KEF Q3 Meta Bookshelf Speakers Satin Black (Pair)

The Q3 Meta is the middle of the three bookshelf models in KEF's Q Series with MAT, the ninth iteration of the Q Series since 1991. It sits above the compact Q1 Meta and below the three-way Q Concerto Meta, and it is the only model in the eight-strong range built around KEF's 165 mm (6.5 inch) 12th generation Uni-Q driver array. What Hi-Fi? describes it as the step-up standmount in the range, and this Satin Black pair carries the same driver, crossover and cabinet engineering as the Satin White and Walnut versions.

Uni-Q with MAT

KEF developed three new 12th generation Uni-Q arrays for the Q Series, and the 6.5 inch version was designed specifically for the Q3 Meta. A 25 mm vented aluminium dome tweeter sits at the acoustic centre of a 165 mm aluminium cone, so the whole array behaves as a single point source and disperses sound evenly across the room rather than to one narrow sweet spot. Behind the tweeter, Metamaterial Absorption Technology (MAT) uses a maze-like structure to absorb 99% of the unwanted sound radiating from the rear of the dome, removing the distortion it would otherwise cause. On the Q3 Meta, the tweeter rear chamber vent area has been increased by 250% so that more of that energy reaches the absorber, which also lowers the acoustic pressure behind the dome. The two-way crossover at 2.0 kHz was refined from more than 1000 on- and off-axis measurements in KEF's anechoic chamber in Maidstone.

Cabinet and Design

The two-way bass reflex cabinet measures 357 x 210 x 305 mm and weighs 8.2 kg per speaker. Bass is tuned by a rear-firing port whose profile was modelled with computational fluid dynamics, and foam port bungs are supplied so the output can be reduced for placement closer to a wall. The satin finish has a subtle glow and the driver units are colour-matched to the cabinet; magnetic colour-matched grilles are included and attach with no visible fixings.

Performance and Placement

KEF quotes a frequency response of 49 Hz to 20 kHz (+/-3 dB), extending to 42 Hz at -6 dB, with typical in-room bass reaching 39 Hz. Sensitivity is 87 dB (2.83 V/1 m) and maximum output is 109 dB, with harmonic distortion held below 1% from 135 Hz upwards at 90 dB. In its five-star review, What Hi-Fi? found the speakers sounded most balanced around 40 to 50 cm into the room in its test space, and noted a wide sweet spot with a stable stereo soundstage as the listener moves around the room.

Setup and Compatibility

The Q3 Meta is a passive speaker with a nominal impedance of 4 ohms (minimum 3.2 ohms) and a recommended amplifier power of 15 to 150 W, so it suits a wide range of integrated amplifiers and AV receivers. KEF offers the matching SQ1 floor stand as an optional extra, and the B2 Wall Bracket screws directly to the rear panel for near-flush wall mounting where shelf or floor space is limited. The Q3 Meta can also be mixed with other Q Series models and KEF subwoofers to build a home cinema system, and the Q6 Meta centre shares the same Uni-Q technology for a consistent tonal match. UK warranty on the drivers is five years.