I also noticed a bit of "talk" from the cabinet, but only rarely did I detect any cabinet resonances in the fundamental range of human speechapproximately 200750Hzwhile listening to music. Also, not all the receivers come along with these elements. Pairing with a subwoofer and having most of the bass go to the subwoofer cleans the sound signature up a little bit but the overall sound quality lacked detail and definition. Because stereo sound is special. The Best Active Speakers of 2022 The Best Portable Bluetooth Speakers for Summer The Best Waterproof Bluetooth Speakers The Best Outdoor Speakers for Your Backyard and Summer Parties. Wharfedale D220 also developed the bass extension that I did not expect. Released in 2018, they're the next-generation versions of the 3020 and, compared to their predecessor, the 3020is are slightly taller and have a 25-percent deeper chamber to deliver more punchy bass. There are two main types: acoustic suspension and bass reflex. If you have empirical evidence for Chinese manufactured equipment being of worse quality please present it. You are not 'old school'. and soft textiles (silk, cloth, Woofers are built with a variety of materials, such as paper, plastic, polypropylene, Kevlar, or metal. Really wanted to like this speaker but I returned it. Control the speaker with buttons on the device. My personal gear went up for adoption and are long gone, I should've put them into "proper" storage. These are the best bookshelf speakers for your home audio setup, in a variety of price ranges. Also, please comment on how stand and speaker are to be joined (the speakers have no fasteners of any kind, and the fine LS50 lacquer can easily be damaged if using Blutac, for instance). If that is your interest, you can buy some very good components directly out of China from sellers like ShenzhenAudio.com and others should you choose to do so. The significant difference is that q100 has a front port, whereas KEF q350 has a backport. But as we have already mentioned that it is a passive speaker, the customization shouldnt be expected anyways. According to Sehdev, "The lower component count for 1st order network allows us to use better quality components for the price." It's a complex thing that our next generations will be working, struggling, anguishing with. I too found myself on that see-saw of trying to decide which to buy and if the Q350 was worth the extra $200. 1996-2023, Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates, Select a location to see product availability, Reviewed in the United States on March 6, 2022. You apparently do not read the newspapers to notice the hollowing out of Chinese manufacturing is beginning. Note decays were blurry, and slightly too long. Buying a piece of Gear is like a Marriage Commitment, a Love Affair, a Relationship. I too found myself on that see-saw of trying to decide which to buy and if the Q350 was worth the extra $200. Besides, the Q series KEF speakers are almost similar to each other in terms of technology, features, and design elements. The tweeter is placed in the acoustic middle of the midrange cone, taking the acoustic concept of a single point source closer to reality than ever before. Tandberg made some of the finest hi-fi gear in the 60's, 70's and 80's but were very expensive, but beautifully built, with astounding FM tuners in their receivers. The midrange is superb and the bass response from such a small two-way pair of loudspeakers is resoundingly taut and agile even with electronica and hip-hop and driven with entry-level integrated amplifiers. We are starting by comparing the sound quality of kEF q150 and q350. KEF also gave them a more refined cabinet, a new rear recessed port, and a new cone neck decoupler and motor system. You can enjoy the high volume music with taut sound in your house without even troubling your neighbors. The Q350's cloth grille is optional at $39.98/pair, but KEF does include concentric, two-piece foam plugs to partially or fully block the rear-firing ports when the pair are positioned near room boundaries. General Motors ( our Previous CEO Rick Wagoner ) was planning on moving about 35% of GM's Content to China until the Financial Crisis finally killed us, Obama came the the rescue with a critical loan and the demand of keeping GM "Local". Moreover, by shifting the low-frequency port to the speakers back, the audio loss is minimized. * Magnetic Grilles sold separately. I do buy valuable products made by skilled artisans and workmen, products like PS Audio, Sennheiser, Festool, Brisson Interfaces, Electrocompaniet, Thiel Audio, Meridian, Linn Products. Probably because it happened such a long time ago. So I returned them for refund and stated they were defective. The only thing that KEF Q150 lacks is the presence of the grille, which many people might not need to maintain the aesthetics. This has been my Life-Long hobby and part time Career Path. Hence, in this post, we will provide you with a detailed review of the most popular bookshelf speaker variants, KEF q150 VS q350. Anyone with 400 to spend on speakers would have to consider these wouldn't they? Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. Overall, the KEF q150 and q350 are the perfect choices that you can make to get your hands on the best bookshelf affordable speakers. There is nothing wrong with open and polite discussion, but not backing up any claims with insults and nationalist self-titillation gets you nowhere here. A facility tour will reveal all. The LS50 is now a balance scale transducer system that the Pro-Audio World ( including Genelec ) are carefully evaluating and comparing , pretty much like you and Steve G. do within most of your workings. Now KEF brings out a similar less expensive model with its own set of qualities. In this, the main motive of the wave effect is to reduce the microscopic compression. * Measurement per unit, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. 5. KEF always seemed to have some sort of "entry" level loudspeaker, a price driven speaker like the beautiful CODA of the early 1980s. KEF q350 is another popular variant of the bookshelf speaker. The frequency range is wide, too, as you're getting lows in the 50Hz range and highs up near 50kHz. I think I'm reading that it's around $1,000 for DAC,Amplification & Loudspeakers ( made in chine ). More specific and focused drivers means more accurate, robust sound. The frequency response of these two speakersdiffers. You should also ask yourself why these companies have shifted manufacuring to China, or Indonesia, or Mexico? They are usually made by equally wonderful girls. The Q350 was not released recently but the KEF sound with the Uni-Q drivers has been praised for many years. Basically, if you thought KEF's previous speakers sounded good the new LS50 Collection takes that sound to the next level. Luxman, Triangle and Marantz working perfectly together, #nowspinning. Speakers with midrange drivers (i.e., at least three-way speakers) have a distinct advantage over two-way speakers. and they're cheap! The soundstage is comprehensive and big, with heavy bass and reasonable treble, making these speakers suitable for confined areas. It uses the same Driver and framework content as the Q150. KEF also gave them a more refined cabinet, a new rear recessed port, and a new cone neck decoupler and motor system. This level of clarity and refined detail isnt something we usually hear at this mid-range price were really impressed." It makes for nice sounding and a nice looking front stage. The Uni q driver is positioned right at the center of the entire driver box. Kef Q350. I replaced the Bel Cantos with the Pass Laboratories XA25 stereo amplifier ($4900) and listened to Robert Palmer's Quintet for A-Clarinet, String Trio, and Piano, composed in 1952 and performed by clarinetist Arthur Bloom, violinist Kees Kooper, violist Paul Doktor, cellist Warren Lash, and pianist Mary Louise Boehm, and produced by Marc Aubort and Joanna Nickrenz (LP, Vox Turnabout TV-S 34508, now available on CD as Albany 153). We can say lack in terms of the control system. In the past few years, Bowers & Wilkins decided to update its famed 600 range of speakers (which is now over 25 years old). Even Foxconn has stated it could move some production overseas. All the talk of the Q350's cabinet vibration is a little disconcerting, you'll get none of that from the Paradigms, as they use the more expensive matrix cabinet construction. I'd rather the Rogers, Halbeth, Magnapan.7, the ProAc Tabletts ( my long term favorite ). The port seemed quiet, but not as quiet as when it was partially or fully blocked. Just wonderin'. Now comes the price that you should consider before you finally decide to invest in any of the variants. These Kefs blow all the speakers in this price range clear out of the water. The KEF LS50 quickly became regarded as some of the best-sounding passive speakers when they were released in 2012. The KEF LS50 Meta is available in four colors: carbon black, titanium gray, mineral white and a special edition crimson red. (Note: the L200 are effectively bigger, better-sounding and more expensive versions of the L100.). I added a SVS SB 2000-Pro sub and it literally calms my soul when I listen to them. English French italian German Spanish Japanese Chinese Simplified Chinese Traditional. or We who take our Music Hobby seriously ? The KEF Q350, however, while a reasonable product for $749, doesn't stack up against its competitors quite as well. If space is limited the Q350 will not limit your musical enjoyment, a Uni-Q driver and clever port design let it open up the sound. Before buying these KEFs, I like many others obsessionally belabored the choice. Many other technical specifications come along with these new speaker models. What's the Best Ultra-Portable Bluetooth Speaker? It is the biggest driver in size, and is usually shaped like a cone. Mistahhhhhhhh Space., You're Not Suggesting Block or unblock port if using with subwoofers? Trust me and ignore any negative reviews for this speaker. Why? - Oct 2018. Buy Epson Projectors, Onkyo AV Equipment, Sonos wifi audio, Samsung LED in Canada. One thing is for certain, there is no shortage of affordable passive or active bookshelf loudspeakers for all types of spaces. Triangle Borea BR03 are a popular option in the middle of the speakers price range. Also, the Tensegrity stands don't come with the speakers and add a significant ($999) price bump. The Q350s replicated Couperin's "Parish" and "Convent" organ masses with greater scale and finer, more intricate detail, but less forcefulness, than did the LS50s with the same amps. Raymond Cooke of KEF got his "K" from his success in Exporting British technologically advanced Products, not from importing cheap labor Chinese loudspeakers. E&OE. They integrated their new proprietary Metamaterial Absorption Technology (MAT), which KEF claims have the ability to "absorb 99% of the unwanted sound radiating from the rear of the driver." Nuff said, done here. The bass is usually louder if and whenthe lowest frequency is lower. Does seem to level the playing field a bit maybe even reverse the budget argument, why is that not commented on? Europeans seem to be less accepting of Chinese product dumpers. Triangle Borea BR03 Speakers https://amzn.to/2ybOCwjPrice: $549 (April, 2020), Overall Rating: Pros: Detail Sound, Clean Midrange and Bass, Good Sound Stage.Cons: A Little Cold And Bright Sound Signature From Upper Midrange to Highs, Cabinet Vinyl Wrapping is Not Up To Standard.Build Quality: Highs: Midrange: Bass: Sound Stage: Price: Music by Yao Si Ting: http://ebay.us/BHbje1Associated Equipments;Wharfedale Evo 4.2: https://amzn.to/3c9BIwvKEF LS50: https://amzn.to/36DQv1tB\u0026W 706 S2 Speakers: https://ebay.to/2Vuyi15Wharfedale Diamond 225: https://amzn.to/3aAT5WgDenon PMA-SX11 Integrated Amp: http://ebay.us/KV7KC3Marantz UD7007: http://ebay.us/zZfGqCDenon DP-47F Turntable: http://ebay.us/5v1hARDenon DL-301 MK II MC Cart: https://amzn.to/3abnWZcCanare 4S11 Speaker Cables: https://amzn.to/3eoJiFNAudioquest Type 4 Speaker Cables: https://amzn.to/3bBJ5gZAudioquest Big Sur RCA Cables: https://amzn.to/3aab3inBelden 8402 XLR Cables: http://ebay.us/G4Nt2qPS Audio AC-5 \u0026 AC-12 Power Cables: https://amzn.to/2KSlkJ1Power Bright 3KVA Step Down Transformer: https://amzn.to/3a8h4MjMonolith XL Audio Stand: https://amzn.to/3aiHcnSB\u0026W STAV-24 Speaker Stands.Hey!Only Option To Listen YouTube Sound Demo is with good headphones, not your favorite sound system because listening to two rooms at once is not a good thing, no matter how good your sound system is.My Preferred Headphones For YouTube Sound Demos: https://amzn.to/2wAkk54If you use these links to purchase any items from Amazon or eBay(No Extra Cost To You), I get a small percentage which help support my work and helps me keep going.And you want to help more? Mine are in walnut as I have many speakers that are black and wanted a change. It has an effect on the soundsbass, midrange, and treble, as well as tonal harmony. With daily advancements in technology, the speakers and all the techy devices come up with different features and specifications. Finally, my first Naim. I could tell where the internal brace was. Is Stereophile writing to their readership ? There is still no such thing as a free lunch. May 19, 2020. The Uni-Q driver has been reconfigured to the middle of the cabinet to improve the clarity and quality of the Q Series bookshelf speakers by reducing unnecessary internal resonance and adding precision to their acoustic clarity and detail.Lower treble output is greatly enhanced with the inclusion of the damped tweeter loading tube, which offers a smooth termination of sound emitted from the rear end of the tweeter, and a new low-distortion inductor provides clearer bass on the crossover. Now that we know about each speaker and their specifications, let us compare the two based on a few factors listed below: A speakers drivers are its brains. Ouch, I'm feeling like I'm getting my ass kicked, Manufacturing wise. The problem is real and the challenges still exist in other industries. LS50 has more resolution, but the slight warm tonality and abundant bass of Q350 (for the size) fit my personal taste better. Your comparison of the Stirling Broadcast to the Falcon Acoustics was extremely helpful. I am thrilled with these speakers, they will outlast my ears. I prefer loudspeakers with well-controlled directivity, which is the main reason I admire KEF's Uni-Q concentric drivers. A low distortion inductor is settled inside the speaker to reduce all the abrasion sounds, which tend to distort the quality of the sound. Triangle Borea BR03 2-Way Bookshelf Speaker (Pair) LIGHT OAK. Listening Before investing, it becomes crucial to check out the various variants of a particular brand to get the perfect knowledge about which s better than the other and worth the money. Don't expect LS50 will shine with your sub $1,000 electronics. Gray Well-known member. The Q350 doesn't have the same constrained layer damping as the LS50. Inner construction has been modified to eliminate internal resonances and increase audio quality. I'm also a Maggie owner and open baffle fan and would have liked to see the obvious comparison with MMGs rather than just with the same old tiny boxes. I ordered these speakers as an open box in like new condition checked by Amazon. I don't want you to go out of your way. It needs saying that every Reviewer of Loudspeakers should own and use the LS3/5a as a Reference, I certainly did at my Esoteric Audio Salon. One evening I setup the Q350 set as the main speakers and had a few friends over. They're worth it to avoid an accident. We need Solid Asian Trade Agreements & Asian respect for Intellectual Property, not more fake ROLEX watches or sonic equivalents of our excellent loudspeaker designs. I own the LS50s with Sound Anchor stands. But if those aren't deal breakers and you're looking for loudspeakers with unmatched retro flair, the JBL L82 Classic is about as cool as it gets. JavaScript is disabled. ls50 meta speakers. Reviewed in the United States on March 27, 2022. I kept moving them to determine which combination of wall-to-speaker distance and port plugging worked best. I also want to pair them with a Subwoofer, preferably SVS SB1000 if I can get for a good price. The price of the KEF Q350 is double the price of Q150. I bought and auditioned the Triangle Bro 3, the Klipsch RP 600M, Elac Unifi 2.0 and this KEF Q350. The Q350s generated a proper soundstage and good timbres throughout my small listening room. Lower sensitivity speakers require more power from the amplifier to achieve higher volumes. And these are already pretty pricey for my budget. Worked into the now complete system the performance of the HT system is a true force of nature. 3. It was purchased new by a member and kindly drop shipped to me for testing. The front port has been shifted to the rear of the Q350. This is a 2-way popular bookshelf speaker. These speakers are truly remarkable for their size and price. . Even maintaining a 9-inch gap between the wall and a speaker significantly improves the experience. In March of 2021 I purchased a very lightly used pair of R5 speakers and their matching R2c from the original owner. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. The Q 350 is a remarkably well engineered speaker at a very good price. Would have loved to buy it but it costs literally twice as much. In the BR03, particularly in the black finish, this could also legitimately be seen to be a little dull. I do not use a sub as a result. I can't wait to get mine, been on backorder for a few weeks, but they had absolutely glowing reviews from YouTube channels I trust, and they're cheap! Aco, Measured in decibels, or dB, sensitivity measures a speakers ability to convert power to volume. Fast forward to nearly a decade later and the KEF LS50 Meta are true successors to those original loudspeakers. And that the LS50 works best with a heavy, inert stand? Check our recent content on speakers, soundbars, headphones and earphones. Would you like to receive updates from KEF and be notified when this product becomes available? The q350 series has higher wattage as compared to q150. But maybe this isn't a bad thing? I can't demo them in store now obviously, so looking for some input. The Q350 has a similar, 6.5" Uni-Q array with an aluminum midrange-bass cone, a 1" aluminum dome tweeter, and a stamped-steel basket, in a 14.5-liter, 16.75-lb, generic-looking MDF box. People who love to enjoy their music at higher bass can attach a subwoofer to it. So, again, I can't wait. Q350 Bookshelf Speakers | KEF . Though the speakers have the save drivers installed along with the same enclosure material like q150. But, for some guidance, consider that a larger tweeter (measured by diameter in inches or millimeters) will likely be louder and able to disperse sound over a larger area. Similar to KEF q150, this variant also lacks all of the control features. The trade-off with any active loudspeaker is that you are committed to how the final product sounds. Each speaker features a unique Uni-Q driver which consists of a centered tweeter-and-woofer combo instead of two separately mounted drivers, resulting in a more direct and accurate sound that's similar to ones found in KEF's more expensive lines. Considering $1000 be your highest price, according to most users, the Q150 speaker model seems to be underpriced. What you spinning #nowplaying. HR acquits himself by hinting of the up-coming Harbeth reporting, so we hafta forgive and forget. Released in 2020, the JBL L82 Classic is effectively a smaller, more affordable version of the L100 Classic (which were released in 2018). Audio, Albedo, Antal Audio, Triangle, Electrocompaniet, Wireworld, Gramophone Dreams #70: Sutherland Engineering SUTZ & Lounge Audio Copla headamps, Dynavector DV-20X2 & XX-2 MKII phono cartridges, Aretai, Convergent Audio, Aurender, ViaBlue, PAD Hifi, TAD speakers and electronics, Synergistic, Jocavi. This is a perfect example. Moreover, it has an exquisite bass which is more than enough for a small room. Sign up for the latest news and exclusive promotions. Optimizing a loudspeaker's radiation pattern is the Uni-Q's raison d'tre. If you're a true music lover and you have a bigger room to set up your system (these get loud), the B&W 606 are fantastic compact speakers. Is there anything coming out of China that has "Lasting" Value, is there anything Chinese that our Grandchildren will be taking to their Antique Road Show ? They're still based around the company's proprietary Uni-Q driver, which housed a 1-inch tweeter inside a 5.25-inch woofer resulting in excellent and accurate sound, but KEF refined them in a number of key ways. The vibration I felt, especially toward the bottom front of each side, was not subtle. I bought these and a new set of Monoprice speaker stands. Pretty cheeky. Also, they are speaker than KEFLS50 speakers as well. The only real upgrade is that B&W upgraded the crossover in the speakers as everything else remained the same. Walmart & Best Buy specialize in products with very short half-lives. However, if I'm KEF and need some dam good "Print" reviewing, where on earth do I go? Once I find out what they actually said, I am willing to give them a chance. As can be seen in the chart above, median best-selling speakers receives a consumer score of 9.1 (great). I had the Kef LS50s but they made my ears bleed after like 45 mins so I had to get rid of em. OK looks, but very boxy cheap cabinet with sharp edges and corners. performance to the next level with patented technology, step-up. After replacing the LS50s with the not-yet-broken-in KEF Q350s, I restarted Eis Thanaton. The KEF q150 speaker range comes with an MDF cabinet which is very sleek in look and reduces all the extra vibrations and distortion, and hence provides excellent quality of the sound. The B&W 606 S2 Anniversary Edition is available in three finishes: black, white or oak. Voices, instruments, and recorded atmosphere not only felt more expansive; everything seemed more exposed, more sacred, more directly communicative, possibly even more darkly transparent. Each speaker weighs almost 14 pounds and is 18 inches tall much bigger than traditional bookshelf speakers and they require a big room and a powerful amplifier. Personally, I would be very happy if KEF would offer a stand that's specific to the LS50 including wire connections on the stand -- at the floor level instead of at waist-level on the speaker which is seriously ugly regardless of cable used. Tony- You do remember that Gold Peak Industries of Hong Kong owns KEF, right. The Alpha P5 have a lot of competition below $600, but they manage to win the day with an impressive level of transparency, detail and dynamic punch that works with almost every recording you try. Theft of intellectual property should indeed be stamped out, but has nothing to do with a company like KEF (or any of the other high end audio outfits) choosing to have their designs built in China. Does anyone have a view on their use of untreated paper for the woofer cone, particularly the longevity? Their design, clarity, and range are head and shoulders above anything in their price range. Mercedes Teamed Up with Apple to Add Spatial Audio, How to Turn Your Home Stereo Into a Sonos System, 5 Ways to Make Your Speakers Last a Lifetime, The Best Bookshelf Speakers for Your Home Hi-Fi System. However bass is very undefined and sloppy (not tight, not controlled). They're in the top 3 bestselling speakers and have dozens of popular alternatives in the same price range, such as Klipsch R-51PM or Kef Q150 . The low end was also a bit uneven. Thanks for Naim , I'll be looking for one of the Uniti pieces. When space seems to be at a shortage, the Q Series bookshelf speakers shine. Please keep in mind that the KEF Q150 is a 2-way concentric design with the tweeter dwelling in the middle of the woofer while the Polk is a 3-way design with the midrange on the top, the tweeter just below it, and the woofer below that (The woofer is housed in a separate chamber inside of the cabinet; isolating it from the midrange driver and Want a Sonos? They're in the top 3 bestselling speakers and have quite a few popular alternatives in the same price range, such as Bowers & Wilkins Zeppelin or Kanto TUK . A common analogy used f, More and more, musicians and streaming services are offering high-resolution audio playback for music files. As a result of this sometimes it does need to be paired with a subwoofer which will eventually increase your cost. I will mostly be using them to listen to classical music and watch films at my computer which is in front of a wall. Buy from. The midrange was clear as water. A stronger eastern dragon makes Big Sam feeling inferior ! Driven by Rogue Audio's Sphinx hybrid integrated amplifier (tubes, class-D, $1299), the Q350's sound had stout bones, especially through the bottom octaves. The big drum in Guo YaZhi's Sorrow of the River (CD, MA Recordings M074A) was taut and surprisingly powerful, but YaZhi's various Chinese wind instruments sounded annoyingly hard and two-dimensional. The midrange sounds clean with a warm tonal balance that makes them ideal for a lot of solid-state and tube amplifiers. Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them. The ports design has been tweaked to reduce vibration at higher speeds, resulting in little port noise and LF compression. It is a 2-way bookshelf speaker, which comes along with a rear port as well. KEFs tangerine waveguide over the tweeter dome adds to Uni-ultra-wide Qs distribution. The PSB Alpha P5 is available in two finishes: walnut or black ash. To those who don't they have the same truthiness as Gizmodo. Product of the year? ( at the cost of crushing our local suppliers of quality ) dam em. Find helpful customer reviews and review ratings for KEF Speaker Grille Q350 Magnetic Grille (Each) . For those that think the Chinese make crap, if you own an iPhone of any variety, then I suggest you turn it in for a some other brand made in the UK, Germany, or the USA. The LS50 has a 5.25" Uni-Q coincident array with an aluminum-magnesium alloy midrange-bass cone, a 1" aluminum dome tweeter, and a cast-aluminum basket, in a 7.5-liter, 15.8-lb cabinet made of MDF and a sculpted structural foam solid molding. (footnote 1). In fact, it seems a rather well kept semi-secret that never gets talked about. During my wait time I saw them listed with next week delivery. Tweeters produce the highest frequencies in sound, typically anything above 2,000 Hz. This number is given in watts. Kef Q350 are $500 more expensive than the average speakers ($299.98). Reviewed in the United States on December 17, 2022. The data presented is for information purposes only. Discover. It's the stuff you'll find at places like Best Buy and Amazon. With this, you also get two golden prong receivers which are considered as the rear features of the KEF q350. Purchased a pair be the rear speakers of the HT system. I still miss all the Superb Gear that I once owned : Pro-Ac Tablets, Magnapan MG2s, Conrad-Johnson MV45a, Audible Illusions Modulus 2a, Bruce Brisson Cabling MH750s, Meridian M2s & M3s ( both in Rosewood ), both of my original Linn LP12s and a few other pieces of wonderful gear I had to part with as I left the Audio Industry for the Travel Work of a Major Corporation. Its recorded by measuring how loud, What you may not know about bookshelf speakers is that they dont always work straight out of the box. I have no profit motives in posting this, have no business associations with those parties. However, because active loudspeakers are an entirely different breed they have numerous wired and wireless connectivity options and demand a significantly higher price tag we've omitted them from the below list. Gear Patrol participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites. In this post, we have included a detailed comparison between KEF Q150 Vs. KEF Q350. . I'm sorry. Apparently my outfit is buying wiring harnesses from these people and they are said to mostly keep their noses out of the Loudspeaker operations. The Q350's box material is 0.59" MDF, with a 1.34" thick front baffle. Although you can choose your type of amplifier can be considered as a customization feature. I added a SVS SB 2000-Pro sub and it literally calms my soul when I listen to them. Its EVO4.2 bookshelf speakers sound positively like floor-standing loudspeakers when positioned on solid stands (which cost an extra $300-$500) no subwoofer required. debut reference dbr62. How many bookshelf speakers are included? thanks for another great article! Ending Thoughts - KEF Q150 Vs Q350. I should know I own and owned several Tandberg products including the 3030 which was nowhere near the build quality of their older products, I quickly sold it. Imagine how I felt as I lay on the couch in my night-dark, candlelit apartment, feeling like I was surrounded by the stone walls of a Gothic cathedral begun in 1295. I'm thinking that this reviewer is say'n the Qs are competent competitors against ( and along side of ) the often touted Chinese Pioneers and Elac B5 & B6 & F6 of Andrew Jones, even among the "Loved" by Queen & Country, British Loudspeakers with their beautiful "real wood textures".