KEF Q Meta is Coming

[No_hair_left]

Yes, quite slim but not as slim. I think I could find them acceptable if the ceiling isn't too low. The Q4 metas are very good though but ceiling mounting them seems like a bit of a faff!

Yeah seems like a fair amount of messing around, even the q4 meta is pushing it for me depth wise as my ceilings are only 7.4ft. Shame not in the usa as if these were white HTM-200SE2 MINI-MONITOR it would have been a good buy, can't think of many if any ceiling speakers that would have a +50 vertical and horizontal dispersion pattern, not many options in the uk.

 

[MarcT]

KEF Q7/Q11 Meta spike kit -- does anyone have experience with adding these spikes to their Q7/Q11 Meta towers? Since buying my Q11's over a month ago, they have been sitting on my rather "cushiony" carpeting in my family room, shod with the standard rubber footers. I noticed that if I push on a side of the speakers, they move easily and a fair amount laterally. I've always understood that you want the speakers as solid and free from movement as possible. Not sure if this is a thing.

Anyway, KEF offers a rather pricey spike kit for these speakers and I bought a set of them and installed them. They are not as long and sharp as some speaker spikes, but they do seem to reach through the carpet and the carped pad after rocking them back and forth quite a bit. After doing so, the speakers seem a lot more stable to the touch.

https://www.bestbuy.com/site/kef-pq-1-plinth-spike-kit-black/6599525.p?skuId=6599525

While now listening with the spikes installed, there does seem to be a greater sense of "immediacy" to sharp transients and drum shots. Hopefully, this is not just some sort of expectation or confirmation bias. I think I like them. Any thoughts as to the likelyhood that these spikes could effect some measurable improvement to go along with my subjective impression? Has anyone else tried them? Thanks for any thoughts.

 

[kyuu]

Stability is good for making sure they don't get tipped over by accident. I don't know of any mechanism whereby coupling them to the carpet via the spikes would somehow result in any appreciable change in the sound.

 

[MarcT]

Stability is good for making sure they don't get tipped over by accident. I don't know of any mechanism whereby coupling them to the carpet via the spikes would somehow result in any appreciable change in the sound.

I'm not trying to couple them to the carpet via the spikes. I'm trying to couple them to the concrete slab under the carpet and carpet pad.

 

[kyuu]

I'm not trying to couple them to the carpet via the spikes. I'm trying to couple them to the concrete slab under the carpet and carpet pad.

Doesn't really matter what they're being coupled to. Again, not aware of any mechanism by which that could affect the sound.

 

[MarcT]

Doesn't really matter what they're being coupled to. Again, not aware of any mechanism by which that could affect the sound.

A mechanism is not the issue here.

 

[audiofan7464]

I’ve had the Q Concerto Metas and Q6 since early February. First upgrade to the audio side of my home theatre for many years. Also bought a Denon 3800 AVR and 2x Tonewinner D6000 subwoofers. Pretty sure I posted some earlier thoughts in this thread.

My opinion on them, especially so the Concertos for music, has kept changing. Currently I’m feeling pretty happy with them.

The ‘untouched’ sound of Concertos is definitely ‘dark’. They have quite a steep drop off in the high frequencies. To me this makes vocals feel quite muddy.

I didn’t really enjoy the ‘untouched’ sound. So I tried using Audyssey. But the Flat and Reference Roll-off 1 and Roll-off 2 whilst adding detail all end up sound too bright/harsh/fatiguing. At first I assumed this was just the result of EQ. But now I realise Audyssey was making the response too flat.

So I’d almost decided the speakers weren’t for me. But I decided to give the Graphic Equalizer in the Denon a try. Even though it is very limited, I was able to get a sound I’m pretty happy with by bumping up the higher frequencies. More detailed but not fatiguing.

I think next step will be to try ‘A1 Evo Acoustica’ is it allows custom target curves and try and find the one I like the most.

But I’m also wondering, if you were to EQ both the R3 Metas and the Concerto Metas and listened side by side, how much difference would there be? In what ways would the sound be different? Trying to work out if it’s worth the hassle of upgrading to R3 Meta and R6 Meta. The cost of the R3 Meta and R6 Meta would be about 2-3x what I paid for the Concerto and Q6. Would the sound be ‘2-3x’ better?

Appreciate any thoughts.

 

[Bucking]

I’ve had the Q Concerto Metas and Q6 since early February. First upgrade to the audio side of my home theatre for many years. Also bought a Denon 3800 AVR and 2x Tonewinner D6000 subwoofers. Pretty sure I posted some earlier thoughts in this thread.

My opinion on them, especially so the Concertos for music, has kept changing. Currently I’m feeling pretty happy with them.

The ‘untouched’ sound of Concertos is definitely ‘dark’. They have quite a steep drop off in the high frequencies. To me this makes vocals feel quite muddy.

I didn’t really enjoy the ‘untouched’ sound. So I tried using Audyssey. But the Flat and Reference Roll-off 1 and Roll-off 2 whilst adding detail all end up sound too bright/harsh/fatiguing. At first I assumed this was just the result of EQ. But now I realise Audyssey was making the response too flat.

So I’d almost decided the speakers weren’t for me. But I decided to give the Graphic Equalizer in the Denon a try. Even though it is very limited, I was able to get a sound I’m pretty happy with by bumping up the higher frequencies. More detailed but not fatiguing.

I think next step will be to try ‘A1 Evo Acoustica’ is it allows custom target curves and try and find the one I like the most.

But I’m also wondering, if you were to EQ both the R3 Metas and the Concerto Metas and listened side by side, how much difference would there be? In what ways would the sound be different? Trying to work out if it’s worth the hassle of upgrading to R3 Meta and R6 Meta. The cost of the R3 Meta and R6 Meta would be about 2-3x what I paid for the Concerto and Q6. Would the sound be ‘2-3x’ better?

Appreciate any thoughts.

I'm pretty sure going to the R3 Metas will not yield that much of an improvement. It will probably be better but not by a lot, diminishing returns.

If you are willing to buy used you could find some R3s for the same price as the concertos, maybe even cheaper. They should be a little brighter.

 

[testp]

i would also like to add what i noticed in one of Erin's videos about ~1-2db boost/dip vs neutral in different frequencies.

Interesting was that <1kHz wasn't a big deal to my ears with pink noise, but above that specially boost was noticable and somehow annoying compared to neutral.

 

[ob1]

Also the Q7 Meta which I recently bought because of the data in that paper isn't much worse plus offers better vertical directivity and even significantly lower price:

Tonality: 6.83

Bass extension: 32Hz

Flatness: ±2.1dB

Their spins are extremely similar and the Q7 has a even a tad more bass between 35 and 70 Hz:

View attachment 416464

@thewas, I had neglected to thank you, while your comments on the Q7 VS Q11 Meta really helped me choose between the two of them. I am using the Q7 in a somewhat strange position, since I am sitting about 17deg below the tweeter. If it weren't for your insight, I may have opted for the Q11, while it wouldn't have brought me any tangible improvements.

I truly value your opinion and feel like you bring a lot to the ASR community, thank you so much!

 

[NanoGuidingStar]

Hi everyone,

I’m currently considering building a new 3-way speaker system. My primary usage is roughly 40% movies, 40% gaming, and 20% stereo music+anime. The current listening environment is a room measuring 4m x 4m x 2.5m, but I might move the setup to the living room later on.

At the moment, I’m using the Elac Carina series for LCR and DBR62 for surround. To be honest, I have no major complaints about their performance or aesthetics. However, the upgrade itch has kicked in, and I’m looking to move to a 3-way coaxial speaker setup. These will be driven by a Denon X3800H.

Right now, I’m leaning toward KEF. If we set budget aside, which of the following would be the better choice for LCR?

1. Q Concentra Meta (Front L/R) + Q6 Meta (Center)
2. Q6 Meta x3 (L/C/R)

If I go with option 2, is there anything I should be aware of? For example, bass extension will be worse than Elac and might be hard to crossover at 80Hz? For reference, in my current room, the distance from L/C/R to my listening position is about 150–180 cm.

 

[tw 2022]

Hi everyone,

I’m currently considering building a new 3-way speaker system. My primary usage is roughly 40% movies, 40% gaming, and 20% stereo music+anime. The current listening environment is a room measuring 4m x 4m x 2.5m, but I might move the setup to the living room later on.

At the moment, I’m using the Elac Carina series for LCR and DBR62 for surround. To be honest, I have no major complaints about their performance or aesthetics. However, the upgrade itch has kicked in, and I’m looking to move to a 3-way coaxial speaker setup. These will be driven by a Denon X3800H.

Right now, I’m leaning toward KEF. If we set budget aside, which of the following would be the better choice for LCR?

1. Q Concentra Meta (Front L/R) + R6 Meta (Center)
2. R6 Meta x3 (L/C/R)

If I go with option 2, is there anything I should be aware of? For example, bass extension will be worse than Elac and might be hard to crossover at 80Hz? For reference, in my current room, the distance from L/C/R to my listening position is about 150–180 cm.

concerta meta really isn't an "upgrade" over any of the Carina speakers ... the center will be an upgrade in all probability..if "different" is an upgrade the concerta's may be just fine , it's certainly going to different .. the r6 x3 should be a solid upgrade...

 

[NanoGuidingStar]

concerta meta really isn't an "upgrade" over any of the Carina speakers ... the center will be an upgrade in all probability..if "different" is an upgrade the concerta's may be just fine , it's certainly going to different .. the r6 x3 should be a solid upgrade...

The Option 2 is Q6 Meta*3, not R6. My bad.

 

[tw 2022]

The Option 2 is Q6 Meta*3, not R6. My bad

No worries....

 

[Bucking]

Does anyone know if KEF is going to release a slimmer center channel?

I really like the concertos but would prefer a less bulky center than the Q5.

 

[JakeK]

Does anyone know if KEF is going to release a slimmer center channel?

I really like the concertos but would prefer a less bulky center than the Q5.

Have you considered the Q4 meta?

 

[Bucking]

Have you considered the Q4 meta?

Oh sorry i should have specified.

The Q6 is to high for me. I currently have a Q350 on its side as a center but with feet the TV needs to quite high on the wall to fit above.

Something like the R2C (or Meta) would be a lot better since it's only 17cm high.

 

[antonioki]

Hi all, I'm new user of the Forum. My name is Antonio and I'm from Italy. I'm thinking of change my speakers, actually I've a pair of Indiana Line Tesi 560 (2.5 ways with a 1 inch soft done tweeter, front reflex) and a Indiana Line Tesi 760 center. The towers are shared between a stereo amplifier (NAD 326 bee) and a home theater amplifier (Yamaha Aventage RX-A2060). The listening room is small (4 x 5 meters) and listening position is at 2 meters form speaker. The speakers are also 2 meters away from each other and 30 centimeters from front wall. I'm undecided on which model of Kef is good for me. The choice is between Q7 meta and Q11 meta. I don't use sub when I hear stereo music. But in home theater the front speakers are setted to full range. Normally the volume of NAD is at 10 o'clock (11 sometimes) and the Aventage at -30 dB.

I've seen the difference of crossover frequencies, in Q7 it's at 2.3 kHz, in Q11 2.7 and concerto 2.9. is 2.3 too low for a 0.75 inches tweeter? This is the main doubt.

I'll hear the speakers before buy them (also a Q6 for center channel) but the difference in crossover is because the Q7 handles less power before distorsion and than less listening volume?

Thanks in advance,

Antonio

 

[Matt_Holland]

Hi all, I'm new user of the Forum. My name is Antonio and I'm from Italy. I'm thinking of change my speakers, actually I've a pair of Indiana Line Tesi 560 (2.5 ways with a 1 inch soft done tweeter, front reflex) and a Indiana Line Tesi 760 center. The towers are shared between a stereo amplifier (NAD 326 bee) and a home theater amplifier (Yamaha Aventage RX-A2060). The listening room is small (4 x 5 meters) and listening position is at 2 meters form speaker. The speakers are also 2 meters away from each other and 30 centimeters from front wall. I'm undecided on which model of Kef is good for me. The choice is between Q7 meta and Q11 meta. I don't use sub when I hear stereo music. But in home theater the front speakers are setted to full range. Normally the volume of NAD is at 10 o'clock (11 sometimes) and the Aventage at -30 dB.

I've seen the difference of crossover frequencies, in Q7 it's at 2.3 kHz, in Q11 2.7 and concerto 2.9. is 2.3 too low for a 0.75 inches tweeter? This is the main doubt.

I'll hear the speakers before buy them (also a Q6 for center channel) but the difference in crossover is because the Q7 handles less power before distorsion and than less listening volume?

Thanks in advance,

Antonio

Welcome to ASR.

I suspect (but could be wrong) the difference in x-over frequency between the Q models is due to their individual tuning (likely to optimise the response of the woofer due to baffle interaction). As the differences are small I don’t think they should be considered as part of your purchasing decision.

For your short listening distance I think the Q7 mid-tweeter height might be better suited to your listening head height. It’s an excellent speaker. Very smooth and accurate sounding.

 

[antonioki]

Hi Matt,

Thank you for reply.

The actual speakers are 89 centimeters tall. The Q7 are very similar. Seeing the reviews, I've understood that Q7's positioning is also simple. Maybe I'll give them the priority in choice.

I've attached a photo of audio/video equipments. The kef speakers will be in same positions.

Thanks,

Antonio