KEF Q Concerto Meta (vs. KEF R3 Meta, Wharfedale Linton & more)

[@EvanA.]

Not surprised to hear the R3 Meta and Q Qoncerto Meta are similar. The consumer really wins here. Thanks KEF (and Mr. Darko).

[@sobeautifulsrilanka]

Love these direct comparisons! Keem them coming, please.

[@amante762]

For the love of God, I don't know why nobody will directly compare these with the LS50 Meta that everyone has reviewed at this point, which is closer in price ($999 currently). Yes, it's design is obviously similar to the R3, but purchase decision has a much stronger correlation to price! Great review as always!

[@paulbrodeur5485]

Can't wait you put your hands on Super Linton

[@Mikeymikemike]

I have compared the concerto and r3 meta side by side I think the r3 is grippier and more detailed in the bass with more texture. The mids in vocal tracks are larger and more lifelike creating a bigger full bodied soundstage. I think you’ve got it the other way around in terms of value. The concerto makes the r3 meta seem like a very good value upgrade. If someone can swing an extra $800 more you get a better bass driver, larger midrange driver, seamless cabinet construction, real wood veneer or gloss paint finish instead of vinyl wrap and biwirable posts. Fit and finish on the r3 meta can’t be faulted. Overall, you get subjectively better sound and the unquantifiable peace of mind of knowing you can’t really step up any further in the kef bookshelf world without spending silly money on the reference line. So the value quotient for r3 seems more appealing now. With the concerto, some will be wondering if they should upgrade; whereas the r3 metas hold the fort a little longer.

[@Raafie]

Thanks for your review!

[@LULAM50]

Another great review from John Diarko. Cheers from Canadia !

[@KITFLETCH1]

One of your best. Love that you took trouble use both of your rooms and that you told us the media listening choices in Berlin and Portugal. Different speaker stands and placement of the speakers presumably make little difference.

[@lmtrades]

regular viewers of this channel are still waiting for that aluminum vs. aluminium side by side review

[@adsph]

Well done John. Thank you.

[@funkychicken2119]

The R3 really takes the brunt on value proposition now that the Qs are out. Even the LS50 Meta are now 1/3 off since this model came out. I’m wondering if the LS50 is now the value king at $999?

[@AdamFitzgerald]

I've been looking forward to this review since the Q Concerto Meta was announced and it did not disappoint. Thank you John.

[@AngeloAthens]

Hello!!! I've been waiting for this review since i saw them at your site and now the next step is to take my amp and go to a store to actually listen to them. And if they sound as good as you say ,then i will definitely buy them! Thnx Darko for the great review!!

[@sunvalleydrivemusic]

Just bought the Concetos as a secondary system and I love them already. I’m shocked at their performance for the price.

[@GeorgeJorge-w4g]

KEF are probably going to replace the R series. I can’t see them allowing the concerto to run the R so close for half the price. Consumers don’t spend double for nearly identical sound. Also, the walnut with black of the concerto looks so much better than the walnut with bronze of the R series.

[@jandalichow6659]

You should do a video on how you keep all your gear clean and dust free…

[@DarkoAudio]

Look again at my Technics turntable!

[@jandalichow6659]

Yeah I’m jealous. How do you do it??

[@feelgeorge]

Thank you for this review.. I really enjoyed this one.

[@luispaxtor2680]

I tried these and while I loved the depth and height of the soundstage I returned them. On rock music electric guitars sounded opaque, this was really surprising. I also have Lintons and JBL HDI 1600s. Amp is a Rotel 1592 MKII.

[@Kukkema]

Great review and beautiful video, as always. Thought you would be using the Hegel amp. Always heard that they’re very good synergistically with KEF.

[@Lou-f]

The longer live concert version of crime in the city shown on channel 4 in the ‘90 (have on vhs) is a real smack in the face. I’d love to find a proper recording on vinyl or cd.

[@JoseGarcia-oo4mc]

Excellent work 👍

[@PAULGRILL]

What about the elephant in the room? How do they compare to the equally priced LS50 Meta. Since there is the LS50 I don‘t get why KEF positioned the Concerto on the almost exact price level of the 50s.

[@aaronedgerton1843]

Thank you 🙏 Please do a comparison with the new Whatfedale Super Linton

[@Karto86]

Interesting stuff about KEFs new measurement center :)

[@D1N02]

I would play them of against the Q acoustics 5040. They are a bit more expensive but don't need stands.

[@aquinamedia4508]

On the KEF 1960s note, what happend to the floor speakers with 10" bass drivers that used to be prominent up till 90s?

[@toomuchroom.studio]

You mention the Stereo 70s, but prefer the A1 pairing. Did the 70s sound like it had enough power to drive the Concerto?

[@syanhc]

I might by the LSX 2❤

[@Zhiloreznik]

LS50 are not competitive anymore, unless you use them for desk or you are willing to compromise on sound for smaller design. They make for a great lifestyle speaker

[@marvinbavarian3236]

❤ your stuff

[@hifi-photo-Brian]

Where did you get the cool speakers stands the Zu DWX are on? What brand are they or are they custom? Thanks!

[@DarkoAudio]

They're a custom job. 🙂

[@angelOcrisu]

😂I choose OK Computer every time and Wish you were here but which is which?! I bought this summer the Elac UBR62 at 500eu new which has a similar 3 way displacement as Concerto. I think it's a contender. It's german brand. Why don't you give it some attention?!

[@justbrowsing5279]

Looking forward to a Super Linton review.

[@flaviusfro]

What stands are supporting those Golden Ear speakers?

[@DarkoAudio]

Buchardt stands.

[@benoitdelcorps1019]

Just by curiosity, what are these ortofon concordes heads on the turntable? DJ cartridges? With what kind of needles? Any opinion on these compared to ortofon red or blue?

[@Vladetz]

Thankl you for awesome video! Do KEF SQ1 stands allow bolted connection to Q Concerto?

[@DarkoAudio]

Yes, speaker and stand are bolted together

[@johngreek]

Waiting Q1 Meta review for small rooms

[@salreda7470]

3 - 4 ohm is class D freiendly

[@DarkoAudio]

This is useful info. Thank you.

[@MarcelNL]

I see them on sale now for €950.

[@mitchparker7652]

.....or for much older timers.....picking between Bitches Brew and Kind of Blue.

[@seventeendegree]

please review the new radiant acoustics :)

[@Reluctantaudiophile]

Canadia? LOL!

[@glennboyer5929]

Definitely sounds like a mythical horse 😅

[@salreda7470]

Apex twin Blue Calx from Apple Music sounds different from the original cd version. There is more distortion in the low end bass on the Apple Music version at the highest resolution. Try it. I was blown away of why this is happening with Apple Music.

[@tonyjedioftheforest1364]

Would the Super Linton be better at a similar price?

[@ArrivingElsewhere]

Not sure if you changed lighting or something but your A roll looks like you're in the middle of golden hour, very kino!

[@guillermobrito4987]

In both cases having to choose is a blasphemy

[@eddietours3728]

Wharfedale baby

[@bearfootsteve6104]

Is it me…? Your furniture looks very low for a guy like your height 🧐 specially the turntable.

[@Lovelacewatkins139]

Shouldn't that be boards of canadia

[@DarkoAudio]

You make a good point 🎈

[@cbalano]

Canadia, lol

[@lakinnenlako6883]

I just don't get this hype about KEF in recent years.