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KEF Q550

$1,499.00

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Q550 is the smallest size among the Q Series floorstanders. Featuring the KEF signature Uni-Q driver array paired with a 130mm (5.25 inch) aluminium bass driver and two matching ABRs, Q550 delivers a phenomenal audiophile performance with clarity and more controlled bass.

Kent Engineering & Foundry, or KEF, do things a bit differently than most other well known speaker manufacturers, but they have always managed to provide us with exceptional sound quality at a price level that most people can afford. This is particularly true with the new generation of the Q-series, and for this generation, the overall design has been revamped with a more contemporary and straightforward look.

Note: grills are optional extras on these speakers $139 Pair

The Q-series consists of six models in different sizes; the Q150 and Q350 bookshelf models, which can be used as either left and right surround speakers or as main speakers in a smaller listening room, and the Q550, Q750 and Q950 floorstanding models. The Q550 is the smallest floorstanding model in the series and measures only 926x299x310 millimeter (HxWxD) and uses 5.25 inch (130mm) drivers. The series also includes an active subwoofer, Q400B, although this model has not been revamped from the previous generation, but still looks good together with the new generation of speakers though.

Design and Build Quality

As we mentioned, KEF has gone for a more contemporary and modern look, but still manages to retain a traditional feel. The finish is made of some type of plastic film and comes in either black or white. It has a somewhat brushed texture to it and looks really good. Small details like the recessed tweeters and the hidden screws makes it look very clean and this classic yet modern design should go well with most living rooms.

The bottom is fitted with ‘feet’ (plinths) using height-adjustable spikes at the ends enabling you to adjust the level (with the included Allen key) on uneven floors. The high quality speaker terminals accept anything from bare wire to spades or banana connectors.

Beefier LF drivers and ABRs

Low-frequency (LF) drivers now have a larger roll surround, along with a new suspension to produce cleaner bass at high volumes. A new cone structure improves midrange clarity, and an enhanced Auxiliary Bass Radiator (ABR) with a new surround and rear suspension delivers better controlled and more impressive bass.

New system design

The closed box midrange cabinet design reduces the load on the Uni-Q midrange cone, increasing clarity and detail while delivering cleaner, punchier bass. Midrange clarity is enhanced again through improvements to the mid-bass driver that allowed the DC blocking capacitor to be eliminated. Its removal also created a more natural bass roll-off between the drivers.

Damped tweeter loading tube

With the addition of the damped tweeter loading tube providing a gentle termination of sound produced from the back of the tweeter, lower treble performance is improved dramatically and a new low-distortion inductor on the crossover provides cleaner bass.

“Sit anywhere” Uni-Q sound

At the heart of the evolved Q Series is the Uni-Q driver array. The signature innovation places the tweeter in the acoustic centre of the midrange and bass cone, bringing the acoustic ideal of a single point source closer than ever to realisation. The result is a more detailed, accurate three-dimensional sound image, which is dispersed more evenly throughout the room than is possible with any conventional speaker. Uni-Q’s ultra-wide dispersion is further enhanced through KEF’s ‘tangerine’ waveguide over the tweeter dome.

Design Two and a half-way bass reflex

Drive Units 130mm (5.25in.) aluminium Uni-Q 25mm (1in.)vented aluminium dome HF 130mm (5.25in.) aluminium LF 2 x 130mm (5.25in.)aluminium ABR

Frequency range free field 45Hz (-6dB)

Frequency Response 58Hz-28kHz (±3dB)

Crossover Frequencies 2.5kHz

Maximum Output 110dB

Amplifier requirements 15-130W

Sensitivity 87dB (2.83V/1m)

sold in Pairs

Nominal Impedance 8 Ohms (min.3.5 Ohms)

Dimensions H x W x D: 873 x 180 x 278 mm 926 x 299 x 310 mm (with Plinth)

Weight 14.5kg