Customer Ratings & Reviews

I did a lot of research for a music centric system for my living room in a 20x25 ft condo, open layout into kitchen. Critical listening spot is about 8-9 ft from tv/stereo wall. The Q1's in Walnut have a nice look to them. A bit more character than the black to me. I think KEF heard customers and included magnetic grills this time. I keep them off when listening, you should too. My goals were all in under 2k all components to get started. I auditioned Polk XT20(boosted base, muddy mids, shallow soundstage), Sony SS-CS5M2 (very crisp, shallow soundstage, decent vocal/instrument separation) and these KEF Q1 Metas. Amplifier/Power needed for 4 ohms: I initially drove these using a 70watt Denon AVR high end from mid-2000's using pure direct. The imaging, soundstage and separation were leagues ahead of the others. Felt like the people and instruments were in the room, wider, deeper, more realistic. This was driven source-wise from a Wiim Ultra using Spotify Connect lossless, Amazon Unlimited lossless and CD via optical. They just didn't feel as punchy and tight as they should have. Being 4 ohm rated, they demand power to really open up and old AVR wasn't quite doing it. Kept reading about Fosi V3 monoblocks (get 1 power supply per amp, not splitter). Technical reviews noted their low noise/distortion, real world RMS power that could drive these at a low price to high performance level. All I can say is WOW, they opened up the performance of these even more. Tight, clean, crisp, unveiled, quick power. The lower frequency range really came alive. So the core was there. Subwoofer to help: These have a nice punchy lower end when driven properly, but being bookshelves benefit from handing off low frequencies to a subwoofer. Luckily I came across a James 10" emb1000 600w sub from mid-2000s. The Wiim passes over 80hz and below (THX standard that felt right). Another WOW! The depth, fullness, richness was there all the way down. Sources/Streamers/DACs to pair: If you go down the rabbit hole further, you will be looking for different sonic flavors or just one you prefer. This ranges from crisp, accurate, analytical listening provided by the digital to analog converters in most receivers/integrated amps or streamers (like the Wiim Ultra). Others chase the next level like holographic soundstage and vintage sound that's warm, rich, soft around the edges, less fatiguing. I did too. The Fosi V3 delivered power, Wiim Ultra delivered the source/pre-amp function, then I added an external DAC and RCA a/B switch to try Fiio K13 R2R DAC. Why? R2R dacs (resistor ladder vs. Delta/Sigma chip) are known for that warm, realistic, organic sound with even better soundstage if done right. The K13 delivered!!! Another WOW! For a budget build, I cannot believe how well this has done. VERY wide, deep, soundstage, clear, warm vibe you can listen to for hours. KEF's ability to provide both a precise and expansive sound in the sweet spot along with a room filling capability is really impressive and can't be touched in this price range I feel. I don't even want to listen to the LS50 Metas or I might spend another $1000 lol. I did find an eq profile recommendation to tweak the Q1's toward the LS50 sound profile and I do feel it made it just a little more elevated in vocals and airy on top. Summary: Buy them! Be sure to power them with 100watts ++ amp at 4 ohms to really open them up. I feel they are perfect for near or mid-field listening alone at lower listening levels (up to 70-75db), get a good, quick musical sub and you're good to 90+db if you want it. Hope this helps others.

I have this running with Fosi ZA3 amp, JDS Element III as pre-amp/DAC, and SVS 3000 micro as the sub. The result is absolutely exceptional. Amazing for near-field listening and great in a smaller room as well. I probably wouldn't use it as mains for home theater unless it's a very small room but that's just me. Can't go wrong with these as pc speakers. I use them for music and games, sometimes videos and shows. Very good value and easy to power.

Really happy with these speakers! The sound is super clear with nice detail and a solid amount of bass for their size. Music feels more open and natural compared to my old setup. They also look great — clean and modern. Definitely worth it if you want quality sound without going overboard.

I purchased these as near field speakers for my computer desk. To say I was impressed is an understatement. They sound amazing with music and gaming. Once I lived with them for a few days I decided that if these were this good the LS50 Meta must be Incredible. The LS50 is definitely on another level but is it worth the price difference? I can't really answer that. These actually do some things better the the LD50. Mainly they have more useable bass. These I would happily use in a nearfield setting without a subwoofer. These are wonderful speakers for the money. You get that great KEF coaxial driver at a bargain price but beware they could very well be a gateway to more expensive options!

I am using these for left and right, along with a KEF center channel. They sound great, I really believe you need a bright sounding tweeter for movies, I am very happy with purchase. I had to downsize my home theater set up and these fit perfectly. I would highly recommend. Plus, I got them on sale for $300 off, that was icing on the cake.

I got these to use as rear surrounds. I have KEF R3 Meta for left and right fronts and R6 meta for center so i was able to compare them side by side and they are not in that league at all. For the price and size i think are great. They just dont have the 3D soundstage the R Meta’s have. Great clarity, not much depth or soundstage. My only complaint with them would be the magnetic cloth grill. If someone (kids) were to “poke” them the grill wouldnt offer much protection. Overall they look great and aound great for the price range and i dont see how someone wouldnt be happy with them.

Bought on sale for $399/pair. They sound very good as surround and height speakers to compliment KEF main and center speakers. I wish they accepted adjustable brackets easier.

Perfect for surrounds or for music in a small room. Was using this as LR until I got my Q Concerto, and it filled my medium sized room decently (albeit with little bass)

Perfect for back surround in a KEF set up. They dont overwhelm you like some other surround speakers do.

Really nice speakers that have amazing imaging and really clear vocals. The bass isnt big but its nice.

Outstanding one of the best bookshelf speakers you can buy highly recommend them

These kef q1 meta speakers have very clean sound neutral and crisp. Butvits best suited for small rooms with dedicated subwoofer. Sounds way better thsn klipsch Reference line.

Great speakers with a lot of sound, perfect for my theatre room!

Great product sounds amazing alot of good things come from this brand

Great bookshelf speakers at a terrific price. KEF is among the top speakers!

Excellent sounding speakers! These definitely rock!!

The sound is pretty good but not sure it's worth the price. I rated 4 due to the combination of sound and price.

These speakers sound hustxas good ad tbe hugh ones i had originally.

Beautiful sound quality. These speakers are perfect for a small-ish listening room.

Although I haven’t recieved them yet. They were ordered and ETA… is the 19th…. Rating based off your sales guys knowledge of surround sound systems. He appeared very knowledgeable