Best Speakers Under $2000 Series: KEF Q7 Meta Review

OVERVIEW

I’ll get back to that initial question provoked by these unassuming speakers in just a bit, but first, let’s take a look at some of the design and build details.

The Q Series presents KEF’s entry-level loudspeaker line-up, and with a trickle-down economy at play, this ninth-generation benefits from revolutionary technologies originally developed for KEF’s flagship Blade and Reference series speakers.

Flagship innovations bundled into a roughly $1,800 US package – that’s per pair – is a screamin’ deal and something to keep in mind when taking in the balance of this review.

I’ve heard a number of speakers at twice that price that didn’t sound nearly as well composed. In fact, I’ve recently been tossing a question around in my head. “When it comes to floor standers, is there really anything worth buying below $3k?”

I’m obviously not the only one who has asked the question. In working my way through the introduction to Robert Harley’s book, The Complete Guide to High-End Audio, he remarks that approximately $3,500 is the point, below which, a buyer’s worthwhile options are few and far between.

In my experience, the Q7 Meta is amongst that few and I would expect nothing less from a company with the storied past, detailed market research, and R&D present at KEF.

Getting back to the design, in addition to the two 6.5” woofers, the Q7’s Uni-Q Driver Array now incorporates KEF’s MAT technology, officially welcoming the Q Series into KEF’s Meta pedigree. MAT (Metamaterial Absorption Technology) ensures lower high-frequency distortion by absorbing rearward sound waves radiated by the tweeter’s dome.

The Q7’s ported cabinet measures just under 40 inches tall, is about 8 inches wide, and a little over a foot deep. The finish – available in Satin Black (as in my review pair), Satin White, or Walnut – felt congruent with its price tag.

The plinth is made of plastic, but I felt it was tastefully executed and a prudent cost savings – presumably to spend more where it counts.

SOUND QUALITY

So, did they spend more where it counts? Obviously, I can’t know with any sort of certainty, but – had they not – I find it doubtful that I would have been provoked into pondering for so long my initial question – Does high-performance audio necessarily mean high-fidelity audio?

Here at The Absolute Sound – it may be self-evident – our comparative reference when critiquing equipment is the absolute sound. That is, the sound of live performers in a real space. You could say there is no higher fidelity than listening to an acoustic performance, live; or more accurately, in this scenario fidelity is infinite.

While this remains our reference, should it be the only metric used to judge whether amps, cables, turntables, cartridges, streamers, or speakers are ‘good.’ Certainly not, and no one here would make that claim.

On the other hand, can equipment be considered ‘good’ or even great if it falls short on this metric? Absolutely. In fact, if you were to poll the sonic priorities of listeners – especially individuals just dipping their toes into audiophilia – a faithful reproduction of an acoustic performance may be near the bottom of their list or possibly even absent.

With KEF’s years of experience and market research, I think they’ve artfully drawn on this reality. Nothing about the Q7 Meta sounded accidental; quite the contrary, nearly every characteristic that caught my attention sounded methodically intentional.

This left me with a feeling of confidence while listening that set me free to simply enjoy the music.

That said, if you’re one who tends towards being more analytical while listening, you may find yourself underwhelmed with the Q7s.

Although, I frequently pitch my tent in the analytical camp; the artful voicing of the Q7s made for enjoyable listening track after track.

Probably the most obvious characteristic was a sonic glow on which the fundamentals are placed –  which may sound pejorative but hear me out.

Typically, equipment in and around this price point will present a slight glow in one or multiple segments of the frequency spectrum. This is often characterized as smeary or incoherent.

Pure conjecture here, but I think the engineers at KEF understood their task of making an affordable speaker and made the prudent decision to make delicious lemonade. This is what I meant when I said some characteristics sounded methodically intentional.

The engineers acknowledged their limitations with the target budget and produced a speaker that presents a consistent sound throughout its frequency range. This separates the Q7 from other products it competes with that often try to be something they’re not.

On lesser equipment this sonic glow comes and goes and varies cross bandwidth, leaving for a distracting and sometimes even frustrating listening session. As I previously mentioned, the consistency rendered by the Q7s was confidence inspiring and quite enjoyable.

The visual that kept coming to mind was the ambient light feature of many modern TVs; used to reduce strain by presenting a more gradual transition for the eye. This is what the Q7’s sonic glow bestowed aurally. Here, it had a certain rightness.

This sonic glow also helps facilitate a more spacious soundspace, making the space around the music feel airier and more delicate. Within this airy soundspace, the sound stage filled the space between the speakers and offered an impressive depth.

Individual performers were distinctly positioned on the soundstage while maintaining a feeling of togetherness – like a live performance.

This is why I was left pondering my initial question. The performance of this speaker is remarkable (especially at its price). It’s the balance of the Q7’s frequency response that causes a very subtle departure from fidelity, with its gently rolled off highs.

Being weighted more towards the bottom end – which most listeners prefer, means some instruments’ upper harmonics are slightly muted. This minimizes their timbre and renders a slightly less real sonic experience.

Female vocals are presented slightly veiled but the gently rolled off treble takes some of the bite off the harsh transients from instruments like the trumpet, violin, or piccolo.

Dynamics were engaging and immersive when the recording asked it of the speakers. The music felt as if it had life. In the opening track from Latvian Radio Big Band’s album Big Band Minimalism, The Girl in the Tree, the horns start out strong and the music gradually settles in.

The Q7s present a strong opening punch yet offer up all the detail when the conductor calls the bass and woodwinds in to gently gather the band.

The bass performance of the Q7s was noteworthy. In fact, the bass energy emitted from the Q7s was significant enough that I chose to insert the included bungs into the ports for most of my listening.

I do like bass, but I felt I could get the tighter, more defined bass response I prefer by reducing some of the energy from the port. Now, if – like Big Boi – your preference is to have the, “Trunk rattling, like two midgets in the backseat ‘rassling,” toss the bungs aside and you’re likely to not be disappointed.

To that end, the Q7 may not be for apartment dwellers. Unless you like sharing your music with your neighbors – unsolicited.

SUMMARY

Based on the work of Sean Olive and his team at Harman, the frequency response of the Q7 certainly highlights listener preferences. So, suffice it to say, KEF has done their research to understand the customer in this segment of the market.

A gentle lift in the mid-bass, a smooth transition through the upper-mids, and a gently rolled of treble – I think the engineers at KEF understood the assignment.

Prospective buyers are not likely to have a dedicated listening room in their home; meaning the Q7s are likely to share the same space as their TV and I believe the voicing of the Q7 would present an enjoyable cinematic experience as well.

So, if you’re just getting into the sport and don’t wish to break the bank, the KEF Q7 Meta may be unmatched in its ability to supply the listener with enjoyment below $2k.

Thanks for sticking around while I shared what I heard on the Q7s and don’t forget to subscribe to the channel and click the bell for notifications.

Consider a subscription to our print magazine and there’s a link to our newsletter in the description.

And don’t forget to make listening fun again.