From the 1950s, high-quality home loudspeakers were exclusively large and floor-standing speaker enclosures for more than a decade. In contrast, small speaker cabinets had the reputation of low price and low audio quality.
At the start of the 1960s, more and more manufacturers created smaller speakers for HiFi enthusiasts who lived in small apartments and did not have any space for large speakers. It is the reason why the bookshelf speakers were invented.
The bookshelf speaker industry has also improved drastically with the discoveries of technological advancements. One of the top companies in making bookshelf speakers, KEF, has equipped its products with its award-winning Uni-Q driver technology.
Both KEF Q100 and Q150 are equipped with this technology, but there are still glaring differences that you can point out with all their similarities. That is why we will determine which of the two bookshelf speakers is better.
Sound Quality
KEF Q100
The KEF Q100 bookshelf speaker is one of the oldest models of the KEF award-winning series. The KEF Q110 features the renowned Uni-Q driver technology to produce a perfectly balanced sound.
The KEF Q100 speakers are equipped with their highly touted Uni-Q driver, which handles the highs and mids. It produces crisp, clean, and accurate high frequencies without having any distortion when the volume is elevated. Its mids are wide, open and very precise.
The Q100’s aluminum driver is able to produce clear and well-defined lows as it can move quite a lot of air. The bass is clean and tight without being too loud.
The KEF Q100 can produce clean vocals and instruments. It is phenomenal for vocals because of its imaging, texture, and details and sounds tremendously suitable for both female and male vocals.
Audio specifications of the KEF Q100:
| KEF Q100 | Specifications |
| Type | Passive |
| Driver | 1 x 5.25-inch Uni-Q Driver Array1-inch vented aluminum dome tweeter |
| Frequency Response (±3dB) | 49 Hz – 40 kHz |
| Crossover Frequency | 2.5 kHz |
| Amplifier Requirements | 10 – 100 Watts |
| Sensitivity (2.83V / 1m) | 86 dB |
| Maximum Output | 107 dB |
| Nominal Impedance | 8Ω (min.3.5Ω) |
The KEF Q100’s Uni-Q drivers are a class of their own as it is able to extend to the frequency spectrum while keeping stereo balanced, making the sound have perfect clarity regardless of where you are in the room
KEF Q100’s frequency response of 49 Hz – 40 kHz will allow it to work on almost all applications. It can be used as a home theatre speaker since it can provide excellent sound effects while watching movies. Although, if you like more bass-focused music, it would be advisable to add a subwoofer with this speaker as it would provide those strong low-end effects.
The Kef Q100 speaker’s signature design that perfectly places the tweeter in the midrange cone’s acoustic centre is able to produce a detailed sound with a three-dimensional sound image dispersed evenly throughout the room, which is not possible with conventional speakers.
Amazon gave an average score of 4.6 stars out of 5 stars from its reviewers. They also gave an average score of 4.8 stars out of 5 stars for its sound quality, commending its well-balanced sound and its almost omnidirectional response.
KEF’s Uni-Q driver technology is really one of the most significant advancements in the audio industry for this century. That is why having a KEF Q100 in your home is a really good investment.
KEF Q150
The KEF Q150 is the smallest bookshelf speaker available in the market for the KEF award-winning Q series. It is equipped with the Uni-Q driver array and Computational Fluid Dynamic (CFD) port tech that results in high resolution and big sound.
Just like the KEF Q100, the Q150 is also equipped with the Uni-Q driver technology, which places the tweeter at the center of the aluminum driver. This setup smooths out any perceived rough edges to the higher frequencies resulting in a cleaner top-end performance.
The KEF Q150 offers distinctively deep and powerful bass, a warm and supple midrange, and a spritely top side that delivers fluid clarity and textural detail.
The KEF Q150’s higher frequencies are clear and sharp without ever becoming overwhelming. Its bass is rich and warm and very present, again without swallowing the other frequencies, and its mids are clear and not over-projected.
Audio specifications of the KEF Q150:
| KEF Q150 | Specifications |
| Type | Passive |
| Driver | 1 x 5.25-inch Uni-Q Driver Array1-inch vented aluminum dome tweeter |
| Frequency Range Free Field (-6db) | 47 Hz |
| Frequency Response (±3dB) | 51 Hz – 28 kHz |
| Crossover Frequency | 2.5 kHz |
| Amplifier Requirements | 10 – 100 Watts |
| Sensitivity (2.83V / 1m) | 86 dB |
| Maximum Output | 108 dB |
| Nominal Impedance | 8Ω (min.3.5Ω) |
With KEF Q150’s having a frequency response of 51 Hz – 28 kHz, it is a versatile speaker that you can use in any genre of music or movie. It offers a deft touch in instruments like an upright acoustic bass, B3 organ, and acoustic guitar. You will also get a dynamic sound with vocals, which is important in surround sound speakers.
The KEF Q150 produces a very detailed and accurate image of the sound as it is dispersed on a much more consistent basis in the listening area.
Amazon gave an average score of 4.8 stars out of 5 stars from its reviewers. They also gave an average score of 4.7 stars out of 5 stars for its sound quality, as many reviewers enjoyed its performance in music and movies.
The KEF Q100 is an exceptional bookshelf speaker and another brilliant achievement for the KEF again. It has one of the best sound quality for its price range.
Build Quality
KEF Q100
The KEF Q100 gives you the feeling that you are looking at an expensive bookshelf speaker. It is exterior is covered by high-quality vinyl, and its body is made from medium-density fiberboard (MDF), which is a pretty standard material used for a speaker’s body.
Its front baffle is made of resistant materials, and the black oak casing gives off an exquisite look that fits into most settings. A brushed aluminum bar with KEF’s logo is used to break up the flat black baffle from the front-firing port, which results in a very appealing appearance. It also comes up with a removable protective grille.
Dimensions of the KEF Q100:
| KEF Q100 | Specifications |
| Design | Two-way bass reflex |
| Dimension (H x W x D) | 300 x 180 x 272 mm(11.8 x 7.1 x 10.7 in) |
| Weight | 5.9 kg (13.0 lbs) |
Like its newer KEF counterparts, the tweeter used in the KEF Q100 uses a Tangerine waveguide to minimize interference between the tweeter and the midrange driver. It also helps the treble integrate more smoothly with the mid-range frequencies.
Its aluminium-made woofer is fast to respond and linear in its response giving life-like dynamics and low levels of distortion. KEF uses technologies from its high-end Concept Blade speakers and integrates them into the Q100, just like its Z-flex woofer surround that blends seamlessly with the treble unit for an even more consistent sound.
The KEF Q100 is constructed well as nothing rattles, nor will you have to deal with unusual vibrations, especially when playing bass-filled audio.
Amazon gave an average score of 4.8 stars out of 5 stars for the quality of materials used in creating the KEF Q100.
Overall, the KEF Q100’s high-quality construction and components make it an impressive bookshelf speaker that can last for a very long time. It is very durable and can take a beating.
The KEF Q100 is a must-have for its excellent build quality.
KEF Q150
Out of the box, the KEF Q150’s aesthetics can match any high-end bookshelf speaker. It is available in three different finishes, satin black, satin white and walnut finish. It has a minimalist style in a classic design.
The chassis of the KEF Q150 is made from the industry-standard medium density fiberboard (MDF), and its exterior is covered by high-quality vinyl, which is pretty thick and rugged.
Dimensions of the KEF Q150:
| KEF Q150 | Specifications |
| Design | Two-way bass reflex |
| Dimension (H x W x D) | 303 x 180 x 278 mm(11.92 x 7.08 x 10.944 in) |
| Dimension w/ rubber feet (H x W x D) | 307 x 180 x 278 mm(12.08 x 7.08 x 10.944 in) |
| Weight | 5.6 kg (12.3 lbs) |
The KEF Q150, just like the Q100, utilizes the Tangerine waveguide to help the treble integrate more smoothly with the mid-range frequencies. Its difference from the Q100 is that it adds a damped tweeter loading tube to provide a gentle termination of sound produced from the back of the tweeter resulting in drastic improvement of the lower treble performance.
The KEF Q150’s design also applied the principle of Computational Fluid Dynamics, which ensures that the flow of air through the cabinet delivers a better sound rather than hindering it.
The KEF Q150 is still equipped with a lightweight yet rigid aluminum woofer, as it helps give life-like dynamics and low levels of distortion. The Z-flex woofer surround feature gives it a superior cone control resulting in a more consistent sound.
It has a new system design that puts the Uni-Q driver in its own sealed cabinet to reduce the load on the cone and increase the clarity and detail while delivering cleaner bass. It also has a new cone structure which improves the midrange clarity, and an enhanced Auxiliary Bass Radiator (ABR) with a new surround and rear suspension to enhance bass quality.
Dimensions for the KEF Q150 speaker grille:
| KEF Q150 | Specifications |
| Height | 845 mm |
| Width | 174 mm |
| Depth | 13 mm |
| Weight | 0.5kg (1.1 lbs) |
| Color | Black |
Unfortunately, the clothe grille for the KEF Q150 is sold separately. It is designed for those who wish to conceal the speaker drivers as it also creates a sleek appearance for the Q150 speaker. The protective grille has a magnetic mount design which allows you to attach/detach the grille.
Amazon gave an average score of 4.6 stars out of 5 stars for the quality of materials and components used in constructing the KEF Q150.
Everything you can see in the KEF Q150 tells it all that the speaker is going to last for a long time. Its overall build is exceptional, which KEF is known for.
Controls
KEF Q100
The KEF Q100 bookshelf speaker has limited connectivity options, as expected for all passive speakers. It has no built-in amplifier, and it is impossible for you to have a Bluetooth or wi-fi connectivity setup with this speaker.
Just like other passive speakers, the KEF Q100 speakers are bi-wirable. But instead of using linking bars, the Q100 has simple twist controls that activate internal linking rods – a clever solution. With KEF Q100 using high-quality drive units, it only needs minimal crossover components. A few high-quality components reduce resistance and therefore improve the transparency of sound.
The KEF Q100 also comes up with a passive crossover with a crossover frequency of 2.5 kHz. It splits up different frequencies so that the amplified signal with its specific frequencies can be sent to the two drivers, each covering different frequency ranges. This results in more clarity to the sound.
There is really not much to expect regarding controls or connectivity for any passive speakers. But for the price you are paying for the components used in its passive crossover and its easy bi-wiring connections, the KEF Q100 is really worth its value.
KEF Q150
Similar to the KEF Q100, the Q150 also has very limited control and connectivity options. It needs to have to be powered by an amplifier to work as it does not have a built-in amplifier, and it does not have any Bluetooth or Wi-fi connectivity.
The KEF Q150’s bindings posts are very convenient as they can connect to almost all sizes of banana plugs. It also has a passive crossover with the same crossover frequency of the Q100, 2.5 kHz.
There is not so much to worry about with KEF Q150 controls as it is only a passive speaker, but you must have an amplifier that fits the power and impedance recommendation for it to be usable.
For a passive speaker, the KEF Q150 is one of the best regarding its value.
I’d recommend you take a look at the KEF Q150 vs Q350 comparison if you are thinking of getting the Q150.
Price
KEF Q100
For the price, you will pay for its sound quality, build quality, and even with its limited connectivity, the KEF Q100 is still worth it all. It produces an exceptional sound quality, and it is very durable, which you can expect that it will work for a long time.
Amazon reviewers gave an average score of 4.4 stars out of 5 stars as they consider it an excellent investment by purchasing the KEF Q100.
KEF Q150
Offering its outstanding sound and build quality for its price, The KEF Q150 is an excellent option for its price, even with its limited controls and connectivity. You can trust that this bookshelf speaker will not fail you.
Amazon gave an average score of 4.6 stars out of 5 stars for being an excellent investment if you are going to purchase it.
Pros and Cons
KEF Q100
Pros
- Excellent build quality
- Vocal performance
- Bi-wire synchronization
- Uni-Q driver that results to excellent sound performance
- Stylish design
- Performance that punches way above their price range
Cons
- Heavy for a bookshelf speaker
- Limited controls and connectivity
- Needs amplifier to work
KEF Q150
Pros
- Excellent sound quality for the price
- Two-way bass-reflex design
- Compact, sleek and sophisticated design
- Well-balanced sound quality
- Impressive dispersion of sound courtesy of the centrally placed tweeter and driver.
- Outstanding build quality
Cons
- No speaker grilles included
- Lacks a higher level of presence in the upper mids
Which Is Better?
The KEF Q100 and Q150 are both outstanding bookshelf speakers. They have almost the same internal components except for the damped tweeter loading tube in the Q150. Both have excellent quality build, but the Q150 is lighter than the Q100.
You’ll never go wrong with purchasing either of two, but I slightly prefer the KEF Q150 because of the damped tweeter feature and its lighter weight. The difference in their price is also not that huge.
