KEF Q950 Review: A Versatile and Powerful Floorstanding Speaker
The KEF Q950 is the flagship model of KEF’s Q Series, offering a combination of premium design, advanced engineering, and exceptional sound quality. As a floor-standing speaker, the Q950 is designed to deliver a full-range audio experience, making it suitable for both stereo music listening and home theater setups. In my KEF Q950 review, I will explore the KEF Q950 specs, performance, and how it compares to competitors like the Focal Chora 826, Klipsch RP-8000F, and Polk R700.
Design and Build Quality
The KEF Q950 boasts a sleek and modern design, available in black, white, and walnut finishes. Its minimalist aesthetic is complemented by high-quality materials, including a durable vinyl wrap and a removable KEF Q950 grille. The speaker’s dimensions (43.1″ x 9.1″ x 14.6″) make it a substantial presence in any room, but its elegant design ensures it blends seamlessly into both contemporary and traditional interiors.
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The KEF Q950 features a Uni-Q driver array, which places the tweeter concentrically within the midrange driver. This design creates a more coherent soundstage and improves off-axis performance, making the Q950 ideal for larger listening spaces. Additionally, the speaker includes a passive radiator for enhanced bass response without needing a large cabinet or port.
KEF Q950 Key Features and Specs
Here’s a breakdown of the KEF Q950 specs:
- Drivers: 1″ aluminum dome tweeter, 6.5″ Uni-Q midrange driver, dual 8″ bass drivers, and dual 8″ passive radiators
- Frequency Response: 44Hz–28kHz
- Sensitivity: 91dB
- Impedance: 8 ohms (compatible with most amplifiers)
- Power Handling: 15–200W
- Dimensions: 43.1″ x 9.1″ x 14.6″
- Weight: 61.7 lbs
The KEF Q950 is designed to deliver a wide frequency range, with deep bass and detailed highs. Its crossover is finely tuned to ensure seamless driver integration, resulting in a cohesive and natural sound.
Performance and Sound Quality
The KEF Q950 excels in both stereo and home theater applications. Here’s how it performs across different scenarios:
Music
For music lovers, the Q950 delivers a detailed and immersive listening experience. The Uni-Q driver ensures precise imaging, while the dual bass drivers and passive radiators provide deep, punchy bass. Whether you’re listening to classical, rock, or electronic music, the Q950 reproduces every note with clarity and depth.
Compared to the KEF Q750, the Q950 offers a more extended bass response, making it better suited for larger rooms or bass-heavy genres. However, if you’re looking for a more compact option, the KEF Q550 might be a better fit.
Home Theater
In a home theater setup, the KEF Q950 shines as a front-channel speaker. Its wide soundstage and accurate imaging make it ideal for movies and TV shows. When paired with a capable subwoofer, the Q950 can handle everything from explosive action scenes to subtle dialogue with ease.
Compared to competitors like the Klipsch RP-8000F and Polk R700, the Q950 offers a more refined and balanced sound. While the Klipsch speakers are known for their dynamic and lively sound, the KEF Q950 provides a more neutral and detailed presentation.
Bass Performance
The KEF Q950’s dual 8″ bass drivers and passive radiators deliver impressive low-end performance. While it doesn’t reach the depths of a dedicated subwoofer, it provides enough bass for most music and movie content. If you’re a bass enthusiast, pairing the Q950 with a subwoofer like the KEF Q400b can further enhance the low-end impact.
Comparisons
KEF Q950 vs KEF Q750
The KEF Q750 is a smaller floor-standing speaker with a single 6.5″ bass driver. While it’s more compact and affordable, it lacks the bass extension and power of the Q950. If you have a larger room or prefer deeper bass, the Q950 is the better choice.
KEF Q950 vs Klipsch RP-8000F
The Klipsch RP-8000F is known for its dynamic and energetic sound, thanks to its horn-loaded tweeter. However, the KEF Q950 offers a more refined and detailed soundstage, making it better suited for critical listening.
KEF Q950 vs Polk R700
The Polk R700 is a strong competitor, offering similar performance at a slightly lower price. However, the KEF Q950’s Uni-Q driver provides better imaging and a wider sweet spot, making it a more versatile option.
KEF Q950 vs Focal Chora 826
The Focal Chora 826 is another high-end floor-standing speaker with a unique design and excellent sound quality. While the Focal speakers are known for their vibrant midrange and treble, the KEF Q950 offers a more balanced and neutral sound.
Setup and Amplification
The KEF Q950 is relatively easy to set up, thanks to its 8-ohm impedance and 91dB sensitivity. It can be driven by a wide range of amplifiers, from entry-level models to high-end powerhouses. For optimal performance, consider pairing the Q950 with an amplifier that delivers at least 50W per channel.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Exceptional sound quality with detailed highs and deep bass
- Wide soundstage and precise imaging
- Sleek and modern design with multiple finish options
- Versatile performance for both music and home theater
- Compatible with a wide range of amplifiers
Cons
- Large sizes may not suit smaller rooms
- Bass performance, while impressive, may not satisfy hardcore bass enthusiasts
- Higher price compared to some competitors
Final Verdict
The Q950 is a standout floorstanding speaker that delivers exceptional performance for both music and home theater. Its Uni-Q driver, passive radiator, and elegant design make it a versatile and powerful addition to any audio setup.
While it faces stiff competition from models like the Klipsch RP-8000F, Polk R700, and Focal Chora 826, the KEF Q950 holds its own with its balanced sound, precise imaging, and premium build quality. If you’re looking for a high-end floor-standing speaker that can handle a wide range of content, the KEF Q950 is an excellent choice.
Where to Buy:
You can find the KEF Q950 for sale at authorized KEF dealers, online retailers like Best Buy, and specialty audio stores. Be sure to check the KEF Q950 price and availability in your region.
Rating: 9/10
Conclusion:
The KEF Q950 is a top-tier floor-standing speaker that combines cutting-edge technology with timeless design. Whether you’re building a high-end stereo system or an immersive home theater, the Q950 delivers the performance and versatility you need.
| KEF Q950 Specification | Details |
|---|
| Weight | 20.6kg (45.4 lbs) |
| Dimension (H x W x D) | 1062 x 244 x 328 mm 1116 x 357 x 328 mm (with Plinth) |
| Design | 2.5-way bass reflex |
| Unit Measurement | Pair |
| Sensitivity | 91dB (2.83V/1m) |
| Frequency Range | 38Hz (-6dB) |
| Frequency Response | 44Hz-28kHz (±3dB) |
| Maximum Output | 113dB |
| Amplifier Requirements | 15-200W |
| Nominal Impedance | 8 Ohms (min. 3.2 Ohms) |
| Drive Units | 200mm (8in.) aluminium Uni-Q 38mm (1.5in.) vented aluminium dome HF 200mm (8in.) aluminium LF 2 x 200mm (8in.) aluminium ABR |
| Crossover Frequencies | 2.2kHz |
| Finishes | Satin Black / Satin White |
