more vivid setting, KEF Q100 will make it possible for you.
KEF Q100 also boasts a better frequency range, which means you are less likely to miss any highs and lows of the music being played.
KEF Q150 also features a Uni-Q Driver Array. Hence, you will get to experience the 3D soundstage with its acoustic output. However, KEF has further improved the minimal internal resonance in Q150. The manufacturer has done it by moving the front port to the back and redesigning the internal architecture. The result of these improvements is that you get to hear the audio with even further clarity.
Winner: KEF Q150
We think KEF Q150 remains ahead of Q100 in terms of sound quality because it offers a crispier soundstage and sharper highs and lows.
Sensitivity
People often misunderstand this feature, confusing it with a speaker’s ability to pick up low-frequency sounds. Speaker sensitivity doesn’t define its frequency response but reveals how good it is in converting the amplifier power into acoustic energy.
Let’s see how KEF Q100 and Q150 fare on sensitivity.
KEF Q100 boasts an 86dB sensitivity, which is slightly higher than what you would get in any regular bookshelf speaker.
KEF Q100 also offers the same sensitivity rating as Q100. It is an underwhelming number given that Q150 is supposed to an improved version of Q100. We think KEF Q150 should have a sensitivity rating north of 92dB.
Winner: No One
Overall, KEF hasn’t improved both these speakers in terms of sensitivity. Today, any top-of-the-line speaker roughly sports 90dB sensitivity. There are two reasons why we strongly recommend our audiophile audience to go with speakers with higher sensitivity.
- You can use them without needing an amp.
- They are less likely to overheat because they convert more power into acoustic energy.
In this context, both these KEF Q-line speakers are only good if you don’t have to play anything with loud audio for an extended period.
Frequency Response
A speaker’s frequency response defines its ability to produce tones lying on different frequency bands of the overall sound you hear. A good frequency response ensures that you can enjoy every audible bit of the song/movie you play on your speaker.
KEF Q100 boasts a frequency response from 49 Hz to 40 kHz. It is a good frequency range covering almost all different tracks of audio and frequencies being played in any soundtrack.
KEF Q150 provides a shorter frequency range than KEF Q100. Here, it is important to understand that
shorter frequency doesn’t automatically become a shortcoming. KEF Q150 has a frequency range of 49 Hz to 40 kHz. This frequency response is 10K Hz, lesser than Q100’s response for higher frequencies. However, it doesn’t make any difference to human ears that can only hear the sound of up to 20 kHz.
Winner: Tie
Manufacturers usually create hype about their products’ frequency response. This is why many audiophiles give unwarranted importance to this spec. A good rule of thumb to follow while assessing any speaker for frequency response is to make sure it provides the range in line with the human listening range.
Even though there is a visible difference between the frequency response ranges of the two, both KEF Q100 and Q150 give a frequency range that is good enough for listening.
Design
Bookshelf speakers need to look good because they accentuate the décor of the given space. KEF Q-line speakers boast sleek designs. The design also hints at the durability and robustness of the speaker.
Let’s take a quick look at the design characteristics of these KEF Q-line speakers.
KEF boasts simple two-color designs in three different variations: American walnut, rosewood, and white. The black vinyl exterior carved from top-quality MDF is a constant in all three options.
The rectangular box of KEF Q100 also features a 1-inch vented dome tweeter in the center of the front side. It doesn’t just improve the delivery of high treble sounds but also adds to the speaker’s appearance. The front baffle is made of sturdy material and adds another layer to the visual profile of KEF Q100.
KEF Q150 is available in a single-color finishing in three different options. You can pick from all black, walnut, and white options. On the front, KEF Q150 only features the driver, giving the speaker a cleaner look.
Winner: KEF Q150
Design is a pretty subjective feature, and different users can have different preferences. We like KEF Q150’s minimalistic look better than Q-100’s dual-color finish.
Standout Features
KEF Q150 is marketed as an improved and enhanced version of Q100. Any speaker can only be an enhanced version of itself if it boasts unique features not present in its earlier models. We have identified two such standout features in KEF Q150, making it a better bookshelf variant than K100
- Redesigned and Improved CFD Port: KEF Q150 has its CFD port on its back. Moreover, the manufacturer has streamlined the geometry of the port to cut down the turbulence while producing tunes at high frequency. Moreover, the midrange leakage of this redesigned port is minimal and, hence, produces clearer sound.
- Uni-Q Driver Optimization: The Uni-Q driver of K150 is at the center of the cabinet. This repositioning removes the likelihood of resonance within the enclosure and cuts down audio leakage in midranges.
Uni-Q driver creating a three-dimensional soundstage is the common standout feature of both these KEF speakers. You won’t find this feature in any other bookshelf speaker lying on the same price points.
Conclusion
We hope that the comparative discussion above helps you identify the option most suitable for your use.
While KEF Q150 is a better option among the two, you can pick either of these options as your go-to bookshelf speaker in different circumstances.
Use KEF Q100 if:
- You want to listen to equally good lows, mids, and highs
- You don’t want to go overboard with the price
- You want color combinations in the speaker cabinet finishing
Use KEF Q150 if:
- You like to hear crispier sound with a more thumping base
- You want a set of bookshelf speakers with a clean, uncomplicated front
- You want to accentuate your interior with minimalistic accessories
Last update on 2022-03-01 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API