KEF Q1 Review

Overall Rating

Good looking, detailed sound.

Only that in order to enjoy these to their full potential, they must be on a good pair of stands.

I purchased my Q1's new on ebay about 2 weeks ago. All in all I am very happy with these speakers, here is my review.

1. Sound Quality.

I find the Q1s very detailed & transparent with vocals. Mark Knoplers crunchy gruff sounding lyrics come across with breathtaking articulation and detail, whilst Heather small from m-people sounds open, very smooth, with a good rounded warm ambience that really stimulates. If you close your eyes, it really is quite a scary experience.

You will also be very surprised just how 'punchy' these speakers really are. Drum Delivery of 'private investigations' hit the chest with a formidable punch but was both overwhelming and non-lethargic at the same time.

2. Low frequencies

Whilst these speakers are not heavy on the bass, they can still deliver a low down punch that impresses anybody fortunate enough to be listening to them. These do go low (45 Hz) and will fornicate wildly with any baseline just as well as any big speaker. Just that they will shake your head, not your walls. (This is a good thing, as shaking walls not only colours the sound, but really annoys your neighbours, and we don't want that now do we?) If you want detail, intelligence, and clarity go for these. If you want punchy performance, go for these.

3. A note to the whining bass-heads

If you want wall shaking bass, go buy a cheap AIWA bass blaster monstrosity with flashing lights from Dixon's or something. Better still, buy a massive bass drum, you can whack that to your hearts content, you wont even need to buy any cd's then will you!!!

Verdict

The fact is the Q1's are like an F1 race car, finely detailed, tuned, and focused. They will not disappoint, the bass is there, the midrange is there, and the treble is there.. ITS ALL THERE and best of all, none of it competes with the other. They all compliment each other. This makes the Q1s very musical and very capable with all genres of music.