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KEF’s Entry-Level Bookshelf Speakers Are Suddenly Way More Affordable

The British hi-fi maker recently upgraded its bookshelf speakers with trickle-down tech from its higher-end loudspeakers.

Close-up of a wooden speaker cabinet with a black fabric grille and a KEF logo badge on top.KEF

By Tucker Bowe

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Last September, KEF overhauled its Q Series line of entry-level line of loudspeakers for the first time since 2017.

The major upgrade for the entire line — which encompasses several bookshelf and floorstanding speakers, as well as center channel and surround sound speakers for the home theater — was that KEF gave each model its latest-generation Uni-Q driver, featuring its proprietary Metamaterial Absorption Technology (MAT), which helped deliver a more accurate and distortion-free sound.

This is the same driver-and-tech combo used in its higher-end R Series Meta range and popular LS50 Meta hi-fi speakers.

KEF’s Q1 Meta Bookshelf Speakers

White KEF speaker on a white wall-mounted shelf next to a potted plant and books.
KEF’s Q1 Meta are its newest, most entry-level bookshelf speakers.
KEF

KEF calls this revamped lineup its “Q Series Meta.” In the lineup, there are two different models of bookshelf speakers: the Q1 Meta ($700) and the Q Concerto Meta ($1,400).

(Note: At launch, the Q1 Meta and Q Concerto Meta were priced at $600 and $1,300, respectively, but KEF has increased the price of both models by $100, presumably because of the tariffs.)

Pair of KEF bookshelf speakers with walnut wood finish and black Uni-Q driver array.
Available in three finishes: black, white and walnut (shown).
KEF

A surprise discount

Given their price tag, the Q1 Meta are obviously the more approachable of the two models. But at $700, they’re still quite expensive when compared to other “entry-level” bookshelf speakers, many of which cost between $300 and $400.

However, right now, Amazon is running a steep discount on the Q1 Meta bookshelf speakers. It brings the price of these $700 bookshelf speakers — which is what KEF is currently selling them for — down significantly.

Modern home office setup with white wall-mounted shelves holding books, speakers, vinyl records, a turntable, and a computer on a white desk with a gray swivel chair.
The Q1 Meta bookshelf speakers have a 2-way design and have a recommended amplifier power of between 10 and 150 watts.
KEF

The Q1 Meta bookshelf speakers come in three finishes: walnut, black and white.

Amazon is selling all three finishes — walnut, white, and black — for $399, which is a 43 percent discount. KEF is currently not matching the sale.

For anybody in the market for a great pair of bookshelf speakers to build their home home-fi or home theater system around, the current deal makes the KEF Q1 Meta a superb option.

(Note: there’s no word on how long Amazon is going to keep these discounts.)

About the Author: Tucker Bowe has been on Gear Patrol’s editorial team since 2014. With a passion for consumer tech and hi-fi, he tracks everything from headphones and turntables to smartphones and wearables. If it lights up or makes noise, he probably covers it.

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