Reddit reviews KEF Q150B Q150 Bookshelf Speakers (Pair, Black)

You said your budget is around $300 but is flexible.

If you can flex it up just a bit, I think the KEF Q150 would be a fantastic choice. They're my favorite nearfield speakers. At $300, they take up your entire budget, and you still need an amp.

Something like this SMSL amplifier would definitely work, but depending on how flexible you are, this Sony receiver is on sale for $100 for black Friday.

What the u/astrnght_mike_dexter said is correct.


The recever is decent, good enough for this price range.
A good stereo system will always sound better than a mediocre surround system.


$500 will get you some really nice bookshelf speakers.


https://www.amazon.com/Wharfedale-Denton-80th-Red-Mahogany/dp/B00RDMZJ9U
https://www.amazon.com/ELAC-Uni-fi-Bookshelf-Speaker-Black/dp/B01CRYWVG2
https://www.amazon.com/Acoustics-Concept-Bookshelf-Speakers-Gloss/dp/B00D8XYH32/

https://www.amazon.com/Klipsch-Reference-Premiere-Bookshelf-Speakers/dp/B07G3D2C8S/

https://www.amazon.com/SVS-Prime-Bookshelf-Speaker-Pair/dp/B00PASUMV4/

https://www.amazon.com/Dali-Oberon-Bookshelf-Speakers-Walnut/dp/B07H2N5CNT/

https://www.amazon.com/Monitor-Audio-Bronze-Bookshelf-Speakers/dp/B002LPTH92/

https://www.amazon.com/KEF-Q150-Bookshelf-Speakers-Black/dp/B071P6KQZX/

Considering the ones you've already been looking at and the $300 price point, get the KEF Q150s and forget everything else.

You said "contemporary form factor" though, then proceeded to mention the Klipsch and Micca, which aren't winning any awards for design in my book. If you want something that really looks clean and modern and also has an integrated amplifier, check out the Kanto YU6.

I picked up a pair of cat proof KEF Q150 Bookshelf Speakers to replace my floor standing scratchign posts.

https://www.amazon.com/KEF-Q150-Bookshelf-Speakers-White-x/dp/B071P6KQZX/ref=sr_1_4?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1543161769&sr=1-4&keywords=kef&th=1

$300, almost 50% off retail.

Can you guys look this over and make sure I have something worth buying? I have about $1000 to spend on a 2.1 setup for a computer desktop setup.

KEF Q150 Bookshelf Speakers

SMSL AD18 HiFi Audio Stereo Amplifier

Then finally one of these three.

Klipsch R-100SW 10" Subwoofer

Klipsch R-120SW 10" Subwoofer

or

Klipsch Reference R-10SW 10" 300w Powered Subwoofer

Also would I need to buy the speaker wires to set these up or do they come with wire?

The Q150's were $300 for months

https://camelcamelcamel.com/KEF-Q150-Bookshelf-Speakers-Black/product/B071P6KQZX

Here's a price chart on the Amazon prices. If I were a gambling man I'd say they'd hit $300 again. Not really a deal at $350 open box IMO.

All, head over to the KEF site. They have this deal (among others) live now.

https://www.shop.us.kef.com/q150-bookshelf-speaker.html

Edit: Looks like the deal at A4L is also live.

Edit: Deal also available on Amazon.

KEF Q150 Bookshelf Speakers (Pair, Black) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B071P6KQZX/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_SxfWDb6CXX1AN

It is all personal preference and it is best to try 2 or 3 pairs in your home and return what you don't like.

Have you tried looking for some used Q100s?

I think KEF sets the MSRP too high, a higher percentage of their costs than other brands. Part of the hype last year for the Q100 MSRP $550, was when they went on clearance over the holidays for $250 after the Q150 came out. They should have been $350 MSRP from the start.

Q150 £399 = $520 USD. Not worth it to me though the 150 may have a noticeable improvement over the 100s I demoed. £299 would be a more appropriate price.

They are currently on sale in the US at $420 KEF Q150, however there are many other good options for under $400. They were a good buy when they were on sale for $300 a few months ago.

Okay, are these two speakers the same?

https://www.bestbuy.com/site/kef-q-series-5-25-2-way-bookshelf-speakers-pair-satin-black/5913623.p?skuId=5913623

https://www.amazon.com/KEF-Q150-Bookshelf-Speakers-Black/dp/B071P6KQZX/

If so, then bestbuy will price match it and you will have achieved your goal of having me get KEF's hahah.

Also would the Topping MX3 be able to drive the KEF's well enough or nah? I love that the MX3 has a white version, so I don't have to vinyl wrap it

FYI it was the same price last year from nov to feb, not a bad price though: https://charts.camelcamelcamel.com/us/B071P6KQZX/amazon.png?force=1&zero=0&w=855&h=513&desired=false&legend=1&ilt=1&tp=all&fo=0&lang=fr_FR

Better clarity, tighter bass. Yes, they are a different class of speaker. KEF replaced this model with the Q150s:

https://smile.amazon.com/KEF-Q150B-Bookshelf-Speakers-Black/dp/B071P6KQZX/

For starters, these are $550: https://www.amazon.com/KEF-Q150-Bookshelf-Speakers-Black-x/dp/B071P6KQZX

I’d ask the budgetaudiophile for a second opinion but if you have access to an amp

https://www.amazon.com/KEF-Q150-Bookshelf-Speakers-Black/dp/B071P6KQZX

25x25 room size, wanting a 2.2 setup with bookshelf speakers. Here is what I would put together.

AVR/Amp - Denon X1300 refurb $330 - I would go with an AVR for the better bass managment. You can cross the subs and mains independently. You'll also get digital inputs and better room correction/auto setup.

Speakers - KEF Q150 $550 - The new version of the Q100's that I happen to really like. Yeah they are full price and there are probably others out there in this price point that would do just as good or better. However, I'm partial to the Uni-Q design so this is what I would do.

Subwoofer - If you need two then I would look at BIC H100 $250 as the PL200's are off sale. If you wanted one sub I would look at a Rythmik LV12R $550

ForMusic :

https://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/yamrn303bl/yamaha-r-n303-2-ch-x-100-watts-networking-stereo-receiver/1.html


https://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/cantchrono5022blka/canton-chrono-502.2-6-2-way-bookshelf-speaker-black-pair/1.html

Or

https://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/kefq150blka/kef-q150-5.25-2-way-bookshelf-speaker-black-pair-new/1.html


https://www.amazon.com/KEF-Q150-Bookshelf-Speakers-Black/dp/B071P6KQZX

Or


https://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/bosa360gba/boston-acoustics-a360-dual-6.5-3-way-floor-standing-speaker-black-each/1.html

.

Unless you want it For Home Theater too, then :

Denon S640 5.1 4K, WiFi, Bluetooth, phono input

https://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/denavrs640h/denon-avr-s640h-5.2-ch-x-75-watts-a/v-receiver-w/heos/1.html

DCM 3 piece

https://www.ebay.com/itm/1-Pair-of-6-5-Bookshelf-Speakers-with-2-Way-Center-Channel-Speaker-DCM-MTX/174060660626

https://www.reddit.com/r/BudgetAudiophile/comments/dwtwxd/dcm_tp160s_vs_the_svs_ultra_bookshelf/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=ios_app&utm_name=iossmf

Sub

https://www.parts-express.com/dayton-audio-sub-1000-10-100-watt-powered-subwoofer--300-628

I would say that this amp together with this Kef or this Klipsch would probably make you happy and get you a lot of bang for your bucks.

Edit: Sorry! I saw that I went over your budget by a little bit, but it's only about 10% more, and it probably would be worth it.

Hi all. I bought these things and I think I realized I want to go a bit bigger/I kinda bought the wrong things:

Micca PB42x Speakers

Nobsound NS-15G Amp (im dumb and got powered speakers on accident, another reason to return them)

I think instead I'd like to do a set up with KEF Q150s, but am unsure what else I need. Apparently they sound better with bass (I'm in an apartment but it's a highrise with good thick walls so I think I'll be ok?) and I was thinking about going with this. I was hoping that amp up there would be good enough, but I want to be able to switch between computer/turntable/tv/maybe stream audio from a phone so I think I need a receiver.

So I guess I'm mainly looking for suggestions on accessories for receiver/amp/wires. I already have some rca to rca cables and rca to 3.5mm cables, but I assume I will also need a subwoofer cable (?) and some speaker wire + banana plugs (??!!) so I would really appreciate some help here. Help is much appreciated, cheers :)

TL:DR - I think that list looks good, maybe consider a vintage receiver. I hope this is helpful.

Most people around here are probably more knowledgable than I am, but I thought I'd chime in because I was looking at doing the same thing a few months ago. I looked at everything on that list when I was shopping around and they all seem like good options. I ended up buying

Audio-Technica AT-LP120 It was on sale for closer to $200 at the time, but it's about as much as a u-turn. I've been super happy with it and the wirecutter gave it a great review.

I ended up going maybe a bit overboard with my speakers and got KEF Q150's. I'm really pleased with how they sound, and they are a massive upgrade from my cheap old bookshelf speakers, but I think I would have been totally fine with the Q Acoustics, which were my second pick.

My main regret was that I bought a Sony STRDH190. It didn't sound bad or anything, but I just didn't really love the sound, and I felt it looked kind of ugly. I ended up going down the vintage receiver rabbit hole and bought a Sansui 4000. I love how it sounds, and I was able to pick one up for $150 on ebay after waiting a bit for a good option. I spent another $80 bucks getting it serviced. A warning: This is a slippery slope. I now have 2 Sansui receivers, a Kenwoood amp, the original Sony I bought, and one disgruntled girlfriend all living in a 2 bedroom apartment.

The drawback of a vintage receiver is the lack of bluetooth playing your Spotify playists. I bought a Chromecast Audio to handle that. I use Google Play music, but I think it integrates with Spotify as well.

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Are you looking for powered speakers or will you have an amplifier? Because these KEF's are $300 right now and are usually $550 https://www.amazon.com/KEF-Q150-Bookshelf-Speakers-Black/dp/B071P6KQZX?tag=thewire06-20&linkCode=xm2&ascsubtag=cw18dealspage

KEF q150 is on sell. These uniq drivers are good for nearfield listening
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B071P6KQZX/ref=twister_B071SGSFWG?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

Ok, sorry for the late reply. Here would be my top choices based on this.

Speakers

KEF Q100

KEF Q150

Emotiva B1


Amplifier

Yamaha A-S501

I'm going to purchase a pair of KEF Q150 speakers and I'm looking for a good receiver/amp recommendation.

The inputs will be from my computer which has a sound card and also USB of course and from my TV which has optical and 3.5mm output.

For now I'm not going all out and don't need anything that is capable of surround sound, more speakers or bluetooth. Mainly just want the speakers to sound the best I can for something under $250. I'm assuming I'll want a built-in amp for the receiver as well.

EDIT: What does everyone think of this receiver? Onkyo TX-SR383

Thanks so much for the feedback. Based on yours and some other comments, I think I'll start with receiver, L/R, then center, then subwoofer.

> What are you trying to listen on headphones?

For the headphones I'm just hoping for a simple solution to pass all audio, be it console, built-in chromecast, blueray player, to 1 or 2 headphones. I am interested in getting a Shield eventually, but currently my TV's built in streaming options are suitable.

---

Thought on these alternatives to Polk?

• [Fluance Signature L/R] (https://www.amazon.ca/Signature-Bookshelf-Surround-Speakers-HFS/dp/B01A5UB4JU) ($270 CAD)
  
• Fluance Signature Center ($230 CAD)
  
  VS.
  
  
• KEF Q150 L/R ($400 CAD)
  
• KEF Q650c Center ($850 CAD) (this is a bit steep for me, would wait a while to get/look used)
  
  VS.
  
  
• ELAC Debut B6.2 L/R ($340 CAD)
  
• ELAC Debut C6.2 Center ($330 CAD)

I would strongly recommend the KEF Q150s (speakers)
You could start with a stereo setup and upgrade over time when you appreciate and understand better.

You wouldn’t need a subwoofer because these speakers can go really low.

I would suggest getting a used Yamaha AVR in the $70-100 range or better yet a NAD C316BEE. You could get a cheap $15 TOSLINK DAC from amazon if you want to connect the speakers to the TV.

But if you are not comfortable buying used, Cambridge audio Topaz AM10 is on amazon sale for $199

Links:
Speakers

https://www.amazon.com/KEF-Q150-Bookshelf-Speakers-Black/dp/B071P6KQZX/ref=mp_s_a_1_2_sspa?keywords=kef+q150&qid=1565306273&s=gateway&sprefix=kef+q&sr=8-2-spons&psc=1

Stereo amplifier

https://www.amazon.com/Cambridge-Audio-Topaz-AM10-Integrated/dp/B00803GSBO/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?keywords=cambridge+audio+topaz&qid=1565306341&s=gateway&sr=8-3


DAC

https://www.amazon.com/Neoteck-Converter-Digital-Coaxial-Toslink/dp/B01N07LYON/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?keywords=toslink+neotek&qid=1565306409&s=gateway&sr=8-1

Edit:
Please get speaker stands to do justice to your ears and the speakers

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B007P8DKDE/?coliid=I2B9E5FFVQLHR1&colid=2LH7I4PVTPHWZ&psc=1&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it

Put most of your budget towards speakers as they make the most difference in audio quality.

I don't know of any speakers that fit with a receiver in that 500 euros range because I don't know your market.

Kef Q150 are excellent speakers: https://www.amazon.fr/KEF-Q150-Noir-Haut-Parleur-Hauts-parleurs/dp/B071P6KQZX/

Focal Chorus is a French speaker company that makes excellent speakers: https://www.amazon.fr/Focal-Chorus-706-Enceinte-bibliothèque/dp/B001AD9R46/

A low end Denon or Yamaha audio video receiver should have bluetooth (check the specs) and may even have built in support for the music app you use. If you are using a cable box to watch TV, you run the cable box to the receiver and then to your TV.