KEF Q1 Meta: Amazing sound quality packed into a small, affordable set of speakers

The KEF Q1 Meta speaker system features a 12th generation Uni-Q driver that incorporates several significant design enhancements aimed at elevating sound quality. It includes a 25 mm aluminum dome tweeter mounted on a Tangerine waveguide, which optimizes its directivity and minimizes phase distortions. Additionally, a sound-absorbing MAT element has been integrated at the rear of the high-frequency driver, representing a key advancement in the latest Uni-Q emitters. This MAT element is designed to be thin, preserving the compactness of the driver while effectively dissipating sound waves emanating from the back of the tweeter dome. As a result, this innovation contributes to a clear and detailed high-frequency sound profile.

The Uni-Q midrange speaker features longitudinal stiffening ribs designed to eliminate resonances. Its driver frame is angled to ensure a more consistent sound wave distribution, minimizing distortion that can arise from reflections off the front panel. The low-frequency speaker incorporates an aluminum diffuser with specially designed ribs to enhance rigidity. Additionally, the tweeter is fitted with an aluminum diaphragm that includes acoustic dividers shaped like petals. Both speakers share a common chassis, and their magnetic systems are meticulously aligned. Consequently, the KEF Q1 Meta effectively harnesses the benefits of a two-way design, offering an extensive frequency range and uniform sound characteristics, while maintaining the coherence of a single broadband speaker.

The speaker features a crossover filter specifically calibrated to a frequency of 2.1 kHz, constructed from high-quality components. The rear panel of the KEF Q1 Meta includes a phase inverter designed with CFD technology to ensure uniform airflow, resulting in minimal acoustic noise. Connection to the amplifier is facilitated through a pair of screw terminals.

The KEF Q1 Meta speakers are constructed with damped MDF enclosures, featuring a sleek metal trim around the Uni-Q driver, and the logo is positioned at the top edge of the front panel, similar to the higher-end models. The exterior finish is available in black, white, or natural wood. Due to their compact size, these speakers can easily fit into various interior settings. As the smallest model in the series, the KEF Q1 Meta is specifically designed for small spaces. In addition to being suitable for stereo systems, they also perform exceptionally well as rear channels in a home theater setup. With increasing demands for dynamic and frequency range performance, the two-way KEF Q1 Meta is well-equipped to meet these expectations.

KEF Q1 Meta Specifications

• Number of Bands 2
• Rear-facing bass reflex enclosure
• Tweeter 1” (25 mm) aluminum dome tweeter, centered on the bass driver (Uni-Q)
• Midrange/Woofer 5.25 ” (130 mm) Aluminum cone midrange/woofer (Uni-Q)
• Frequency Response 47 Hz – 20 kHz (+/- 3 dB)
• Sensitivity 86 dB
• Sound Pressure 108 dB
• Nominal Impedance 4 Ohm
• Power Handling 10-150 W
• Band Crossover Frequencies 2.1 kHz
• Input Connectors Pair of Screw Terminals
• Grille Removable
• Dimensions (WxHxD) 180x302x277 mm
• Weight 6.1 kg