I’ve yet to encounter a pair of KEF speakers that didn’t impress me. The brand’s signature approach to delivering firm and musical bass, warm and smooth midrange, and seamless treble extension keeps wireless models like the LS50 (9/10, WIRED Recommends) and LSX (9/10, WIRED Recommends), as well as the wired R3 Meta (9/10, WIRED Recommends), among my top picks currently available. These reliable sonic traits are once again evident in the new Q Concerto Meta.
In addition to outstanding sound quality, KEF’s Q Series is designed to provide greater value, and the Concerto exemplifies this with its abundance of drivers. It’s not common to find three-way bookshelf speakers at this price point, yet the Concerto manages to deliver an efficient and impressive configuration. You’ll find a robust woofer, a midrange driver positioned above, and centrally, KEF’s distinctive concentric tweeter, which has been derived from some of the brand’s high-end offerings, including the prestigious R3.
The Concerto immediately brings the R3 to mind, from their visual design to the inclusion of KEF’s “Meta” absorption technology, intended to mitigate undesired cabinet frequencies. However, the similarities stop there; understandably, the sound of the Concerto does not reach the remarkable heights of the R3, and their vinyl-wrapped exterior may feel more budget-friendly than what KEF enthusiasts might anticipate. Even so, this is an excellent value for the price, showcasing competitive sound with an emphasis on outstanding tonal balance and powerful bass.
Stripped to Essentials
I was thrilled to unbox a brand-new pair of KEF’s latest bookshelf speakers, but my enthusiasm was slightly dampened when I saw the Concerto outside of their protective packaging. The vinyl enclosures (offered in black, white, and walnut) appear clean and fairly attractive, but most speakers I’ve tested in their category—and even some below—outshine them in this aspect. When compared to the elegant piano gloss of the SVS Ultra Evolution (9/10, WIRED Recommends), or the eye-catching leather and wood finishes of the Focal Vestia No1, the Concerto presents a more budget-friendly impression. Affixing the plain magnetic grilles only adds to the sense of boxy mediocrity.
Photograph: Ryan Waniata
To be fair, these design choices seem intentional, allowing more resources to be allocated towards the hardware, and the Concerto certainly shows strength where it matters most. Each speaker boasts a trio of drivers, which include a 6.5-inch hybrid aluminum cone woofer, a 4-inch aluminum cone midrange driver, and a 0.75-inch concentric waveguided tweeter equipped with KEF’s 12th-generation Uni-Q design (hence the “Q” in Q Series).
The drivers transition at 450 Hz for the bass and at 2.9 kHz for the treble, with a specified frequency response ranging from 48 Hz to 20 kHz (we’ll discuss this further later). Behind the drivers is KEF’s Metamaterial Absorption Technology (MAT), designed to eliminate 99% of unwanted frequencies. It’s exciting to see this advanced technology, typically found in KEF’s top-tier audio products, included in a more accessible model. However, most unwanted frequencies are likely to originate from your listening environment, so it may still be wise to consider suggestions from our Audiophile Gear Guide, such as acoustic treatments, which can be both effective and reasonably priced.
The Concerto is relatively large for bookshelf speakers, measuring 16.3 inches in height, 8.3 inches in width, and 12.4 inches in depth, and weighs over 20 pounds each. You’ll want to invest in a sturdy pair of stands that can accommodate their considerable footprint. (KEF is more than happy to offer you a $700 set designed specifically for the R3.)
