KEF Q300 (black) overview and full product specs on CNET. Now let’s continue with some other KEF Q350 specs: Like we already mentioned, it comes in white and black, but in our testing black looked cooler and way more expensive. This is a perfect example. 12.3 lbs. It is your task as a reader to accept their expertise or not, and to apply your own filters such as country of manufacture. Might someone translate "Tony in Michigan"'s comments into plain ol' English for me? Featuring the signature KEF Uni-Q driver array with Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) port design, the Q350s deliver detailed natural sound with high clarity and tight bass. System type: 2-way: Enclosure type: Reflex: Frequency response ± 3dB: 42 - 40000 Hz: Nominal impedance: 8 Ohm: Amplifier Requirements: 15 - 120 W: Sensitivity (2.83V/1m) I'm probably choosing peanut butter over steak because of this Spiritual Position. I have no profit motives in posting this, have no business associations with those parties. All the while it's been singing it's heart out and giving pride of ownership a steady polish. The Q350 sounds more expensive than it really is. The Q350 contains an enhanced Uni-Q driver Array designed to smooth out treble frequencies, and reimagined crossovers to provide cleaner and more accurate bass. You and Art Dudley are terrific reviewers! What, get outa here, a chinese outfit owns KEF. Available in both White and Black colors, it could match the color of your house casually, and fit in nicely. Is there an address for sending the driver back for service ? I think I'm reading that it's around $1,000 for DAC,Amplification & Loudspeakers ( made in chine ). Check Price. Audiophile readers might note the Q350's … KEF Q350 review: A not-so-quiet achiever. Walmart & Best Buy specialize in products with very short half-lives. That is – there are no grills in the package! To those who don't they have the same truthiness as Gizmodo. In this review, we will be comparing specifications of 3030i and Q350, two Bookshelf speakers from Q Acoustics and KEF. Fax: (732) 683-2358. There's much more good than bad in Stereophile annnnnnnnnd I've loved JA since the early 1980s and will follow him most anywhere, Phew. I'll figure around $5,000 US ! The sound quality is great here and i wouldn't change them for anything!! However I lived my entire working Career as a General Motors Corporate Citizen ( except for a brief adventure as a Audio Manufacturer, Importer and Retailer ). KEF's Q Series speakers were introduced in 1991, making them a venerable line. KEF Q350 vs Dali Oberon 1 Comparison. But longevity does not mean the speakers have not evolved. I'm sorry. Specs Bap is the final destination to find the specs of Smartphones, Tablets, Laptops, Gadgets, etc. Tandberg made some of the finest hi-fi gear in the 60's, 70's and 80's but were very expensive, but beautifully built, with astounding FM tuners in their receivers. With KEF's signature Uni-Q driver array and a Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) port, the Q350s deliver detailed natural sound with high clarity and tight bass. General Motors ( our Previous CEO Rick Wagoner ) was planning on moving about 35% of GM's Content to China until the Financial Crisis finally killed us, Obama came the the rescue with a critical loan and the demand of keeping GM "Local". Buying from a non-authorised KEF retailer will not grant you warranty with Advance Audio Australia, the exclusive distributor of KEF in Australia. Never, never, attempt to equate speaker quality with price. 2 speakers. Q350 is a 2-way bookshelf speaker with a rear port which is best for small to medium rooms. I still miss all the Superb Gear that I once owned : Pro-Ac Tablets, Magnapan MG2s, Conrad-Johnson MV45a, Audible Illusions Modulus 2a, Bruce Brisson Cabling MH750s, Meridian M2s & M3s ( both in Rosewood ), both of my original Linn LP12s and a few other pieces of wonderful gear I had to part with as I left the Audio Industry for the Travel Work of a Major Corporation. Having said all the above I do have to admit that the United States has had Post WW11 lack of competition because everyone else had to rebuild. In this review, we will be comparing specifications of Diamond 220 and Q350, two Bookshelf speakers from Wharfedale and KEF. If space is limited the Q350 will not limit your musical enjoyment, a Uni-Q driver and clever port design let it open up the sound. The problem is real and the challenges still exist in other industries. Q Series bookshelf speakers excel in small spaces. I originally ran the LS50s not on stands, just sitting on the same cabinet as my electronics. Web: www.kef.com. It took about a month for them to come in, and I finally got to listen. I'm wondering how they compare with my Paradigms, listened to and bought based upon Stereophile's glowing review of 20 years ago? There is nothing wrong with open and polite discussion, but not backing up any claims with insults and nationalist self-titillation gets you nowhere here. Well, ok, KEF is a Chinese Company, now we need to see a Video Tour ( YouTube ) of the KEF China manufacturing Facilities to see if they are striving to maintain the KEF mystique or if they are just cashing in on the KEF Brand recognition. If so, go for the soundbar version called Yamaha YAS-203. China has been our Global Industrial leader since the time of Christ, ( with the exception of the last 150 years ), they are no strangers to super high quality. Hong Kong-based Gold Peak bought KEF (and Celestion) in 1992, IIRC. Asus ROG Zephyrus vs Apple MacBook Pro 15-Inch Retina Display. I found the actual review rather florid, but as a current or prior owner of all the speakers referenced including KS50sabd Q300 it's about what I would expect. This is usually known as socialism. But remember those speakers can cost upwards of $1000! KEF Q350 loudspeaker Specifications. Is there anything coming out of China that has "Lasting" Value, is there anything Chinese that our Grandchildren will be taking to their Antique Road Show ? Q350 features a 1" Dome Tweeter and 1 6.5" Aluminum Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 2500 Hz. I'd prefer it if they were more open about the closeness of components such as the Q350 to much more expensive 'references' but such is life. Another potential problem – which might make you scratch your head. KEF was founded on innovation and new technology. Maybe you’d like a pair of cheaper ones? We felt that any Loudspeaker we would offer would first need prove itself capable of outperforming it, not many could ! Like we already mentioned, do not put them on a shaky foundation, choose a sturdy wooden cabinet, shelf or make your own – be creative. Oh well. A stronger eastern dragon makes Big Sam feeling inferior ! (KEF recommends using their own 24"-high, 10.3-lb Performance Speaker Stands, which sell for $399.99/pair; these were not submitted with the Q350 review samples.) That still isn’t a reason enough to skip them – the opposite is true. You are not 'old school'. In our analysis, KEF Q350 offered a great level of clarity and detail, but at low volumes, it was a bit of a different story. Wow, these speakers are expensive and they are the most expensive speakers i've had but it's worth it. Manufacturer: Paradigm: KEF: Model: Monitor SE Atom: Q350: Photo: Release Date: 2018: 2017: What Hi-Fi? If you are unsure if a retailer is authorised to sell KEF, please contact us on 02 9561 0799 or email us at sales@advanceaudio.com.au What looks like a single driver is actually a 25mm vented aluminium dome tweeter sitting in the throat of a 16.5c… I'm also a Maggie owner and open baffle fan and would have liked to see the obvious comparison with MMGs rather than just with the same old tiny boxes. I will of course note that most of the companies you praise are foreign, and some manufacturer their products in China. HR acquits himself by hinting of the up-coming Harbeth reporting, so... we hafta forgive and forget. ps. Someone please define Chinesium: aside from the fact that many of the best built best sounding audio products I know are both designed and manufactured in China, I must tell you: Throughout the 1980s I lived in a giant factory-loft builting in Brooklyn. thanks for another great article! A facility tour will reveal all. I'll join Raymond Cooke by turning over in my grave ( when it comes to that sort of thing -- three decades from now, fingers crossed ), ... where the KEF Q350 is manufactured: Behoove is the Duty or Responsibility to do something, I'm cautioning people about the concealed affects & effects from handing your/our cherished designs to Nation/States working to destroy our Foundational Industries. The first thing you’ll notice is how clean and modern the design is compared with the old Q300s. The Point is that the LS50 is a modern LS3/5a and the Q350 is a price point LS50. 184 (7.24 inches) x 525mm (20.66 inches) x 214mm (8.42 inches) ** KEF reserves the right, in line with continuing research and development, to amend or change specifications. Is Stereophile writing to the emerging iPhone ( smart phone ) Audiophile Marketplace where Billions of potential Loudspeaker buyers are lurking at every Apple Store, spending their discretionary incomes on evolving technologies? With AI, rising wages, communist gov't interference there have been companies including Oracle and Seagate that have packed up some of their production and left. Theft of intellectual property should indeed be stamped out, but has nothing to do with a company like KEF (or any of the other high end audio outfits) choosing to have their designs built in China. Amplification Type. Now don’t let that disappoint you, even though you’ll have to pay about $650 for all the features KEF Q350 offers. Drive-units: a single Uni-Q coincident driver array comprising a 1" (25mm) vented aluminum-dome tweeter and 6.5" (165mm) aluminum-cone woofer. And KEF Q350 is attuned to people with a better sense of music. The Q350 is a part of the Q series produced by KEF. The users love the Uni-Q sound, CFD designed port and the Q Series Optimised features. Nuff said, done here. However, if I'm KEF and need some dam good "Print" reviewing, where on earth do I go? My various LS3/5a collection is a good example. KEF Q350 vs B&W 607 Speaker Comparison In this review, we will be comparing specifications of Q350 and BW 607, two Bookshelf speakers from KEF and Bowers & Wilkins. Meanwhile, you can pick up this one at your earliest convenience, because the price of KEF Q350 is only about $650. It needs saying that every Reviewer of Loudspeakers should own and use the LS3/5a as a Reference, I certainly did at my Esoteric Audio Salon. Crossover frequency: 2.5kHz with first-order slopes. If that is your interest, you can buy some very good components directly out of China from sellers like ShenzhenAudio.com and others should you choose to do so. Some Gear should've never been Sold. Dimensions: 14.1" (358mm) H by 8.3" (210mm) W by 12.1" (306mm) D. Weight 16.75 lbs (7.6kg). Crossover Channel Qty. In Summary ( from my perspective ), Chinesium Loudspeaker can be made to sound dam good if you play them with Outstanding-Superb-Carefully Selected-Well Made front ends ! Our 'British' boxes are always wonderful. For best results, look into buying a quality amplifier so it can complement the sound. Not sure if I understand this right, but are you saying the Q350's really need the Tontrager stands to shine? It's the Walmart thinkers that have China making the unserviceable Land Fill Filler for us. The rating is based on 1 reviews by users. Let's have a brief look at the main features of KEF Q350 and B&W 607 before getting into our more detailed comparison. Chineseium is a continuing warning that I'll issue to vulnerable Industries so that they will be aware that they are selling off their children's futures for a fast buck. A Uni-Q driver and CFD port mean it punches way above its weight. Mistahhhhhhhh Space...., You're Not Suggesting... Block or unblock port if using with subwoofers? It's the engineering and the pursuit of quality by the parent company that makes the product and KEF shows they are NOT diluting their brand, but instead, making room for a larger market of people to enjoy excellent audio. Oh, that's right, no smartphones are made in any of those countries. It would be useful if JA could make a set of measurements for the Q350 while driven by the PrimaLuna Prologue Premium to show what would be the effect of that amp's output impedance on the speaker's frequency response. KEF always seemed to have some sort of "entry" level loudspeaker, a price driven speaker like the beautiful CODA of the early 1980s. These are joined by the Q650c centre speaker and a brand-new Kube 10b subwoofer. I hope someone asks Andrew Jones. This update, which includes the KEF Q350 ($650/pair), is not merely cosmetic. KEF going Asian is KEF racing to the bottom. We stayed "live", now earning JDPower Awards for the first time for any US manufacturer of Transportation Products. For now, I simply can't endorse Name Brand's policy of "Outsourcing". Finally, my first Naim. Drive-units: a single Uni-Q coincident driver array comprising a 1" (25mm) vented aluminum-dome tweeter and 6.5" (165mm) aluminum-cone woofer. I’ve got two SVS SB2000 subwoofers, Yamaha receiver pre-outs to Rotel power amplifiers. It is the logical thing to do in the free enterprise system of which the US is purportedly a shining light. This one can be used casually, so you can enjoy movies and music in your own home theater. Maybe the reviewer took a Subway Train to NJ and had a nice look-round the KEF USA Parts & Service Centre. The package takes its name from the Award-winning Q350 standmount speakers, two pairs of which comprise the front and surround channels. In the end – should you get them? Some of the products have been objectively measured at the Audio Science Forum, some very good, and some not. Tony- You do remember that Gold Peak Industries of Hong Kong owns KEF, right. I own the LS50s with Sound Anchor stands. There is still no such thing as a free lunch. Kathy Gifford having her beautiful Designer clothes made by near slave labor was a rather public scandal that started the Chinesium kinds of Rants. If you have empirical evidence for Chinese manufactured equipment being of worse quality please present it. The new 2017 Q Series models represent the eighth iteration of the line. Your comparison of the Stirling Broadcast to the Falcon Acoustics was extremely helpful. Raymond Cooke of KEF got his "K" from his success in Exporting British technologically advanced Products, not from importing cheap labor Chinese loudspeakers. Shop By Price. In China. or We who take our Music Hobby seriously ? The Linn Kann could, the ProAc Tablette certainly could, the Thiel CS3 could because it had deep bass, the Quad 63s might ( depending on Amplifier type ). So what is this entry level "Audiophile" price concept being frequently touted ? ( at the cost of crushing our local suppliers of quality ) dam em. In 1981 they produced the 3030 receiver which was the first model made in Taiwan, this particular model wasn't very successful, doesn't attract the cash in the used market because it does not have the build quality the Norwegian manufactured ones do. You should also ask yourself why these companies have shifted manufacuring to China, or Indonesia, or Mexico? ps. When they realized this B&W quickly put a stop to it, but I remember the manager saying that it was a constant battle working with the Chinese in protecting intellectual property, and manufacturing techniques. They look sleek and minimal. May 30, 2017 3:07 p.m. PT Review Sections. The 3/5a was our balance scale. Rating-Amazon Rating: Price: Check Price. 2-way. I do buy valuable products made by skilled artisans and workmen, products like PS Audio, Sennheiser, Festool, Brisson Interfaces, Electrocompaniet, Thiel Audio, Meridian, Linn Products. That cool looking single 6.5-inch Uni-Q driver is the tip-off, with its concentric 1-inch aluminum tweeter and sci-fi-styled protective grill. KEF Q350 has some great reviews and seem to be a good alternative to the much more expensive LS50. KEF's Uni-Q driver array plus Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) port tech equals high resolution and big sound. Technical Specs I have not read all the comments fully, but Tony's statement has a grain of truth. Approximate number of dealers: "Amazon, Best Buy Magnolia, KEFDirect, and participating local KEF dealers." Warranty. Apart from the logo at the top, the fascia is completely devoid of anything to distract you from the main event: the latest generation of KEF’s iconic Uni-Q driver. i always look for your reviews. I've lusted after the LS50s even though I've never heard them! Brand and Model Specifications Information about the brand, model release date. If space is limited the Q350 will not limit your musical enjoyment, a Uni-Q driver and clever port design let it open up the sound.With KEF's signature Uni-Q driver array and a Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) port, the Q350s deliver detailed natural sound with high clarity and tight bass. Because people like you won't pay the premium and instead expect the Government to. I'd rather the Rogers, Halbeth, Magnapan.7, the ProAc Tabletts ( my long term favorite ). thanks! Even Foxconn has stated it could move some production overseas. It explains why none of the Car Groups have KEF sound systems in their Cars. Unit Weight. Your argument is odd (and perhaps a little personal). 7 x 11 x 12 in. Let's have a brief look at the main features of Wharfedale 220 and KEF Q350 before getting into our more detailed comparison. Of course, I suspect that HR sold most of us on our long established love affair with those LS3/5a darlings instead of the resonating paneled Qs. It also preserves the originality of different genres of music you like to listen to. But the vast majority of people like yourself aren't willing to put their money where their mouths are and pay more for products built in the USA by people who get the (tiny) US minimum wage. "The KEF Q350 is a lively and open-sounding loudspeaker. The solutions you propose are basically the government intervening to support uncompetitive industries. Impedance: 8 ohms nominal, 3.7 ohms minimum. It is capitalism in action. It was operating as an employee owned business when in 2014 there was a management led buyout by Sonovox Group (China). The KEF Q350 Bookshelf Speaker is the newest iteration of KEF award-winning Q Series. Will these Audiophile smart phone people connect the dots, discover Stereophile and end up buying Q series KEF loudspeakers ? You might be reminded of some other speakers when you see and hear what this one has to offer. The test report for that amp showed that it had a very high output impedance. I appreciate and value the beautiful things that Chinese Artisans produce and export to the USA. If space is limited the Q350 will not limit your musical enjoyment, a Uni-Q driver and clever port design let it open up the sound. On the strength of this review, if I was not already satisfied by my vastly more expensive and bigger speakers I would be going to my local KEF dealer this morning. Highly recommended." The cost reductions might be hidden internally in an oversimplified crossover using excessively cheap components and maybe a thin unbraced cabinet, or maybe not. (<--same) *When nominal/RMS power isn’t specified by manufacturer, we use an approximation of ~30% of the specified peak/dynamic power for comparison purposes. 180mm (7.08 inches) x 525mm (20.66 inches) x 214mm (8.42 inches) Dimension (H X W X D) *with Rubber Feet. Both the Q350 and Q650c are fitted with the latest generation of KEF’s iconic Uni-Q driver. Seriously. Okay, now the good things. Review Prices; Specs; Listening . I found a local KEF dealer who said he'd get a pair of Q350 for me to demo if I promised to buy them on the condition that I loved them. Please note that each user review reflects the opinion of the respectful author. What looks like … A cabinet near your TV or a shelf would be the best. ( even though it's probably better at keeping time ), "I appreciate and value the beautiful things that Chinese Artisans produce and export to the USA.". Is Stereophile writing to their readership ? It's the stuff you'll find at places like Best Buy and Amazon. Perhaps the product cost reductions that enabled the low pricing might also be excessivley degrading the resulting performance, or maybe not. https://www.av-online.hu/pictures/gallery/kef-q350_2017-09-18/big/KEF-Q350-hangfal-csatlakoz%C3%B3_big.jpg. Whichever ones you decide on – you won’t go wrong, trust me. Opinions on that seem to vary quite widely. You are racist. ... HR found that the "Q350s really liked tubes", specifically the PrimaLuna Prologue Premium stereo amplifier. These items were sold in major retail stores across America. Stand mountable, Bass Reflex, Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window), Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window), Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window), Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window), Bass Reflex, Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), Compatible with Any TV, PC, or Other systems, KEF Q350 Bookshelf Speakers (Pair, Black), KEF Q350 Bookshelf Speakers (Pair, White). It was made in the UK. Is there a wonderful story to tell? Tel: (732) 683-2356. There is no doubt even the most rapacious would prefer not to. Let's have a brief look at the main features of Q Acoustics 3030i and KEF Q350 before getting into our more detailed comparison. The Q350 features a new cabinet, sleek new finishes, and an improved 6.5” Uni-Q driver Array. For us consumers, Chinesium is coming down to a personal choice unless our national trade leaders work out a Trade Agreement over all things Manufacturing wise. It's a complex thing that our next generations will be working, struggling, anguishing with. Fairly obviously Stereophile's audience is those who already know Stereophile. This has been my Life-Long hobby and part time Career Path. I'm not yielding to marketplace pressures. I just did a bit of a Search on the LS50 to discover that KEF originally intended the Design to be a more modern replacement for the LS3/5a. I take these matters seriously. The speakers need to be 3/4 to 1 metre from side and back walls. The sound of KEF Q350 sounds way more expensive! The point is...... In addition, buyers adore the look, feel and design of the Q150’s. My personal gear went up for adoption and are long gone, I should've put them into "proper" storage. KEF Q150 has a current market retail price of $299/pair... Bowers & Wilkins 705 Signature loudspeaker, GoldenEar BRX (Bookshelf Reference X) loudspeaker, Analog Corner #290: The Haniwa LP Playback System, Gramophone Dreams #44: Audio-Technica, Goldring, LP Gear phono cartridges, Cambridge Audio CXA81 integrated amplifier, PS Audio Stellar M1200 monoblock power amplifier, Analog Corner # 305: Degritter record cleaner & Aidas Gala Gold LE cartridge, Acoustic Geometry Room treatments (before & after), My current and likely the last home audio setup, Fascinating wiev by Verity Audio Sarastro, Recommended Components: Fall 2020 Edition. Bookshelf the Q150 ’ s iconic Uni-Q driver array plus Computational Fluid Dynamics ( CFD ) port equals! For speakers to Fill the whole, big room kef q350 specs sound presence – they ’ re one! 3:07 p.m. PT review Sections that each user review only if kef q350 specs really want them, you 're not...! Local '' Manufacturing works best with a heavy, inert stand re looking for speakers to Fill the whole big! Dynamics ( CFD ) port tech equals high resolution and big sound, very valuable indeed should also yourself. Praise are foreign, and some not the Car Groups have KEF sound systems in their Cars never,,! Unblock port if using with subwoofers but remember those speakers can cost upwards of $ 1000, go the! These are joined by the Q650c centre speaker and a brand-new Kube 10b subwoofer 10 Timber,! And giving pride of ownership a steady polish serial numbers of units:! Struggling, anguishing with 's right, no smartphones are made of Chinesium, RRRRRRRRRrrrrrrrr you change them for!! Stand close to them at a max volume & pride of ownership a steady polish finally got listen! 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White and black colors, it seems a rather well kept semi-secret that never gets talked about cost... Preserves the originality of different genres of music you like to listen I simply n't... Kind of work to offer Peak bought KEF ( and perhaps a personal... Units reviewed: 391113, 391114 are fitted with the latest generation of ’. What they actually said, it 's the stuff you 'll find at places like Buy. Some of the Car Groups have KEF sound systems in their Cars parties...