Z Review - KEF Q350 [Super Emo-Coaxial Monsters]

[@asm200sx]

I have the KEF Q150 and they are not bright at all. A bit on the warm side and incredibly good with vocals. They also put out a surprising amount of bass, they can match the Elac B6 in the bass performance.

[@herrtrigger7220]

Even if you don't care about the item under review, Z's way of describing things is always the most entertaining thing on youtube

[@LeRoySL-q5q]

No, "annoying".

[@Atodaso]

I came here for "ejaculating sound in all directions", and I got exactly what I was looking for. Thank you.

[@Chardiieee]

Adam Kycia 1 month ago Whaaaaaaaat

[@n0ah1897]

He uploads videos for his patrons first.

[@TheKb117]

Sonic bukake hahahahha

[@ricardombr]

Tl:Dr 8:40

[@justinwaloshin7832]

Would love to see you review the Q150s.

[@Burnstation3D]

i have a set of q150's I use on my pc desk w/1 ft stands with rubbers. sounds amazing if powered by a decent amp. I got them for under 500$ brand new liquidation deal. Id actually suggest them to people that want a passive studio monitor but the ability to move them as rears if you wanted q350's for your livingroom (almost got a set of q350's for 350$ cad on local marketplace.) I agree Z should review the q150's in 2024 on desk and used as rears with the q350's for home theater.

[@johnnyboo9041]

WOW!!!! What difference the placement has on these. Before seeing this I was having a hard time with them and found them too bright as I had them pointing inward but directly at me. Now having them crisscrossing in front of me it’s made a huge huge difference. Thx

[@thunderpooch]

Why not tilt them up a bit? Everyone gets bogged down worrying about left/right toe in. And if that's the only axis you think of, you might start considering extreme toe in angles.

[@benkrake3678]

I just heard these awesome Q350’s in store today hooked up to just a basic $600AU Onkyo amplifier and it handled these speakers well. Hopefully I’ll be getting a pair of these speakers soon!

[@Quetzalcoatl0]

Z do you plan to review some Dali speakers in the near future ?

[@macl653]

You've found a new subscriber, great review. I just bought a pair of Q350s in Walnut and I'm going to angle them as you've suggested. Thanks!

[@infamousmaze6870]

*honks* "Fuck You Too! I'm from Fuckin' New York" I relate so hard to this.

[@gordthor5351]

There is a reason why Kef uses the 5 inch driver in the R900s, LS 50s.....rather than the 6 inch. The 5 inch has a better dispersion angle, not only the mids, but also the highs, because they follow the same trajectory. I'm sure Kef uses the same tweeter in both drivers, so if they are to bright, then the problem is with the larger dispersion angle (I'm guessing earlier reflection and more reflection before it hits your ears). I was planning on buying the Q 300s, but when I demoed them side by side with the Q100s, the 100s sounded much better. If I remember right. Kef also uses the 5 inch drivers in the very expensive Blades. I haven't heard the R300s, but I have the R900s and LS 50s. As good as the LS 50s are, the R 900s highs (silky smooth), make the LS 50s sound a bit harsh in comparison. Try to get your hands on a pair of R300s, because I am sure you will be impressed. I think Kef owes you a pair for your honest and positive reviews on the Q100s and LS 50s. I have at least 5-6 of the components you have reviewed and I must say that your reviews are very accurate.

[@SSStroger]

I just did the extreme toe in on my Q150s and wow, you are right.

[@peter.s.3207]

I don't know if it's the official term for speakers tilted in too far, but the term I use is "over-toed." Coming from the term "toe-in."

[@sdrtcacgnrjrc]

Interesting. I saw a review lately where they were saying to toe the speakers outwards. Damned if I can remember which ones though (could even have been these ones -- I should be taking more notes in my research...)

[@zakblue]

Thanks for the review but dude there's no need for that epic toe-in. I have these and tried them both at the desktop and in the lounge and they are perfect setup as you would normally with a slight toe in (more of a toe in obv at the desktop nearfield) Also the Uni-Q is one of the few speakers that won't work well up high to your listening position. I know you like the height dominance thing but it doesn't work well for the kefs in my experience.

[@katzolik]

I own the Q350. and I cant agree with the statement that they are bright. i actually use them on my desk DIRECTLY pointed to my ears. they are about 1.2 meters away from my ears and there is no excessive brightness or harshness! i would even say they are darker than neutral! I compared them with my Monitor Audio Bronze 2 and the monitor audio are way brighter! Zeos stated that the MAB2 have less treble than the klipsch. I also used both in my Home Theater setup and did not notice the center image problem. the thing i noticed is that the Q350 are less bright and more laid back than the MAB2. Really i never thought something like "sharp" or "bright" when listening to these. Maybe there is something wrong with your pair of Q350 man... I´ve never heard someone saying these are bright!

[@tomtaikato3652]

katzolik yea i have these about 3 meters away and they sound great pointed right at me

[@ZReviews]

There is the possibility the pair is weird. I mean I have a sample size of 1. Its happened before with Sennheiser 380pro's. I had to re-do the review a year later.

[@katzolik]

@zeos i would guess so.. i dont know about KEF´s QC tho. You really should get another pair and give them a listen. there worth it i bet! i feel bad for the person who gave the speakers to you for review haha i suggest he should return them for repair..

[@katzolik]

I also did a Quick measurement in Discord #General if you want to have a look

[@martinjean5198]

Hi everyone, (i prevent you, i'm french and my english is not perfect, i'm sorry ) The treble on my Q350's was harsh and sharp until i do a violent burn-in ! I turned the volume to maximum while a soundtrack of pink noise was playing, (with a power of a nanoDSD (at his max) into a transistor power-amp (60watts per channel at 8 ohms) ) and the treble became sweet and fluid and present in normal quantities. And the timbre of instruments became better, more realistic and detailed. I have a bright headphone that you reviewed Zeos, it's the HE-350 from hifiman and massdrop, they have a lot more treble than the Q350's, and they are still listenable. But before this break-in i agree the treble was hurting me. But you (Zeos) are not the first to report this issue, so maybe the Q350's, even if they are burn-in, are too bright for some people. We will never know.

[@sabinnms2181]

Broooo, what is the name of the track at 14:15, we're dying here, I am going banana trying to find it!

[@abban132435]

song at 13:00?

[@johnsanders9688]

I forgot to mention that the Amp itself will play a significant difference in terms of brightness and bass when comparing speakers! I can use my Marantz set up with a pair of modest Elac B6 2.0 speakers and those speakers while very full sounding and smooth just make me want to take a nice nap, they are boring to listen too! But when connected to my Naim Nait 5si they are immediately transformed and you are now listening to a $1K speaker!

[@jayhoskins9988]

Thanks Z for all the great reviews! Any integrated amp suggestions for the Q350's? Looking at current sale on Cambridge Audio CXA61/AXR100 or Audiolab 6000A, budget up to $800 for a 2.1 in a living room. Basically loosing my mind trying to choose, thanks!

[@lxvrgs]

Whats the name of that classical track don't think it was mentioned.

[@skippyturtle1]

I had the same issue and was disappointed with these speakers. I did exactly what you said and now I love these speakers. Thanks for figuring this out for me.

[@spuddyl9938]

Thank you for the tip toeing them in this way. I bought these two months ago and i hated them since day one. The highs are way to bright, especially combined with a Marantz amp. And like you said, moving your head one inch to the left made the sound appear to only come out of the left speaker and vice versa. The center imaging is just awful. Non of the other reviewers addressed this issue!

[@Burnstation3D]

did those come with foams for the rear like the q150's? Something to add to this review about placement...i have only run these on my desk on 1ft stands (matching height of my monitor) next to a g9 odyssey display so i have them facing in your same configuration. they sound amazing as studio montiors sitting 6-7ft away. (q150's)

[@mykeldg]

You forgot to use the bungs. They have Half bungs which in my extended listening definitely smoothed out the peak at 12khz as well as gave the bass much more definition. They sound much closer or even better then the LS50W I've demoed when you have the bungs on. The only difference is the LS50 have slightly more forward vocals.

[@juggsauce]

I'd love to see you review the Q550s

[@Bradum]

Ugh. What is the name of the song at 12:54 ?

[@Bradum]

Zeos helped me find it. It's Tango Jalousie by Tony Roel Trio off the Marantz Hi-End Audiophile Test Demo CD.

[@Jarhead46]

They need to be broken in quite a bit to get the sound you want. But they will calm down the treble with break in.

[@ansippai5075]

I have the Q150s and they are EXTREMELY dark, so I'm not sure why yours sound so bright. In fact mine sound too dark for my taste and I'm considering switching them for MA Bronze 2. I really hope we're not getting defective units or something.

[@daniels.3129]

Chewbacca looked at the speakers, I'm buyin' em!

[@HaridevV]

KEFs are designed to be listened to off axis. So you'd ideally place them facing straight forward.

[@AlessandroPitus]

a demo starting with the Def Squad is gold to my ears :D

[@Damien-Lugnut]

16:01 anyone have a link to this song I can’t find it on KZbin or Spotify

[@trackingtim]

Would you recommend the Q100 or Q350 for mostly music and (public) radio listening, plus some audio mixing?

[@justinwaloshin7832]

Why not Q150?

[@Chriswelder1]

What song was that at 9:29??

[@kiokoidrillow]

Hi community. I do have the ELAC Unifi UB5 and love all about them: however, I wonder if this Q350 would be an upgrade if I'd like to have : more bass, more volume . I am driving my current setup with a Yamaha Receiver R-N602 if this helps somehow. Thanks in advance

[@Skcoop03]

Is the angling of these speakers necessary because no dedicated center? If there were, would it be best to angle those LR speakers more straight-on?

[@ZReviews]

Each speaker is different. Just gotta play around. Many factors involved

[@johnsanders9688]

I know that you did this review 5 years ago but I do have a question? First! I love your videos while informative and transparent you make me laugh every time! Im considering purchasing these speakers although it pisses me off that KEF has moved the price point up and down more than any other speaker I've considered! They now retail for $800 per pair! I have a Naim Nait 5si rated at 60watts, is it enough to drive every last bit of detail from the KEF Q350's? While only at 60 watts, I love the sound of Naim and can make any speaker sizzle and come alive! Look forward to your reply! Thank you.

[@ZReviews]

Your lucky day that I found this reply. I think they are still worth that sort of money. I just filmed the new Klipsch RP600M Mk2 video and at the right distance, 9+ feet away those are hard to beat for room filling sound. A touch bass light but everything else is beautiful. Just another similarly priced option.

[@johnsanders9688]

@@ZReviews Thank you sir! You are a blast to watch, I find your banter highly informative and you are funny as shit to listen too!

[@animenatsu999]

how do they sound near field? for example at 1 meter or a little more sitting on a desk

[@philsince59]

When I first got these and hooked them up to my Cambridge axr 100 and started listening I was po'd that I made the wrong speaker choice. It sounded so weak and crappy and tinny

[@philsince59]

But once I toed them in, let them break in, and added an SVS sb1000 sub, this is a badass awesome sounding system! The Cambridge receiver doesn't have HDMI so it's hooked to my TV with a digital cable but my 2.1 system sounds absolutely incredible for music and movies and the center imaging is excellent - sounds like it's coming right from the center of the TV during dialogue. I really enjoy your reviews and it's hilarious when I have my 64-year-old lady friend over and I'm watching your reviews and she hears your language and says "oh my!" LOL

[@philsince59]

About a month after I wrote this I was listening to Blue Monday by New Order just a little bit more than halfway up on my Cambridge axr-100 receiver and my left KEF q350 started sounding funny- when I looked at it it had a 2 inch tear in the bottom of the aluminum driver! I was horrified that my brand new speaker could actually rip from listening to a song at less than 60 to 70 Watts when it's rated for 120 RMS and my receiver only puts out 100 rms if it was maxed out turned all the way up. I googled damaged kef speakers and there's a bunch of pictures of KEF aluminum drivers ripped to shreds and all mangled up! They did honor their warranty and I got the privilege of spending $80 to UPS the speaker to them which they kept for over a month to replace the driver. In the meantime I bought a pair of KLH Concord (which no one talks about or reviews) speakers which blow those KEF's straight out of the water in every way and every category. So for all of you who love your KEF speakers I am happy for you but for me they were a great disappointment and I'll use these for satellites or I will sell them.

[@chadaporntangtrakulwong2780]

What's the name of that tango-like song around the 14-15 minute mark? It's freaking beautiful!

[@nikola985]

holy shitttt this speaker turning actually helped me I had problem with the centering and sound from speakers being to sharp so I tried your method and it actually worked :D thx

[@venk11]

These and edifier s2000mkiii are the same price where I live. Which ones are the best pick in terms of sound quality?

[@alfredoforte325]

Talk about having the ultimate audiophile man-cave! Carry on brother! 😎

[@umber427]

Do you have to do the same criss cross trick with the LS50's (since they have a similar coaxial design)?

[@NeedForSleep1000]

I like your swordfish wall art, where did you get it?

[@comehomeastronaut]

Hm, interesting. I have limited experience with these, but I can't say that I ever thought they were too bright. I actually thought they were a decent bit darker than a pair of B&W 685 s2 that I was comparing these too, and I vastly preferred the Q350's over those. The pair I listened to were fresh out of the box though. I could see where they would be brighter than the LS50 though, but maybe that's just my preference - I actually was mildly unimpressed with the LS50W and thought they sounded too round and dark.

[@eja35oz]

How did these compare overall to the b&w you listened too?

[@anthonypizans6768]

Your reviews are hilarious!

[@jzhng6325]

How do they compare with the B&W 685 S2s? I can't decide which to buy between the two, help please?

[@phantomskim698]

What about Airpulse A200?

[@zakblue]

Awesome that they can take so much juice. So tempted to buy some to hear em cranked with my Krell 500i...

[@Zhiloreznik]

I’ve Q500 and have the same super narrow image problem. If you are not completely centre it goes to shit. Will give this hard tilt a try

[@boballard6040]

Thanks for the great review.. as always I come for a review by you and your approach is straight up! Getting these today, on sale for 500. Small room, Decware amp so we'll see.

[@StewartRoss]

Yes! The review I've been hanging for. I own them, I like them. In Australia, these are possibly the best bang for buck. Sadly we pay more for speakers here, even though we're closer to China. ;) I don't find them bright at all through my Rotel A14 = 80 watts/channel = plenty to play loud. That said, I think they need about 150 hours burn-in time.

[@iamsimonmorris]

Hey mate, I have been agonizing over 150's or 350's? Im in Brisbane, your thoughts a year later

[@altops4490]

I pointed my bedroom speakers tow out 7 degrees and omg it like a completely different pair better.

[@birra1]

which cables would you recommend to connect this speakers?

[@blackmetalgangster]

How are these vs JBL Studio 530?

[@mykeldg]

Have you tried the foam bungs / plugs that came with them? They sound closer to the ls50 in terms of bass control with them on and it makes the mids standout better. For some odd reason the plugs also tames down the highs for me. Or maybe the bass is too much which is why it sounds uncomfortable when loud which is mistaken for having uncomfortable highs.

[@ralex3697]

mykeldg The foam bungs tame the speakers nicely I had to use them with my LS 50s they had a terrible boomy thump. Good on Kef for including the foam bungs, they really help.

[@ryanr6240]

How do these compare to the CCB-8s for home theatre?

[@mat900ft]

Had you run the speakers in? I know they say 20-30 hours of normal use, but I’ve had two pairs of speakers that took double that before.

[@LSSS82]

Hi I'm looking for upgrading my current BOSE SOUNDTOUCH 220 and considering these KEF Q350 and a Yamaha Musiccast amp. Would this be a good choice for music and movies?

[@simonwang1995]

I got Bose Soundbar 700 and KEF Q350 a week ago. KEF def blows my mind, and I have Bose returned, zero hesitation

[@homeboi808]

They did away with front ports as they have midrange leakage, not so much a problem for towers due to size and how far away the ports are from the driver (and lower to the ground), but it’s not ideal for bookshelves, especially if it’s for mainly music usage.

[@archivestereo]

Why are they toed in 45-degrees?

[@JackSchitte]

Z.... I am very alarmed by the realization I am now extremely Brain-damaged. I follow your reviews much too completely from beginning to the very end. Heaven help me or Hell save me depending on your preference!

[@ZReviews]

A common symptom of NAS (Nerve Attenuation Syndrome). Hopefully the cure is broadcast worldwide soon.

[@Doctor-yr3uy]

Hi.i need your advice.marantz hd amp 1 has 35 watt /8 ohms power. Is q350 is a proper match? Thanks

[@mykeldg]

Doctor i have the marantz pm5005 which ate 40w and they power these plenty. Cant get past 12 o clock

[@Doctor-yr3uy]

@@mykeldg thanks. I bought dynaudio m20 with hd amp1 and hd cd1. And i am happy with that.

[@Elbrasch]

Bought these to free up my ls 50 for desk duty. Let's see how it goes

[@quangminhnguyen7017]

Zeos, can you review the NHT super one's 2.1?

[@Constantine78]

Great review! Will these speakers work well with the Svs PB 1000?

[@SilentGloves]

My babies. You finally reviewed my KEFs of choice. Sold my Jamos once I got these. Oddly enough, I found the Jamo C103s significantly sharper than the Q350s.

[@ZReviews]

How. HOW

[@katzolik]

@SilentGloves Yeah i also own them and found them to be more laid back than bright.. maybe his pair is weird ?

[@katzolik]

@Zeos i think your Q350 are broken haha.. really they are not bright at all. less bright than the Monitor Audio Bronze 2 and you thought those were less bright than the Klipsch!

[@SilentGloves]

I'm not sure which of us you are addressing, katzolik. To be clear, I found the Jamo C103s to be sharp in the upper mid and lower high frequencies. My KEFs are delightfully warm, but with just the right amount of sparkly. Edit: Wait, nevermind. I realize your first comment was directed at me, and the second at Z. Carry on.

[@katzolik]

@SilentGloves fixt it haha sorry. youtube comments... i havent heard the Jamo´s but i also think the Q350 are not bright at all.

[@rackles4532]

What audio format do you use in foobar, do you pay for it and or where do you download it?

[@shannonmccormick2096]

Hey z my name is shannon. I am looking at buying either the kef q150's or the monitor bronze 2. I like quality sound with very good bass. I have around 600$ to spend . What do you recomend

[@MrKillroy26]

“Sith Lord Black” lmao

[@cuerex8580]

Paired the KEF LS50 with Denon PMA 1600NE today and what do i have to say, the frequency range extended a whole lot. the marantz amp1 i used prior was way too weak

[@eddiebrock8901]

How about a review of the sonus faber prinicipa at around 500 plus on Amazon .. ?? Anyone heard them?

[@Geerladenlad]

Couldn't you use EQ or mini DSP EQ 2 roll off the tweeters little bit or find that frequency that maybe those sharp and cut it?

[@neonphoenix8951]

Geerladenlad EQ can be a pain if it's software though

[@Chardiieee]

Z, are you aware of the comb filtering effect? Does it not bother you when you cross the channels over in front of the listening position?

[@ZReviews]

If it bothered me I would try something else. It did not.

[@LudicInterface]

The fact that the combing effect destruction and thus flattening/shrinking of the bubble is less than the 1st order 90 degree phase shift causing the same/similar issue shows how poorly the xover design is in these speakers. Yeah Kef ruin these speakers by saving the costs of a couple more caps and inductors.

[@esariasesarias3793]

how ar this compared with elac ub5 ? Are this the best for 400$?

[@tinostarks]

wouldn't changing the orientation of the speakers really screw with stereo imaging (or surround if used like that)?

[@1165mac]

Instead of "crossing the streams" so violently, why not just tilt them up or down slightly to tame the treble?

[@sarpaulmehat7318]

Kef q350 vs JBL studio 530 which is the better speaker in your opinion?

[@MinasK.97]

*Please review the Taga Harmony Azure B-40 v.2!! they are very good speakers and we need your reaction and your thots about those speakers*

[@JohnSmith.907]

Thanks so much, I took your advice about the speaker placement and you were right 👍🏼

[@holdened]

What speaker stands you recommend on the kef q100s? Not crazy expensive

[@darpanbhuyan1909]

I wonder if the buchardt S300s hv more bass? I already hv d q350s n dunno if getting d s300s are gna be much of an upgrade...

[@alexanderscott3790]

Which JAMOs is he referring to that are better than these Kef Q350s?? The S803s,????

[@kennethz3366]

How does Q350 compare to Adam T5V or T7V? Which one sounds more natural with better tone and timbre and detail? How dynamic are they?

[@GreyTileGaming]

Have auditioned the T5V/T7V and ended up buying the Q350 in a 2.1 living room setup. The Adams are sterile/analytical and are great for mastering/studio work but the Q350 has been great all-around for Gaming/Movies/Music. But you are also comparing powered studio monitors to a coaxial passive bookshelf that is 2 times the price. Your amplifier/source will play a large part in getting the most of the KEF so depending on your planned investment/budget there might be better options out there. Hope that helps.

[@markvserik]

What would be a good amplifier for theses? Considering Yamaha R-N602. Any better options in the same price point (500-700€)? I need something that will work for my record player, cd player, TV and streaming.

[@kapparino]

Will one Behringer a500 be fine to power a pair of these? Are they going to murder me in near field/a small room?

[@InSaiyanShinobi]

What would be the best bookshelf speakers the kef q350s klipsch 600m or svs prime bookshelf I’m trying to start my theater speaker journey which would be best out of the 3

[@rolandrohde]

Don't get the Klipsch. SVS is probably going to be fine and the Q350 or Q150 are great.

[@perevozchikovyaroslav4759]

What is opinion, is it worth changing from Q300 to Q350? Or is better to buy LS50’s? Thank you!

[@BOOSTEDLASER]

How do you like these VS Paradigm for the same amount of cash

[@sebastianbjork7722]

Would you consider reviewing Procella speakers, especially the P5?

[@LudicInterface]

The 1st order xover in these speakers narrows the sweet spot despite the drivers being coincident. One can only wonder what a good LR4 xover would do for these speakers. Interesting how the 45 degree xover point phase shift (90 degree asymptotes) has caused Z to rotate them inward 45 degrees for perceived improvement.

[@tuantrd]

Y the hell they put the port on the back

[@thesixthgeneration6573]

Hi. Just bought a pair if these and I find them a tad bright too. Do you think nad amplification can solve the issue? Thanks

[@ZReviews]

Im pretty sure it wasn't my amplification since I run all my speaker the same. But worth a try.

[@ralex3697]

less like you Can help, but room placement is essential for correction.

[@sabitahmed2686]

Does your patreon account release a video every week?

[@ZReviews]

A few a week. $5 get every video early. $2 get only some.

[@sabitahmed2686]

Z Reviews ok thanks! I will subscribe soon when I get time. But I would prefer more speaker & subwoofer reviews 🤣

[@bookie60]

I have these speakers but have been seriously underwhelmed by the bass performance. I mean it just doesn't seem to really be there unless I really crank them up. I'm running them with an Onkyo TX-RZ1100. this isn't a "cheap" av receiver but is it still just too underpowered to make these speakers perform?

[@mykeldg]

hmm.. my Q350 are actually borderline bass heavy that they are unlistenable without the Foam bungs. i suggest you try integrated amps.

[@ralex3697]

mykeldg The foam bungs really correct a lot of their design flaws

[@intoitreviews]

I wanna see the q150 powered by a sprout 100 vs dirty weekend iis powered by the same ;)

[@LeRoySL-q5q]

Mom's basement?

[@gerihallitvedt2533]

How are these compared to the good old Kef R300?

[@jamiet74]

its often called "extreme toe-in". Wayne Parham has an excellent white paper on it!Dr Hsu always recommends his speakers be set up this way as well

[@LudicInterface]

Wayne Parham also thinks 6dB/octave (1st order) xovers are no problem and that people can't perceive the 45-90 degree phase shift. Wayne is WRONG as is proven by Z's perception of the bubble collapse when moving left/right laterally. I also had these speakers in for testing and the sweet spot is NARROW. We are talking like 2 feet wide at a 10 foot distance and IMHO totally ruins the coincident design of the coaxial.

[@rpbox1122]

Hi , polk es 20 or kef q 350 ?