Полочная акустика — KEF Q1 Meta

The Q1 Meta is the smallest bookshelf model in KEF's current Q Series, the British company's entry range, and KEF positions it as a first speaker for people building their first hi-fi system. Like all eight Q Series models, it uses the 12th-generation Uni-Q coaxial driver array with Metamaterial Absorption Technology (MAT), technology taken from KEF's more expensive ranges. It can be used as a stereo pair or combined with other Q Series speakers and KEF subwoofers for film sound; finishes are in Satin Black, Satin White or Walnut, with magnetic grilles.

Key specs that matter

The design, a ported two-way, relies on a single Uni-Q array - a 25mm vented aluminium dome tweeter with MAT mounted at the centre of a 130mm (5.25-inch) aluminium cone, which covers bass and midrange. The crossover point is 2.1kHz. Frequency response is 51Hz to 20kHz (+/-3dB), 47Hz to 20kHz at -6dB, with a typical in-room bass response of 42Hz. Sensitivity is 86dB at 2.83V/1m and impedance is 4 ohms with a 3.2-ohm minimum, with amplifiers of 10 to 150W recommended. Harmonic distortion at 90dB is below 2% from 140Hz and below 1% from 170Hz to 20kHz, and maximum output is 108dB. Each speaker measures 302 x 180 x 277mm and weighs 6.1kg. Two foam port plugs are supplied.

Engineering and use context

Nesting the dome inside the cone makes the whole array behave as a single point source, so high and midrange frequencies leave from the same place and spread evenly across the room instead of changing balance as the listener moves off axis. Because the cone surrounds the tweeter, its shape also acts as a waveguide that controls the tweeter's dispersion at the lower end of its range. The MAT absorber is a disc of labyrinth-like passages behind the dome, with channels of different lengths that each absorb a band of frequencies, and KEF states it absorbs 99% of the sound radiated from the back of the dome. Without it, this rear energy would reflect inside the tweeter and pass back through the thin diaphragm, adding distortion. Venting the tweeter lets that rear output reach the MAT absorber. The aluminium cone is light and stiff for its size. The rear reflex port extends bass from the compact cabinet, and the supplied foam plugs can seal it to reduce bass boom when the speaker sits on a shelf or close to a wall.

Pairing

With its low impedance and below-average efficiency, the Q1 Meta pairs best with an amplifier that handles low loads comfortably. KEF's matching SQ1 floor stands or B2 wall brackets suit it, and a KEF subwoofer extends the bass in larger rooms.

Alternatives

KEF's own Q3 Meta steps up to a 165mm Uni-Q array in a bigger Q Series cabinet.