In the updated series, most of the improvements concern the speakers. The bookshelf models KEF Q150 and Q350, floor-standing Q550, Q950 and Q750, as well as the Q650c central channel acoustics have been updated. The tweeters received a damping tube, and the improved suspension and design of the bass speaker diffusers now allow them to produce more bass at high volumes with less distortion.
In addition, as in the previous generation of the Q series, a passive radiator is used in the floor-standing acoustic systems. This acoustic design has been known for a long time, but was not particularly popular. However, modern materials allow better control of sound absorption and damping than before, so interest in it has increased recently. Ideally, such an emitter should combine the advantages of a phase inverter and a closed box.
The Uni-Q speaker unit seemed futuristic a few years ago, but today it is perceived as a signature attribute of many KEF models. This concentric emitter has characteristics that are as close as possible to a point sound source, which has a positive effect on the size of the comfortable listening zone and contributes to the accuracy of the formation of sound images.
In 2017, KEF’s Q series speakers were equipped with optional decorative grilles on magnets (decorative grilles are no longer included in the kit and are purchased for an additional fee).
The KEF Q50a is a Dolby Atmos speaker designed to sit above your existing front and rear speakers. The vertical dimension is key to the breathtaking effects that Dolby has achieved in cinemas. Built around the latest UNI-Q module (a 25mm vented tweeter and 130mm woofer), the speaker fires sound upwards, enveloping you in a precisely reproduced field of sound sources moving as in real life.
The KEF Q50a is available in white or black.
KEF Q50a Specifications
Minimum Recommended Power, W 10
Maximum Power, W 100
Woofer Size, inches 5.25
Number of Bands 2
Minimum Frequency, Hz 96
Impedance, Ohm 8
Woofer Type Cone HF Speaker
Material No. 1 Metal HF Speaker
Material Metal HF
Speaker Size No. 1, inches 1
Number of HF Speakers 1
Number of Speakers 2
Maximum Frequency, Hz 19.5
Sensitivity, dB/W/m 86
Crossover Frequency 2.5 kHz
Height, mm 178
Width, mm 180
Depth, mm 259
Weight, kg 4.25
