This in-depth review delves into the KEF Q11 Meta speakers, a three-way floor-standing model priced at approximately $2,100 per pair. We explore their unique features, including KEF's innovative metamaterial absorption technology designed to enhance high-frequency clarity, alongside the impact of their three 6.5-inch bass drivers and overall design on sound reproduction. This review meticulously examines the speakers' performance in various listening environments, analyzing the influence of placement and room acoustics on the final sound signature.Our analysis encompasses both objective measurements, using a nearfield scanner to capture on-axis and in-room frequency responses, and subjective listening experiences. We compare the Q11 Meta's sonic characteristics to other KEF models, specifically the R3 Meta and Q700 Meta, highlighting both similarities and key differences. The resulting insights provide a comprehensive understanding of the KEF Q11 Meta's strengths and weaknesses, offering valuable guidance for potential buyers considering their purchase.
Pros And Cons
- Superb imaging
- Nice and wide sound stage radiation
- Really good bass (when placed close to a wall)
- Sounds fantastic when pointed directly at the listener or angled outwards
- Good in-room extension near a wall
- Bass sounds diminished when placed further than a foot from the wall
- Treble is diminished when angled away from the listener
- Dark sound (described as warm by some), particularly when compared to speakers with a flatter on-axis response
- Steep on-axis response slope
- Some lingering resonances from 500 to 1kHz
- Tweeter issues at high volume
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Speaker Specifications and Design
The KEF Q11 Meta speakers are a three-way design priced around $2,100 per pair. They boast a unique metamaterial absorption technology behind the 3/4-inch aluminum dome tweeter, enhancing high-frequency clarity. The speaker also features a 4-inch midrange driver and three 6.5-inch bass drivers, creating a well-balanced sound.
The sensitivity is rated at approximately 89dB, with a recommended amplifier power ranging from 15 to 225 watts. Its ported design contributes to a robust bass response. The speakers come with a grill and a plinth kit for stability, weighing approximately 50 lbs each and standing about 43-44 inches tall.
Setup and Initial Listening Impressions
My initial setup involved placing the speakers approximately one foot from the back wall due to space constraints, aimed directly at my listening position (on-axis).
The initial sound quality was remarkable – fantastic imaging, a wide soundstage, and impressive bass. However, moving the speakers further from the wall significantly diminished the bass response, a characteristic I later found to be common in this design.
Sound Characteristics and Room Interaction
Experimenting with speaker placement revealed that toeing the speakers out at a 30-degree angle, parallel to the back wall, maintained excellent sound quality despite the close proximity to the wall.
This suggests that the KEF Q11 Meta's performance is highly dependent on its relationship to the room's boundaries. While the on-axis response might seem 'dark' in anechoic conditions, the inclusion of room reflections yields a more neutral sound signature.
KEF itself mentions in its white paper the importance of in-room response which is critical for overall performance.
Comparison with Other KEF Speakers
Comparing the Q11 Meta's in-room response to other KEF speakers like the R3 Meta and Q700 Meta reveals similarities in the mid-range but differences in high-frequency response. The Q11 Meta exhibits a relatively darker sound compared to the brighter characteristics of the R3 Meta.
The differences are subtle, reflecting varying degrees of high-frequency emphasis and in-room response slopes. This highlights the importance of considering personal preference and room acoustics when choosing speakers.
Detailed Measurement Data and Analysis
The provided measurement data, obtained using a nearfield scanner, shows the on-axis response, revealing a gradual roll-off in the high frequencies, contributing to the 'dark' sound characterization.
In-room response data, accounting for reflections, presents a much more linear and extended low-frequency response. The horizontal and vertical radiation patterns illustrate the speaker's relatively narrow dispersion, which affects the overall soundstage and interaction with the listening environment.
Conclusion and Recommendation
The KEF Q11 Meta delivers stunning performance in appropriately sized rooms with moderate wall reflections. Its deep bass and detailed imaging make it a strong contender in its price range.
While its 'darker' sound signature might not appeal to all listeners, especially those accustomed to brighter speakers, the overall balanced and accurate in-room response makes it a compelling option. Consider room size and placement for optimal performance; placing it too far from the wall significantly degrades the bass.