KEF Q 2017 Loudspeaker Preview

KEF recently announced the release of their newest iteration of their Q series loudspeakers, the Q 2017. This is the 8^th version of their Q series designed to compete with a more affordable market over some of their other products.  This series boasts what KEF signifies as “significant engineering milestones designed to enhance the Q series reputation even further”.  KEF’s new line-up of Q 2017 speakers consists of two bookshelf speakers – Q150 and Q350 – three floorstanding speakers – Q550, Q750 and Q950 – and a center speaker – Q650c.

All the Q 2017 speakers include a revamped Uni-Q driver array with a newly engineered damped tweeter loading tube which is designed to significantly enhance performance of the lower treble. The line-up also features a new low-distortion inductor in the crossovers to help provide a cleaner and more accurate bass.

Q150 (left), rear port (center), and Q350 (right) Bookshelf Speakers

The Q150 and Q350 benefit from a CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamic) port design, which has been moved to the rear of the speaker to help improve clarity. Additionally, the Uni-Q driver array in the Q150 and Q350 has been relocated to the middle of the cabinet to reduce unwanted internal resonances. The Q150 and Q350 are currently shipping for $550/pr and $650/pr respectively. To give you an idea  of how affordable this is for a KEF speaker, KEF’s Reference I Ultimate bookshelf speakers cost $8,000/pair.

Q550 (left), Q750 (middle), and Q950 (right) Floorstanding Speakers

In this year’s version, the Q550, Q750 and Q950 floorstanding speakers are equipped with larger roll surrounds and new spiders in their low-frequency drivers for increased bass performance. The 2017 Q floorstanding speakers also have a new paper cone to increase midrange clarity. In addition, the floorstanders’ ABR (Auxiliary Bass Radiator) is now supported by a new surround and rear suspension designed to aid in delivering more controlled bass at high volumes. The floorstanding speakers feature an altered mid-bass driver to improve midrange clarity and produces a more natural bass roll-off between drivers for a more natural sound.

One complaint of last year’s Q series was the lack of sufficient cabinet bracing for a speaker of this caliber. Hopefully the Q 2017 floorstanding speakers have rectified this with a new closed box midrange cabinet, which should help increase clarity and deliver a cleaner, punchier bass.

We’re glad to see these renovations carryover to their center speaker as well. The Q650c center speaker also features the closed-box midrange cabinet, which reduces midrange excursion and eliminates bass distortion. In addition the Q650C features the KEF signature Uni-Q driver array and a new crossover.

Conclusion

With all these modifications at prices more to the taste of discriminating shoppers these new Q 2017 speakers have quite a bit to offer. All models have a seamless baffle and magnetic grilles (as an optional accessory) and are available in black and white finishes. The cabinet design seems both elegant and modern with its contemporary matte satin finishes and matching hardware. So if you're looking for a new pair of speakers, or an entire set for an awesome home theater room, these new 2017 Q series from KEF may be for you.

Unless otherwise indicated, this is a preview article for the featured product. A formal review may or may not follow in the future.